Why Does Food Support Transcend Politics?
Photo Credit: Pexels, Jim Bear
In McMinnville and across Yamhill County, there is a persistent reality: too many neighbors face uncertainty about where or when their next meal will come. When we gather on Saturday mornings to offer a warm breakfast, we’re not making a political statement; we’re making a humanitarian one.
We are saying: you matter, regardless of background, beliefs, status, or affiliations.
The Need in Our Community
Around 9–10% of Yamhill County residents face food insecurity, lacking consistent access to enough nourishing food (Oregon Digital Collections).
A report from the Oregon Hunger Task Force highlights that roughly 10.2% of children in Yamhill County are food insecure.
In past years, estimates have put the county’s general food insecurity even higher, at 11.9% (based on older data on Oregon.gov).
These figures represent neighbors, friends, and family members. They remind us that food insecurity is not abstract or random; it’s real, it’s local, and it can affect anyone under the right or wrong conditions.
Why Nutrition Is Inherently Nonpartisan
1. Everyone eats.
No matter where we stand politically, we share a universal need for food to survive, thrive, and show up as our best selves. The ability to nourish our bodies is not a privilege, it’s a shared human necessity that unites us far beyond party lines or personal beliefs.
2. Hunger doesn’t pick sides.
The people we serve are diverse: backgrounds, beliefs, identities, ages, and experiences vary widely. Some are newly struggling; others have weathered hardship for years. Our response is rooted in compassion, not division. Hunger affects the working family, the retiree, the veteran, the single parent, and the teenager alike. It is one of the few issues that touches every corner of society.
3. Addressing hunger strengthens our whole community.
When people have stable access to nutritious food, they’re healthier, more productive, better able to care for their children, and more likely to engage in community life. That’s a win for all of us, transcending political lines. A well-fed community is a stronger, more compassionate one.
4. The act of serving lifts us all.
Volunteering side by side, sharing meals together, and connecting with of others in our community reminds us that our shared humanity is more powerful than the labels that separate us. Whether you serve pancakes or pour coffee, you are part of a ripple effect of kindness that reaches far beyond a hot meal.
Why Table Talk 101?
We believe that awareness is the first step toward action. The Table Talk 101 Blog Series and our accompanying social media series are designed to:
Educate the community about issues like hunger and poverty.
Share updates on SMB’s programs and events.
Highlight resources available to those in need.
Inspire action—volunteering, donating, or spreading the word.
Just like the conversations you might have while sitting down to a shared meal, we hope Table Talk 101 will create a space for dialogue, learning, and connection.
How You Can Get Involved
Read and Share → by following our weekly posts on the Table Talk 101 Blog and share them on social media to raise awareness.
Volunteer → by joining us on Saturdays to serve meals and connect with neighbors.
Support the sustainability of SMB → by becoming a Saturday Sponsor and providing tools and nourishment to hundreds of local people.
We can break the cycle of food insecurity and build a stronger, healthier community where everyone has a seat at the table! Stay tuned for next week’s Table Talk 101 post, where we’ll explore more about how food insecurity affects children and families—and what we can all do to help.