PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) — Matt Newell-Ching has been an employee at the Oregon Food Bank for more than five years. But his parents’ experience with food insecurity is part of what inspired him to pick a career that allows him to give back.

“We all deserve food because we’re human beings,” said Newell-Ching.

Before he was born, Newell-Ching’s parents, Ernie and Karen, found themselves facing food insecurity. Back in the 1970’s, his parents were newlyweds. His father was still in school and his mother’s job was the couple’s primary source of income.

But when Newell-Ching’s mother was injured in a car accident and couldn’t work, his parents were forced to rely on food stamps.

“Because my parents received assistance, I didn’t need to,” he said.

Fast forward a few decades and now, Newell-Chi

See Full Page