Canstruction PDX supports Black lives matter and the fight for racial justice
Over the past 20 years, Canstruction has dedicated our efforts to end food insecurity across the state of Oregon. We believe we cannot end food insecurity without ending systematic racism. We believe the best way to do our part, and support the movement, is by doing what we do best—supporting our local Oregon Food Bank (OFB). We believe it is important to shine light on the root causes of hunger, including racism, and we would like to echo the statement put out by OFB to address the current situation:
“The disproportionate lethal police violence against black and brown bodies mirrors the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 has had among communities of color, in addition to national education achievement gaps and health inequities, which is just the tip of the iceberg. These deficiencies and injustices mirror the disproportionate experience of food insecurity among communities of color right here in Oregon and SW Washington. Our work addressing hunger and our lived experiences tell us of the undeniable and deeply consequential reality of racism and other forms of systemic inequities. Namely:
Join us as we continue working towards a more just America — a nation that dismantles racism, addresses inequities and ends hunger for good.”
“The disproportionate lethal police violence against black and brown bodies mirrors the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 has had among communities of color, in addition to national education achievement gaps and health inequities, which is just the tip of the iceberg. These deficiencies and injustices mirror the disproportionate experience of food insecurity among communities of color right here in Oregon and SW Washington. Our work addressing hunger and our lived experiences tell us of the undeniable and deeply consequential reality of racism and other forms of systemic inequities. Namely:
- While Black Americans constitute 1/7th of the U.S. population and whites are 3/4 of the population, the threat of lethal police violence against Black Americans is three times greater than it is for whites.
- In states like Wisconsin, the Black community makes up just six percent of the population, but Black people make up 25 percent of coronavirus cases and 39 percent of COVID-related deaths.
- The Navajo Nation now has the highest rate of COVID-19 infections in the country, surpassing New Jersey and New York
- While the national rate of food insecurity is 11%, Black Americans face nearly triple the rate of hunger as whites — despite making up only 14% of the U.S. population.
Join us as we continue working towards a more just America — a nation that dismantles racism, addresses inequities and ends hunger for good.”
Canstruction Portland is an exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Federal Confirmation Letter
Federal Confirmation Letter