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Philomath committee backs January poverty-awareness proclamation, urges volunteer support for local food services
Summary
The Philomath Inclusivity Committee read a draft proclamation declaring January Poverty Awareness Month and discussed using committee time and partner resources to support Philomath Community Services and local gleaners facing winter shortfalls.
The Philomath Inclusivity Committee on Nov. 19 read a draft proclamation asking the City Council to declare January as Poverty Awareness Month and discussed coordinating volunteer drives and funding to support local food programs.
"And whereas the City of Philomath's poverty rate is currently estimated at 5.3%... now, therefore, the city council of the city of Philomath hereby proclaims January as poverty awareness month," committee member Christopher McMoran read while presenting the draft proclamation. Members noted the figure in the draft may understate local need and asked staff and volunteers to research more detailed local measures before the council packet goes forward.
Nina Cutkovich, a committee member who works with local food distribution, described capacity challenges at Philomath Community Services and Gleaners, saying the organizations "currently serve about 290 families that include about, like, over 500 individuals," and that donations and seasonal produce decline in winter, increasing reliance on canned goods and purchased items that past grant funding had supported.
Committee members discussed short-term volunteer actions — stuffing backpacks after a Veterans Day event and organizing winter food drives — and longer-term coordination with Forman Community Services. McMoran said he had spoken with Sharon at Forman Community Services about possible January volunteer opportunities and collaboration on the "March Against Hunger" event in March, but that the group needs to confirm dates and participant counts before committing.
Members agreed the proclamation and outreach should highlight local partners, practical volunteer options, and accessible ways for residents to help. The committee asked staff to follow up with Forman Community Services and return with specific dates and volunteer-signup options so members can circulate a doodle poll or sign-up sheet before January.
The committee did not take a formal vote; members expressed consensus to advance the proclamation to the council with suggested edits and to form a subcommittee or coordination plan for volunteer efforts. The group will revisit the item at its January meeting.
