In early August leaders of the White Clover Grange gave a pro-potluck pie to Governor Tina Kotek at the Tillamook County Fair.
“We’re encouraging people to give homemade pies to state officials,” explained Granger Jennifer Childress. “This shows the importance of home-cooking to civic fellowship, and advocates our resolution to legalize community potlucks.”
These traditional public gatherings are now prohibited in Oregon. Though the ban on community potlucks goes unenforced in some places, it has taken a toll on social events in Tillamook County and other areas.
“I hear you had lunch today at the Tillamook Creamery,” said Granger Vivi Tallman as she handed Governor Kotek the pie baked with blueberries from Herrera Farm in Nehalem. “This can be your dessert, if you’re taking food home to your wife.”
“We’ll eat it with more ice-cream!” said Governor Kotek.
Childress shared a copy of the Oregon State Grange’s resolution with the governor, who took time to read an attached clause from Minnesota state law that exempts potlucks from rules governing commercial events.
“We’re going to make this right,” said Governor Kotek. “If Minnesota can do it, so can Oregon. Maybe we can fix it through a change in administrative rules.”
Grangers cheered that idea, and also expressed hope that if a rule-change isn’t possible lawmakers will advance the issue during Legislative Days this September.
Hope for action was reinforced by followup remarks from local and state officials.
“Feeding people, those we know and the strangers among us, is at the core of our social and altruistic drives as humans,” said Tillamook County Commissioner Mary Faith Bell. “I look forward to a resurgence of home cooked community meals to which strangers are invited, welcomed, and included.”
Commissioner Bell worked in tandem with Senator Suzanne Weber to make sure time was scheduled for the pro-potluck gift during the governor’s visit to Tillamook County.
“Building community connections by breaking bread together is how we eliminate the barriers keeping us apart,” said Senator Weber. “Some of the best times I’ve had in my life have centered on sharing meals together.”
And for fellow potluck advocates, Senator Weber offered seasoned advice.
“Remember…many hands make light work.”
In the center, left to right, are Governor Kotek and Senator Suzanne Weber. Bookending them are Grangers Jennifer Childress and Vivi Tallman, who made the pie with blueberries from Herrera Farm in Nehalem. Photo by Tillamook County Commissioner Mary Faith Bell.
