Lessons learned in Oregon

Oregon is a state that loves to recycle. Everything from grocery bags to electronics. For the most part those are great things we should all learn to recycle more and leave this world better than we found it (probably not possible at this point). I did learn that many people in Oregon are vey liberal. One of the very cool things I experienced is something I have thought should be done for years. I have seen grocery stores take perfectly good food off the shelves and throw it away. For a few years I was able to pick up some of that produce to feed to the pigs and chickens. I was amazed to see so much of that produce was almost perfect, maybe some brown spots or perhaps it had just "aged out" and had to be thrown out. Over the years the grocery stores would not allow me to get it for my critters but would throw it away. One manager told me I could go climb in the dumpster if I wanted to (I chose not to do that). I have tried to donate food to food banks around this area and found they are not allowed to distribute any food that is close to being out of date. (I know that I have eaten lots of stuff out of date over the years.) I learned that the stores in Eugene and Springfield were changing that stigma and donating their older food to a group called "waste to taste", and another branch that makes burritos for the homeless. In the waste to taste movement people in the area make an appointment to go into the "store" and pick out whatever they want. The people do not need to give their name, address etc. They just show up and get whatever they need for the week. I was happy to see this because so much less food is going to the landfill and people are not being shamed to accept a little assistance. The other part of this group the buritto brigade makes between 600 - 800 burritos every weekend and distributes them to areas where the homeless are more likely to be. The burritos are wrapped in foil and just left for them. They also have a lot of "Little free pantrys" I haven't seen many of those around here, but I know they are in the Liberty/Kansas City MO area. I love when people reach out to share good things.