Month: March 2018

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Breakfast with a tinge of color

We wanted to bring to you some delicious, quick and simple recipes that can be made with little cost. A bonus is that many of the ingredients used for these recipes can be found at the Oregon State University, Human Service Resource Center food pantry. We decided to play with color and make blue cornbread and vegetable scrambled eggs

To make our cornbread, we chose to use blue cornmeal. This ingredient, one of the lesser grabbed items at the food pantry, served to give our cornbread an interesting blue tinge! To pair with the cornbread, we decided to make some scrambled eggs. As students we usually have a hectic morning, rushing to make a quick breakfast of just eggs. Scrambled eggs with veggies, is a                delicious and healthier alternative to your regular plain ol’ scramble.  

We began with making cornbread, the ingredients included:

Download a PDF of this recipe:  Blue Corn Cornbread – Fifteen Spatulas

  • ¾ cup of butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 3 regular eggs
  • 1.5 cups milk                                           
  • 2 cups of all purpose flour
  • 1 cup of blue corn meal
  • 4.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt

As you prepare your ingredients, preheat the oven to 400℉.

To prepare the ingredients you will need 3 bowls.

In the first bowl  mix together butter and sugar. Do not worry if you didn’t have enough time to let your butter melt to room temperature. We decided to heat it in the microwave until partially melted.

In the second bowl mix together your eggs and milk.

In the third bowl sift together your flour, blue cornmeal, baking soda and salt.

Add ⅓ of the flour mixture to the sugar/butter mix in the first bowl, then add ½ of the egg/milk mixture. Mix this until all ingredients are absorbed.

   

Repeat this step until the remaining flour mixture and egg/milk mixture are added into the first bowl.

* We did not have an electric mixer, however a fork or whisk were able to serve the same purpose. We do recommend using an electric mixer, as it was quite exhausting trying to mix the ingredients with a fork.

Grease the pan with butter, or pam (if you already have it).

Once mixed, pour the cornbread mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Or any large pan you have available.

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. To check that it is cooked stick a toothpick or fork through the middle. If the fork comes out clean, then it is cooked all the way through

Once it’s ready, let it cool off.  We couldn’t wait to eat it, and found out that while still hot it could be quite crumbly.

-This recipe was adapted from Blue Corn Cornbread by Joanne Ozuq at 15spatulas.com

We then prepared the egg recipe: 

Download a PDF of this recipe: Colorful Scrambled Eggs

  • 8 regular eggs
  • 1 large green pepper
  • 3 tomatoes
  • 1 large onion
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 tbsp of vegetable oil

Start by cubing your tomatoes, onions and green pepper. Then mix in a bowl.

 

Break the eggs in a separate bowl and add 1 cup of milk.

 

*We later found out that 1 cup was too much and recommend using ½ a cup.

Mix the eggs and milk, then pour the mixture into the vegetable bowl.

Add salt and pepper to taste into the mixture.

Heat a large pan and add vegetable oil.

*We did not have a specific temperature to heat it to, so we started on low and gradually increased it.

Once hot, add mixture and scramble with a spatula until ready.

  

 

Here’s a picture of the delicious, complete product!

 

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Final thoughts from Fatuma and Nikita, two Spring 2018 volunteers:

Volunteering with the food pantry started as a great way to earn service learning hours for a class, but it turned into an eye opening experience. We were able to learn how the food pantry functions, and the great ways it has impacted food insecurity in our community. We were excited for this blogging opportunity to not only expand our knowledge about how the food pantry items may be used, but also share our experience making some interesting recipes. In the future, we look forward to opportunities to experiment with food products we might have overlooked in the past and encourage others to experiment themselves!

 

 

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Recipe spotlight: Mashed Potato Flakes

A multi-purpose pantry & recipe ingredient – try mashed potato flakes today!

Mashed potato flakes are one of the few food items that get passed by on food pantry days. Here are some recipes and suggestions about how to use mashed potato flakes beyond just making average mashed potatoes.

Here are two simple ways to use mashed potato flakes in their fresh-out-of-the-bag state.

    • Cornstarch, tapioca starch, or xanthan gum replacement.

Use 1 tablespoon of mashed potato flakes per 1 cup of liquid. You can add it directly to your soup or gravy without the need of a slurry (mixing it with water is a necessary step for cornstarch or flour). Stir, let thicken, add more as needed.

      • Breading.
        Pour ½ cup to 1 cup of mashed potato flakes onto a plate. Add salt, pepper, and seasonings to taste. Press fish (or other food items) into flakes on both sides. Bake, deep fry, or pan fry as desired.

The following recipes involve using mashed potatoes. Prepare mashed potato flakes with water, milk, butter, etc. to mimic desired mashed potatoes used in the recipe.

Click the links below for the recipes. (photos are from the linked recipes)

      • Croquettes.
        An easily made snack consisting of egg, mashed potato, and whatever fillings you might desire. 

      • Gnocchi.
        Tasty Italian potato pasta. A nice change from instant ramen. 
      • Aligot.
        Creamy cheese-filled mashed potatoes, French-style. 

Mashed potato flakes are part of the grains section of the food pantry. If you’re tired of rice, pasta, or cereal, consider trying mashed potato flakes instead!

 

Article by Bion Hawkmorr, HSRC Events & Programming Coordinator 2017-2018

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“Call CN!”: The Life and Times of an HSRC GTA

By Carmen Wilson

You ever had a tough interaction with your supervisor that makes you think, “I wish my boss would _________”? Rough day at work where you run to the nearest Netflix account with a beverage of choice in hand? I’ve had both those scenarios and then some working at the HSRC. But I can count those moments on one needs-a-manicure-badly-from-stress-induced nail biting hand (post-graduate school job searches are exhausting!). Now that the crappy feelings are out of the way, here’s a bit of a run-down about my experience working at the HSRC.

Why did you decide to work at the HSRC:

I felt good vibes following my interview – and was very curious about the innovative and unique work happening at the HSRC. I was excited by the opportunity to work with students from low-income backgrounds, as I myself have that experience. I thought that working at the HSRC would help me get hands-on applicable theory-to-practice work.

How is office culture?

Staff (pro-staff, grad staff and student staff) share their successes and celebrations, mull and dialogue over how we can enhance the office, express their concerns and emotions in a safe space and brave space environment. Need a mental health day off? Boom, go refill your empty cup. Taking time off for professional development opportunities? Have a blast and share your experience if you feel comfortable. Staff do not have to fear being who they are at the HSRC; every part of your wellness and growth are noticed and nurtured by the whole team.

What was your supervisory experience like at the HSRC?

Supervision under Nicole Hindes, the current and only professional staff member, is a whirlwind experience. You may be thinking, “Is that a good thing? Whirlwinds sounds scary!” Trust me, it is. Nicole holds social and racial justice as top priorities. This plays out in staff members representing diverse identities, in particular hiring from the populations we serve. Authenticity to whatever your comfort level may be is encouraged. As a Black, queer, non-binary first generation person from a low-income background, I was able to show up to work and not fear my identities jeopardizing my job.

What is the work like at the HSRC?

Parlaying into the next topic: space is created to strengthen staff members’ professional voice and know-how. Staff has incredible autonomy over projects. From creation to evaluation, staff’s sense of pride grows exponentially with each successful endeavor they embark on. This showed up in me being the co-chair of the annual Hunger and Houselessness Action Week. Along with my fellow co-chair, we had full autonomy of the events. I also see these traits show up with student workers and student leaders who are pitching in.

What about balancing academics and working at the HSRS?

It is difficult to do- but manageable. I found that communication is key, both with student staff and the rest of the leadership team. I have been able to utilize student development theory (Perry, for example) when supporting student staff in their roles, by identifying their development level and integrating empathy and encouragement into my approach to helping them with their work. In another class, when we had to look at how budgets work, Nicole shared the HSRC budget with transparency and helped me understand challenging concepts because I was able to look at a real budget. Nicole makes space for you to attend classes and get academic development – like going to different events, having time for internship opportunities, etc. I was able to complete two internships, work at the HSRC, other time spent in my class and managing my job search. While doing all this at once was challenging, I was successful – I anticipate starting my next full time job in April.

What is your takeaway?

At the beginning of my GTA experience, it was a challenging transition as I adjusted to some hurdles and setbacks – stemming from both my own transition into the role but also lots of growing pains stemming from the HSRC transitioning in multiple programmatic ways (like our new building, for example).  But as we enhanced our office operations, hired stellar staff, and figured out how to maximize our beautiful new space, I was able to not only find my groove, but find my growth as a GTA. I will carry the skills and experience I gathered from my two years as a GTA for the rest of my professional career. If you are reading this as an future grad student, consider yourself lucky. You have just entered one of the most innovative, transformational offices in student affairs. A great resume builder and interview piece FYI.

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Food Recall: Nutritional Yeast

URGENT FOOD RECALL

Oregon Food Bank voluntarily recalls nutritional yeast

March 16, 2018 – Oregon Food Bank is voluntarily recalling 1,219 pounds of nutritional yeast, which was donated to the food bank. No illness has been reported but it was donated at the same time as two other recalled products – chia and pumpkin seeds.

The nutritional yeast was distributed in Oregon and Clark County, Washington through the Oregon Food Bank Network of regional food banks and participating food pantries. The product was distributed in one pound plastic poly film bags with a twist-type closure or a re-sealable pouch. All nutritional yeast was distributed between November 1, 2017 and March 16, 2018. See attached product label for ease of identification.

Individuals should dispose of the product immediately. Any questions should be directed to Oregon Food Bank’s Facilities and Regulatory Compliance Manager Ryan Wist at 503-419-4160.

 

About Oregon Food Bank

Oregon Food Bank works to eliminate hunger and its root causes… because no one should be hungry. Oregon Food Bank believes that hunger starves the human spirit, that communities thrive when people are nourished, and that everyone deserves healthy and fresh food. Oregon Food Bank helps feed the human spirit of 740,000 people through a food distribution network of 21 regional food banks serving Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Oregon Food Bank also leads statewide efforts to increase resources for hungry families and to eliminate the root causes of hunger through public policy, local food systems work, nutrition and garden education, health care screening and innovative programming. Find out how to feed the human spirit at oregonfoodbank.org.

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Food Recall: Pumpkin Seeds

URGENT FOOD RECALL

Oregon Food Bank voluntarily recalls pumpkin seeds

March 16, 2018 – As a result of the ongoing recall of donated chia seeds that began on March 12, 2018, Oregon Food Bank has initiated a voluntary recall of 63,825 pounds of pumpkin seeds received on the same donation. These donated pumpkin seeds have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria species. While no illnesses have been reported we are recalling this product out of an abundance of caution.

The pumpkin seeds were distributed in Oregon and Clark County, Washington through the Oregon Food Bank Network of regional food banks and participating food pantries. The product was distributed in one pound plastic poly film bags with a twist-type closure or a re-sealable pouch or a KALE JOY plastic bag. All pumpkin seeds were distributed between November 1, 2017 and March 16, 2018. See attached images for ease of identification.

Listeria species can include Listeria monocytogenes an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Anyone who has consumed these pumpkin seeds and is experiencing symptoms of food borne illness should consult with their primary physician or county health department.

Individuals should dispose of the product immediately. Any questions should be directed to Oregon Food Bank’s Facilities and Regulatory Compliance Manager Ryan Wist at 503-419-4160.

About Oregon Food Bank

Oregon Food Bank works to eliminate hunger and its root causes… because no one should be hungry. Oregon Food Bank believes that hunger starves the human spirit, that communities thrive when people are nourished, and that everyone deserves healthy and fresh food. Oregon Food Bank helps feed the human spirit of 740,000 people through a food distribution network of 21 regional food banks serving Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Oregon Food Bank also leads statewide efforts to increase resources for hungry families and to eliminate the root causes of hunger through public policy, local food systems work, nutrition and garden education, health care screening and innovative programming. Find out how to feed the human spirit atoregonfoodbank.org.

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Food Recall: Chia Seeds

URGENT FOOD RECALL

Oregon Food Bank issues alert on foreign material in chia seeds

PORTLAND, Ore. – March 12, 2018 – Oregon Food Bank of Portland, Oregon has initiated a Class II recall of 22,201 pounds of chia seeds, which were donated to the food bank. The product may be contaminated with rodent droppings. While no known illnesses have been associated with this product, use or consumption may present a health hazard to consumers.

The chia seeds were distributed in Oregon and Clark County, Washington through the Oregon Food Bank Network of regional food banks and participating food pantries. The product was distributed in one pound plastic poly film bags with a twist-type closure or a re-sealable pouch. All chia seeds distributed in the described packaging between November 1, 2017 and March 9, 2018 are included. See images of product labels for ease of identification.

bagged chia seeds bagged chia seeds

Consumers should dispose of the product immediately and can get additional information by contacting the food pantry where they received the product or from Oregon Food Bank’s Facilities and Regulatory Compliance Manager Ryan Wist at 403-419-4160. Anyone who has consumed these chia seeds and is experiencing symptoms of food borne illness should consult with their primary physician or county health department.

The issue was discovered through investigation of a customer complaint regarding foreign material. Product which was still in inventory at Oregon Food Bank was determined to contain rodent droppings. Subsequent investigation indicates the chia seeds were observed to have evidence of rodent activity by the donor, Live Local Organic of Milwaukie, Oregon. The recall was initiated after it was determined all chia seeds received in this donation might be at risk.

About Oregon Food Bank

Oregon Food Bank works to eliminate hunger and its root causes… because no one should be hungry. Oregon Food Bank believes that hunger starves the human spirit, that communities thrive when people are nourished, and that everyone deserves healthy and fresh food. Oregon Food Bank helps feed the human spirit of 740,000 people through a food distribution network of 21 regional food banks serving Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Oregon Food Bank also leads statewide efforts to increase resources for hungry families and to eliminate the root causes of hunger through public policy, local food systems work, nutrition and garden education, health care screening and innovative programming. Find out how to feed the human spirit at oregonfoodbank.org.

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The HSRC is recruiting for a Case Manager

We are excited to announce that the Human Services Resource Center (HSRC) at Oregon State University is recruiting for a Case Manager for students in financial crisis. Questions or inquiries about this posting should only be directed to Molly Chambers, search chair – molly.chambers@oregonstate.edu.

 

The Human Services Resource Center is currently seeking a full-time (1.0 FTE) Case Manager at Oregon State University. This position will work in close partnership with the HSRC Assistant Director, serve on the HSRC Leadership Team, and foster relationships with both campus and community partnerships to assist students in accessing resources and solutions for increased retention and student success.  The Case Manager will be responsible for offering case management services using a social justice and equity based framework, in addition to maintaining a database and subsequent reporting processes for HSRC case management. This role will primarily oversee the HSRC Emergency Housing Program and serve as the main point of contact for OSU Corvallis campus students experiencing homelessness as well as students navigating social services in the Corvallis community. Additionally, this position will assist students experiencing financial insecurity through advocacy and partnership with the OSU Financial Aid office and OSU Financial Care Team to help students maximize all of their financial aid options that best serves their needs.

The working, student-facing title for this role will be Basic Needs Navigator.

For more details and to apply online, visit https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/56948

An archived PDF of the position posting can be found at this link: Basic Needs Navigator Position Description Final

Deadline for applications is April 11, 2018.

About the HSRC:

Approximately 10 years ago, a group of OSU students saw the need for additional support for the classmates they saw experiencing housing and food insecurities. These students formally proposed a Human Services Resource Center that would be a one-stop location where students could get their basic needs met. Today, a national leader in this work, the HSRC remains committed to centering the voices of students, empowering and engaging them in college retention solutions and helping students meet their academic goals despite the challenges of being under-resourced.  Essential services provided by the HSRC include the HSRC Food Pantry, the Textbook Lending Program, Food Assistance program, and Emergency Housing resources. The HSRC is part of the suite of programs supported by the Office of Student Life and is almost exclusively student-fee funded. Further information about the HSRC can be found on its website: http://studentlife.oregonstate.edu/hsrc

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Collaborative Social Justice Service-Learning

Transitioning to Inclusive Sustainability in an Insecure and Divided World

Brittney Chesher, graduate student, presents to a crowded room of professionals about the HSRC

Brittney Chesher, graduate intern with the HSRC, recently had the opportunity to be a presenter at the Washington Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference held at Portland State University on February 7th. During the panel session, Brittney was able to share resources with attendees interested in learning how to better support college students experiencing food, housing, and financial insecurity. “The HSRC and UHDS are doing some great things and it was so rewarding to share tangible resources and potential next steps with other institutions in the region who are becoming aware of how important it is to meet student’s basic needs”. Brittney was able to share about resources that have developed at OSU in the past few years including: @eatfreeOSU twitter campaign, the HSRC Food Pantry, and the work that went into the an on-campus c-store, Cascadia Market, accepting SNAP funds.

Brittney’s presentation slides are available online.

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Collaborating to keep costs low for students

The HSRC’s Textbook Lending Program, a collaboration with some amazing partners  OSU Valley Library has been an important success. We wrote about our work for the Journal of Access Services.

Access services are human services: Collaborating to provide textbook access to students

Written by Kelly McElroy, Dan Moore, Lori Hilterbrand and Nicole Hindes

ABSTRACT

Despite the clear negative impact of high textbook costs on students, limits—including space, funding, and policies—prevent many academic libraries from fully supporting textbook collections. Partnering with other campus units on textbook lending requires creative thinking but can provide students access to other services in addition to the books they need for class. This article describes a partnership between an academic library and a student services unit to provide support for a noncustodial textbook lending program.

The full text of the article can be found at this link.