Residents interested in food security, community outreach, and local efforts addressing homelessness will have an opportunity to learn more about several programs and services during an upcoming public meeting in Grants Pass later this month.
The next general meeting of PATH is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Grants Pass City Council Chambers. The formal meeting portion is expected to conclude at approximately 4:30 p.m., followed by a networking session that will allow attendees to connect with local organizations, service providers, and community members working on a variety of outreach efforts throughout Josephine County.
A featured presentation during the meeting will focus on a local initiative designed to reduce food waste while helping residents gain access to fresh produce. Representatives from ShareTheHarvest.life will discuss how the program works to connect individuals and families seeking fruits and vegetables with property owners who have excess produce available for harvest. The effort is intended to make use of food that might otherwise remain unpicked or go unused during the growing season.
The presentation comes as Southern Oregon enters one of its busiest harvest periods of the year, when backyard fruit trees, gardens, and small farms often produce more food than can be consumed by individual households. Organizers say programs that redirect surplus produce can help increase access to nutritious food while reducing waste within the community.
Food access has become an increasingly important topic for many households as changes to public assistance programs continue to affect families throughout the region. Community leaders and service organizations have noted growing concerns about food insecurity, particularly among lower-income residents, seniors, and individuals facing housing instability.
In addition to the featured presentation, attendees will view information about Oregon’s Double Up Food Bucks program, which helps stretch food assistance dollars by providing matching funds for qualifying purchases made with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits at participating farmers markets and selected grocery stores. The program is designed to encourage the purchase of locally grown fruits and vegetables while increasing access to fresh food for eligible households.
The meeting will also include updates on current PATH initiatives and ongoing efforts aimed at addressing homelessness and related community challenges. Representatives from partner organizations are expected to share information about their programs, recent accomplishments, and opportunities for collaboration. Organizers say the gathering provides an opportunity for agencies, volunteers, and residents to better understand available resources and identify ways to support one another’s work.
As part of the event, attendees will have the opportunity to contribute non-perishable food items for the Josephine County Food Bank. Collection efforts will take place during the meeting, with donated items helping support local food assistance programs serving individuals and families throughout the county.
The meeting is open to community members interested in learning more about local outreach programs, food assistance resources, volunteer opportunities, and efforts to address homelessness. Organizers encourage residents to attend, connect with local service providers, and gain a better understanding of the programs working to support vulnerable populations across the Grants Pass area.