FEAST: Community Programs for Latinx People in Central Oregon

(By Tommy Díaz, Healthy People & Communities Program Manager) NCAP, Oregon Food Bank and the hispanic community in Morrow County establish the creation of food security programs.. The new projects will have the goal of improving Latinx folks’ access to healthy foods in Morrow County. NCAP will lead the charge along with partners like the Morrow Health Department, the Migrant Education Program and Oregon State University’s Food Hero Program. Continue reading

Protecting Idahoans from Pesticide Industry Influence

(By Christina Stucker-Gassi, Healthy Food and Farms Program Manager) I come from an Idaho farm family and have become a US pesticide policy expert. It is my job to lay bare the industry motives behind House Bill 653 and urge our supporters to actively oppose it.This bill would shield pesticide manufacturers from lawsuits when users of their products are injured. Legislation like this is popping up around the country and is unfair to people who have been harmed, despite their compliance with product labels.   Continue reading

EPA Landscaper Workshops Recap

(By Sharalyn Peterson, Healthy Wildlife & Water Program Manager) The Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP), under contract with the City of Gresham and Oregon Metro, are conducting professionally led landscaper workshops. Working with 8 Latinx landscaping businesses, these workshops promote best practices for pesticide reduction, and the education of human and environmental pesticide risks in Multnomah and Clackamas County. Continue reading

The Impact of Deicer and Alternatives to Salt

(By Alisa Howell-Smith, Communications Manager) We have started experiencing some treacherous winter weather here in the Pacific Northwest, which means we are finding ways to combat snow and ice. Your first instinct might be to use salt to help defrost the ice in your driveway. But what about pickle juice? Because although salt may seem harmless, you may not be aware of the harm it could do to your pets, our water, and especially the environment. In this post we will go over the damage done by salt and environmentally friendly de-icing alternatives. Continue reading

Celebrating Latinx Culture, History and Contributions

(By Tommy Diaz, Healthy People and Communities Program Manager) With Hispanic Heritage Month in the rear view mirror, we at NCAP have important updates and lots of work to do regarding our Latine-serving programs. Continue reading