For over a year, Rafael Covanzi has been a vital part of Neighborhood House's Free Food Market. As the Food Delivery Service Coordinator, he’s revolutionized the way the community is served. His efforts have completely streamlined the process, making accessibility easier for families and greatly helping the Free Food Market.

A self-taught computer coder, Rafael developed custom software to streamline food delivery. Families can now choose food items via a multilingual Google Form, providing flexibility and personalizing options.

"The lists are very personalized to achieve unique needs and flexibility," Rafael explains. His software also translates selections into English and adds dietary notes, making the process seamless for volunteers.

He's part of the small, close-knit staff of three and hundreds of volunteers who support the Market. Together they process the orders, assemble food boxes, and load up the van for delivery - all with a focus on families with children.

“It’s essential to help kids have access to healthy food,” Rafael said.

As a Brazilian immigrant who has lived in the U.S. for five years without family, Rafael has come to rely heavily on the support of the community. “Without community, we are alone. It’s essential to make ourselves stronger so we can all stand together.”

His dedication stems from the belief that "doing acts of service for the community helps make society better."

For Rafael, this work is more than a job—it's deeply fulfilling. “It feels good to be here, to help people, and to see the community grow stronger. I sincerely invite anyone to come volunteer here. It’s good for the community and a great way to stay connected.”

On August 25th, Bridge City Guild hosted a Texas Hold 'Em tournament at Broadway Grill & Brewery, bringing the community together to support Neighborhood House’s after-school School Age Program.

Nine players participated, with newcomers learning about Neighborhood House’s mission and expressing interest in getting involved. The proceeds will help the School Age program rent a bus to take field trips instead of using public transportation.

The event was filled with camaraderie, fun, and a shared purpose. One participant made a heartfelt gesture by donating an additional $100 on the spot, showing just how much the event resonated with the players. 

Dan, the tournament's winner, secured his victory with a flush—spade on the river—with a suited 4 and 6 of spades. If you know what that sentence means, stay tuned for the next tournament in the Spring!

"Bridge City Guild was excited to have a fun afternoon raising money for Neighborhood House,” said board member Sean Besso. “We love working with and supporting great local organizations like Neighborhood House."

Following the event's success, Bridge City Guild plans future tournaments in March and October to continue supporting the community.

^{Pictured L: tournament winner Dan with part of his winning flush. Credit: Bridge City Guild}

September is Hunger Action Month, a time when people across the country come together to address hunger and its root causes. Join us this month to ensure all Oregonians can access the food we need to thrive. 

The Oregon Food Bank and Neighborhood House stand together in our belief that food is a human right. Everyone needs nourishing, culturally-relevant food to live a healthy life. When all of us are fed, our communities are stronger and more resilient.

If you believe no one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, here are three ways to put your beliefs to work during Hunger Action Month, organized by our partner, Oregon Food Bank:

1. Pledge to support Food for All Oregonians, a community-led effort to ensure that everyone in Oregon has access to the food we need, regardless of immigration status. 

2. Spread the word on social media: Encourage friends and neighbors to support Food for All Oregonians. 

3. Host a Food for Action Dinner: Download a free toolkit to find everything you need to host an impactful and easy dinner.

Portland State University runs a 1 week summer program each year called Japanese Local Government Management (JaLoGoMa) that connects high-level city and municipal employees in Japan to the Portland community for an exchange of ideas and practices.

This year their focus was on food scarcity, which included a visit to Neighborhood House’s Free Food Market. The group of 16 included Japanese city managers and government workers, along with translators and PSU staff.

Food Market Manager Jim Cooper took the group on a tour and answered questions about food security and how Neighborhood House works to provide solutions to support our neighbors.

“The participants were so moved by the work you do for the community and impressed by the well-supplied food market!” according to Yachiyo Thompson Iisako, PSU Program Manager of International Programs. “They continue to work for communities in Japan, and this visit was very helpful for them to take some learnings back to their respective communities. So, thank you!!”

After the tour, everyone in the delegation helped break down boxes from the weekly delivery from Oregon Food Bank. Jim Cooper was happy to have the help. “They were all super nice,” he said.

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