Portland, Ore. — August 12, 2019 — Oregon Food Bank issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s public charge rule release: “We simply reject the administration’s effort to criminalize immigrants. No family should have to decide between putting food on the table and securing long-term stability for themselves and their children. But that’s what will happen if this new rule from the Department of Homeland Security becomes law, ” says Susannah Morgan, CEO, Oregon Food Bank. “This rule is just the latest in a series of attacks from this administration on immigrants of color and people experiencing hunger and poverty. It would penalize people that utilize nutrition programs and other services that strengthen and support families and communities,” says Morgan. “AWARE is here to serve and be a part of the whole community. Folks should be able to come here without fear – knowing that they will be treated well. But the current levels of fear experienced by immigrant communities means that folks who need food assistance don’t feel safe getting it.” – Gabby Pena, AWARE Food Bank, Woodburn, Ore.
