Everything Under The Sun: Providing For Needs In A Rural Area

Inside Mapleton Food Share.

Some rural areas are dependent upon a single industry for prosperity, jobs, and income. But tough economic times can put that industry into decline and close the businesses that depended on that industry. That happened in Mapleton, Oregon when the logging industry went into decline and shuttered local logging operations. That meant lack of income for residents, who worked for the local operations, now out of jobs, and struggling to meet their families' basic needs.

At the same time, MAPLETON FOOD SHARE had been in business already, supported by Karen Harden and a team of volunteers, to provide food for families that were food insecure. Through donations and food collections, this organization is a source for nutritional support for those who lack the funds to purchase the food their families need.

Once the logging industry was declining, though, more families were in need, and the need wasn't just for food. Ms Harden decided to add a Resource Center to the services provided by Mapleton Food Share. The Resource Center actually recycles such items as clothing, furniture, and common household items, available to families in need for a small donation and volunteer hours.

As Ms. Harden stated, "Just as we have become a model for other rural food pantries, we hope that other pantries will expand to accommodate participants' basic needs." In addition to supplying non-food items, the Resource Center also utilizes the services of a pro bono social worker to provide counseling and also passes along information about other community services.

The organization held their latest fund-raiser in September, with the sponsorship help of Coast Insurance Services Inc., and it was held at Three Rivers Casino. The main attraction was Bingo, complete with prizes, including some cash prizes. Children were also allowed to play. There was plenty of food available for all participants.

Mapleton Food Share has its own gardens for fresh produce.

Back in April, Mapleton Food Share offered its facilities for an Earth Day volunteer sign-up event for the Mapleton Beautification Project. With a date in May set aside for the actual project, volunteers could declare their areas of interest or skills, so they could be assigned a particular task. The Project was a clean up and plant type of project, with such tasks as planting bushes, cleaning trash and other detritus from the roadway, and adding in grasses and flowers for natural coloring. Students from the local high school assisted with the sign-up.