Community members interested in addressing food insecurity, strengthening local partnerships and learning about volunteer opportunities are invited to attend the next PATH General Meeting on Tuesday, June 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Grants Pass City Council Chambers. The meeting will feature updates on local initiatives, presentations focused on improving food access, and an opportunity for residents and organizations to connect over shared community goals.
The formal meeting will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m., followed by an informal networking session from 4:30 to 5 p.m. designed to encourage collaboration among nonprofit organizations, volunteers, service providers, community leaders and residents.
One of the afternoon’s featured presentations will spotlight ShareTheHarvest.life, a community-driven initiative dedicated to reducing food waste while expanding access to fresh produce throughout the region. Program representative Jerry will discuss how the organization connects homeowners and gardeners with excess fruits and vegetables to volunteers who help harvest the produce before it goes to waste. The harvested food is then distributed to individuals and families who may otherwise have limited access to fresh, nutritious food.
The presentation comes as Southern Oregon enters the peak summer growing season, a time when many backyard gardens and orchards begin producing more fruits and vegetables than households can consume. At the same time, recent reductions in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have increased concerns about food insecurity for many Oregon families, making local food-sharing initiatives increasingly valuable.
Attendees will also view a brief informational presentation about Oregon’s Double Up Food Bucks program, which helps eligible SNAP recipients stretch their grocery budgets by providing matching funds when purchasing qualifying fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and selected grocery stores across the state. The program is designed to improve access to healthy food while supporting Oregon farmers and local agricultural businesses.
In addition to the featured presentations, PATH organizers will provide updates on current projects and upcoming initiatives while community partners share information about programs and services available throughout the Grants Pass area. The gathering offers an opportunity for organizations to exchange ideas, identify ways to work together and strengthen the network of resources available to residents facing housing and food-related challenges.
Those attending are also encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items to benefit the Josephine County Food Bank. Collection boxes will be available throughout the meeting, and every contribution will help support local families experiencing food insecurity.
Organizers welcome residents, business leaders, volunteers and anyone interested in becoming more involved in community service efforts. The meeting is open to the public and offers an opportunity to learn more about ongoing local programs aimed at reducing hunger, addressing homelessness and strengthening the network of organizations working to improve the quality of life throughout Josephine County.