Mosier group addresses food insecurity

“Even with SNAP, there was a lot of need in the Mosier community for a group that cared about food insecurity,” said Elizabeth McNannay.

“We’re completely open, like we would never turn anyone away,” added Kathy Omer, though the group is focused on Mosier Valley residents.

The pair helped organize and lead the coalition, starting with a conversation at a Protect Oregon’s Progress meeting in The Dalles.

“We’re concerned about the added requirements for SNAP. I mean, our concern is that there are going to be more people in need, people who may qualify or may have qualified and now don’t, and so we want to fill that gap as much as we can,” said Omer.

So far, a dozen locals have met to organize weekly Soup Socials at Brenna’s Mosier Market, where the group meets to share soup, cookies and other sustenance. About 50 people came each event. “It isn’t about anything else, besides just coming together, having soup, having some fellowship, having a good time, enjoying our community, and everyone’s welcome,” said McNannay.

They pair see mutual aid very differently from charity. “I really feel like mutual aid is about everyone giving and receiving in whatever way they can, and so — whatever they need at that moment, either way. This isn’t charity, what we’re doing; our soup socials are really about having fun with our community. We draw a big cross section. ... And you know, for some of us it’s an exchange of money, and for some of us it’s an exchange of service. And you know, for some of us in crisis, it’s the promise to pay it forward,” said McNannay.

“If there are people who have food insecurity, one of our objectives is to fill food boxes and deliver them to families who need them. And the community has generously financially supported this, which has been amazing,” Omer said.

They’re making a nonprofit so they can apply for other funding streams, and plan to keep Mosier Cares Coalition going indefinitely if they can. Brenna’s Market donated space, freezers and electricity.

“Really, our biggest challenge is getting the word out that we have resources, and that we’re here, and that we’re able to help,” said McNannay.

For those not currently in need, they’ve compiled a list of “ways to help” which include:

Donations to Mosier Community School’s Backpack Program or Family Food Assistance Fund.

A “Soup Social” which serves free soup at Brenna’s Mosier Market every Wednesday, 4-6 p.m., until Dec. 17, possibly to begin again after the holidays.

Donations of shelf-stable food to a bin at Mosier Company.

This market is the hub of Mosier Cares, which opened a fund to purchase food at wholesale prices through Brenna’s Mosier Market, then give it to people who need it. So far, the community has donated more than $3,000 to the Mosier Cares Coalition at www.checkout.square.site/merchant/MLB39MEFR2445/checkout.JSF76GBN5NEJMI3 GAODHJMTQ?src=sms.

Contact tmosiercarescoalition@gmail.com.