Oregon Public Broadcasting

The federal government and the state of Oregon are delivering bad news about hunger rates in the state. 

As April Baer reports, The Oregon Food Bank says some counties are experiencing demand for food aid not seen in years.

Never mind what's going to happen a year from now, when newly laid-off Oregonians reach the end of their unemployment benefits.

Barbara Peschiera, the Food Bank's development director, says there's a problem now.

Barbara Peschiera: "Nine of our 20 regional food banks moved historically-high levels of food last quarter."

Places like Ontario and Astoria saw forty-percent increases in demand over the same period. Some help is available.

This donation of food from Wal-Mart will help meet some immediate needs, and the retailer has agreed to send some expired but still nutritious items to Oregon's food banks starting early next year. 

Still, the Food Bank is warning that overall donations are low, with consumers and corporations watching every dollar.