The project, also known as the Green Bag Project, makes it easy for neighbors to share healthy, nonperishable food to help alleviate food insecurity
VANCOUVER — The 2021 Neighborhood Leadership Award was presented by Neighborhood Associations Council of Clark County (NACCC) chair Steve Abramson to Debbie and Greg Nelson, the leaders of Clark Neighbors Food Project. This annual award is given to an individual or group whose activities contribute materially to the quality of life in their neighborhood and in the county as a whole, and who also serve as a role model for good citizenship and accountability to the public.
Clark County residents want to help and the Clark Neighbors Food Project (also known as the Green Bag Project) makes it easy for neighbors to share healthy, nonperishable food to help alleviate food insecurity. Every two months, over 2,000 local residents place green bags of food on their front porches, which are then collected by volunteers and donated to local food banks and school family resource centers. The Fort Vancouver Regional Library, the Vancouver Neighborhood Alliance, several of NACCC’s member Neighborhood Associations, and various local book clubs and sewing groups participate in this effort that was started by the Nelsons.
The Nelsons got the idea to undertake a food donation project for Clark County while visiting friends in Ashland, Oregon. In addition to the alleviation of hunger, another objective of the project was to reduce isolation and create connections among neighborhood residents.
“The secret of the success of the Green Bag Project is our Neighborhood Coordinators. Food donations in a neighborhood are run by someone who actually lives in the neighborhood so they’re making connections in addition to collecting food,” said Greg Nelson. “Every Food Donor gets the opportunity to feel like they’re personally doing something to help another person. They’re also building a community.”
Upon receiving the award, Debbie Nelson shared “We are so honored to be given this Neighborhood Leadership Award. Even though it has our names on it, Clark Neighbors Food Project would never have happened without the volunteers who have enthusiastically offered their help, ideas, talents and expertise. Your generosity of spirit is energizing and contagious. This award is for all of us! Linda Green, Melissa Leonhardt, Bill Baumann, Cherryl Burkey, and all of the Neighborhood Coordinators and each caring Food Donor. Together we really can make a difference to our community health.”
During its February 2022 food collection, Clark Neighbors Food Project surpassed 254,451 pounds of non-perishable food collected since its July 2017 inception, which means 211,194 meals have been provided to hungry Clark County neighbors.
About Clark Neighbors Food Project
The Clark Neighbors Food Project started in summer 2017 with 20 food donors who gave 375 pounds of food to FISH of Vancouver. In just five years, we’ve grown to 102 Neighborhood Coordinators working with more than 2,000 food donors throughout Clark County, donating more than 20,000 pounds of food every two months. For those who would like to learn more, go to www.clarkfoodproject.org.
