VANCOUVER— Debbie and Greg Nelson, the leaders of Clark Neighbors Food Project, won the 2021 Neighborhood Leadership Award from the Neighborhood Associations Council of Clark County. This annual award, presented this year by council Chair Steve Abramson, is given to an individual or group whose activities contribute materially to the quality of life in their neighborhood and the county as a whole and who serve as a role model for good citizenship and accountability to the public.
Clark County residents want to help and the Clark Neighbors Food Project (also known as the Green Bag Project) makes it easy for neighbors to share healthful, nonperishable food to help alleviate food insecurity. Every two months, more than 2,000 local residents place green bags of food on their front porches. The donations are collected by volunteers and distributed to local food banks and school family resource centers. FVRLibraries, the Vancouver Neighborhood Alliance, several of the council’s member Neighborhood Associations, and various local book clubs and sewing groups participate in this effort that was started by the Nelsons.
The Nelsons got the idea to undertake a food donation project for Clark County while visiting friends in Ashland, Ore. In addition to alleviating hunger, another objective of the project is to reduce isolation and create connections among neighborhood residents.
Upon receiving the award, Debbie Nelson said, “We are so honored to be given this Neighborhood Leadership Award. Even though it has our names on it, Clark Neighbors Food Project would never have happened without the volunteers who have enthusiastically offered their help, ideas, talents and expertise. Your generosity of spirit is energizing and contagious. This award is for all of us!”
