19 minute read
FOOD INSECURITY AND MENTAL HEALTH AT UO
UO’s Duck Nest and Student Sustainability Center work to address the intersection of food insecurity and mental health for students.
BY SAMMY PIEROTTI • TWITTER @SAMMYPIEROTTI
Before the pandemic, food insecurity affected around 36% of the UO student population. It’s safe to assume the number has risen over the past year-anda-half: statistics from Feed America say that around 19% of Americans struggled with obtaining food in 2019, and that number rose to around 23% in 2021.
Yet food insecurity is rarely talked about in social circles. There’s stigma and shame surrounding not having access to food, but there shouldn’t be. Being able to eat and having access to healthy options is crucial for one’s mental health. Although the cliché of the college student that survives off of ramen is funny, the reality is students need more nutritious meals to get through their day.
“Mental health is such a holistic experience,” Maddie Alms, a third-year student who runs the cooking class program at the Duck Nest, said. “Having access to food that makes you feel good and fuels you properly is really important.” Alms also explained that having access to food affects a student’s concentration, as well as the way students socialize in class. Going out to coffee or lunch is a common hangout for friends after class, but for students struggling with food security, it can be difficult to navigate the college social realm.
Alms also believes, if you feed your body well, it’s easier to handle your mental health. “I know for a lot of students, especially if they’re struggling with their mental health, making food is hard,” she said. The Duck Nest works to make little things accessible, like meal prep or grocery shopping, so cooking doesn’t feel so overwhelming. It provides classes and instructional videos, as well as instructions on how and where students should grocery shop. “Providing options for easy meals, especially for those struggling with their mental health, is so important,” Alms said.
The Duck Nest offers cooking classes for students who are struggling with the transition to cooking for themselves. Ingredients are provided by Food for Lane County, a nonprofit in Eugene that also acts as a food bank, so all students need is access to a kitchen and a pot or pan.
“We offer three types of classes: cooking for one or two, meal prep and vegan or vegetarian meals,” Alms said. The Duck Nest also talks about food insecurity, smart grocery shopping and cooking on a budget during their classes. “We just want to make it so every student feels like they at least have one night where they made a meal they can be proud of,” Alms said.
“Never be afraid to ask for help,” Alms said. “Be honest with yourself and set varied goals when it comes to cooking.” No one is going to be perfect when they start to cook, so being honest and gentle with yourself is an important part of the process.
The University of Oregon offers several programs related to food security. The Duck Nest offers SNAP drop-in hours where students can get help filing for monetary food assistance, which provides around $250 a month for groceries. “We have at least seven people on staff who are trained to help with SNAP,” Alms said. “One of the biggest barriers is people not knowing if they’re eligible, and we’re here to help with that and the confusing applications.” The Duck Nest offers a SNAP drop-in hour every day, with times posted on their Instagram.
The Student Sustainability Center also offers programs for folks struggling with food security. “We have the produce drop from 3 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday at the EMU amphitheater,” Tanner Gill, a UO sophomore and food security program assistant at the SSC, said. The produce drop features free, fresh fruits and vegetables weekly, along with some grains and kitchen staples. “We also have the pantry on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m.,” Gill said. The pantry, which is located at Grace Lutheran Church, offers hygiene products and proteins as well as other selections. The SSC collaborates with Food for Lane County for their programs.
The SSC is also working with SNAP enrollment and plans to set up a period for students to come in and get help filling out their forms this year. “The biggest way a student volunteer can help is to learn the knowledge and tools of navigating the really difficult process of applying to SNAP so they can help others get food benefits,” Ella Melroy, a UO junior and food security program assistant at the SSC, said.
Another problem the Duck Nest and the SSC face when it comes to SNAP are students thinking they’re taking food or money away from other students. “That’s just not true,” Alms said. “Money is always being put into the program, so there’s more than enough for everyone.”
“The people [who] are looking for SNAP programs are people [who] are working or are in class fulltime,” Gill said. He lamented the long wait times students experience when trying to enroll over the phone and explained that enrolling in SNAP can be a frustrating process in general.
“There’s a lot of documents you have to submit, and you have to continue to resubmit after you’re enrolled to keep getting benefits,” Melroy said. Students often run into red tape when trying to enroll for food benefits, which can easily deter them from finishing their process. SSC and Duck Nest staff acknowledge the process is tedious but are willing to work with students every step of the way toward food security.
The intersection between the food one eats and their mental health is imperative to the way they function at school. The Duck Nest and SSC are working to provide for students and take care of their mental well-being.
(Grace Turchetto/Emerald)
THE VOICE BEHIND THE TEAM
Play-by-play commentator Isaac Rosenthal is earning appreciation from viewers, parents and players while working on the art of the job.
BY DYLAN CONWAY
In the midst of the 2015-16 Oregon hockey season, the I-5 cup rivalry between the Ducks and the Huskies was at an all time high with no regionals or nationals in sight for the Ducks.
In the final game between the two squads, the Huskies scored an empty net dagger to win the I-5 cup with 30 seconds left on the clock.
Following the goal, a brawl ensued. Everyone was involved.
As the fights continued, Oregon goalie Jackson Howry slowly gravitated towards center ice to start yelling at the UW goalie and eventually provoked him into fighting.
In the most exciting action of the season, Howry won the goalie fight as play-by-play commentator Isaac Rosenthal delivered the iconic line, “Washington is gonna win the I-5 cup, but who cares? Jackson Howry with the takedown!”
Fast forward to the Pac-8 championships that year: The coach of Washington State approached Rosenthal and quoted the line to him as if it were a movie quote.
“It was something that made its rounds around the league, that little moment, and not just the moment, but my commentary of the moment, too was part of the story which was a pretty cool feeling,” Rosenthal said. “That’s something I’ll always remember.”
Since 2013, Rosenthal has been the voice behind the Oregon hockey team. Being behind the scenes, doing playby-play, he’s played a huge role for the Ducks, commentating games being watched by parents, fans and alumni around North America. With little experience coming into the position, Rosenthal is continually working on the art of commentary while becoming “addicted” to the process.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Rosenthal was exposed to many talented commentators working for hometown teams that he idolized growing up. Hall of famers Vin Scully for the Dodgers and Bob Miller for the Kings, as well as the Lakers commentators exposed Rosenthal to a field he wanted to get into.
Without many chances to do play-byplay growing up, Rosenthal jumped on the opportunity when it presented itself.
After color commentating for a year in the first season Oregon hockey had a broadcast, Rosenthal took the play-byplay position when the role opened up the next year, in 2013.
“It’s addicting once you start to do it, and you sort of develop a little bit of a voice,” Rosenthal said.
With the team improving so much in the past few years, Rosenthal’s job has become more enjoyable, watching the team grow and climb the rankings through the years.
“It’s always been really fun, but it’s just really taken off the last few years as the team has grown,” Rosenthal said.
With the enjoyment of play-by-play commentary comes the inevitable difficulties within the job.
For starters, running a live broadcast over the internet often leads to technical difficulties. The other challenging half is obtaining all the information about both teams playing in a game.
“The difference between a game where I have [an accurate jersey number for each team] for both teams and when I don’t is huge,” Rosenthal said.
Preparation is what Rosenthal prides himself in. Along with finding an accurate roster for a visiting team, Rosenthal does thorough research by looking over teams and their schedules in order to call a game to the best of his ability.
With all that’s unseen when preparing to call a game, small moments of recognition go a long way for Rosenthal.
Parents traveling to watch one game in person, coming as far as East Canada, sometimes meet Rosenthal and say how much the broadcast means to them. These moments stand out, as Rosenthal prides himself on putting on a good viewing experience.
“When I’m reminded that there are real people watching and that it’s the only way they get to see what is usually the last year or two of their kid’s hockey career, to get to be a part of bringing that to them is definitely really cool,” he said.
Like parents and livestream viewers, the players are also appreciative of Rosenthal’s work.
After the Ducks won their first Pac-8 championship since Rosenthal has been commentating in 2019, he was asked by a player if he wanted to be in the championship ring order.
“I would never have thought of being one of the people that got a championship ring so to be included in that way was a really nice feeling,” Rosenthal said. “I really treasure having that.”
Tsunami Books is decorated with posters spanning across decades.The Emerald takes a look at five of the most prevalent bookstores in Eugene. (Emerald/Ian Enger)
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Books with Pictures is located at 99 W Broadway in Eugene. The Emerald takes a look at five of the most prevalent bookstores in Eugene. (Emerald/Ian Enger)
OF THE FINEST BOOKSTORES IN EUGENE
Looking to expand your book collection this new year? Look no further than these fine literary establishments.
BY AMY MARIE MILLER
As the new year begins, it’s the perfect season to pick up a new book — or revisit an old favorite. With the cold weather, there’s no better time to wrap yourself in your best blanket and immerse yourself in a good story. Some of the best places to find these stories are right here in Eugene.
Inside each of these bookstores are staff with friendly faces and shelves full of just about any book you could possibly imagine. What better way to kick off 2022 than by supporting a local business and treating yourself to a new book?
Although every bookstore in Eugene deserves a superlative, these five make up the best classic, grassroots, used, comics and underrated bookstores in the city.
BEST CLASSIC STORE: J. MICHAELS BOOKS
J. Michaels Books has been an independently owned staple of the Eugene community since 1975. In 2017, it earned a spot on Huffington Post's list of the top 50 indie bookstores in the United States. It’s easy to spot from the outside, with its green canopy promising fine books.
“The best thing about the store is the curated stock. You won’t find any junk here. I have larger sections of architecture, photography and literature,” Jeremy Nissel, the store owner, said. “Condition is really important to what we buy. Used books are fairly close to new condition for the most part and we also sell collectable books and we have a great selection of new books as well.”
In J. Michaels, you can always find the most beautiful display of both new and used, classic and contemporary books. This is accompanied by a peacefully quiet atmosphere, surrounded by a warm and welcoming environment to stroll about the store, which seems to have the magical ability to grow larger the further back you go.
“I’m not super huge on bookstores, but I do really like this one,” Sofia Cruz, a UO sophomore, said. “It’s super classy and makes me feel like I could read all of the books they have for sale here.”
J. Michaels is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and sells through an online store as well. It also buys books Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. J. Michaels is located at 160 East Broadway Street. BEST GRASSROOTS STORE: TSUNAMI BOOKS
A gem of south Eugene, Tsunami Books is instantly recognizable by its beautiful mural of Hokusai’s “The Great Wave” and a painted arrangement of different notable books representing each season of the year, which was done by local artist Emily Poole, displayed outside of the store.
Oftentimes, there may be a small stage in the corner of the store, complemented by the rows of books. They host a number of inperson and virtual community events, including book signings, concerts and other events. The store is always full of vibrant life, and you never know if you’ll run into your favorite author or stumble into a poetry slam on your way to pick up a new used book.
The Sunday before UO started its winter term the store was bustling with students perusing the store’s unique selection. “We had a building full of returning students yesterday. I’ve never seen so many,” Scott Landfield, an owner of the store, said. “The stock just reflects who we are in relation to a good community. It is small and select.”
For the next event on Jan. 6, Paul Safar will be performing on the store’s baby grand piano — something every great bookstore has at least one of — from 6 to 6:30 p.m., as the second installment of “First Thursdays with Paul (and friends).” While the event is free, all tips will be given to the Burrito Brigade, a nonprofit that serves free vegan meals to the hungry around Eugene, Springfield and Portland.
Tsunami Books is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. You can also shop from them online. The store is located at 2585 Willamette street.
BEST USED BOOKS STORE: SMITH FAMILY BOOKSTORE
One of the oldest independent bookstores in Oregon, Smith Family Bookstore is truly a palace of wonders for any literature fan. With two floors, six rooms and an aisle for just about any genre, it’s easy to spend hours getting lost between the pages there. Whether you’re looking for poetry or dissertations, horror or romance, novels or screenplays, chances are that Smith Family Bookstore has it.
“I’m really glad that I discovered this store. It’s super cool, and they have a great selection of anarchist literature,” customer Orion White said. White, who recently moved to Eugene, also added that the Smith Family “made the city more homely.”
Having been around since 1974, Smith Family Bookstore can be found in one of the oldest buildings in Eugene’s Market District, making it a perfect stop on an afternoon shopping trip. It’s also an excellent and affordable place for UO students to search for used textbooks.
“We are one of the largest bookstores in the Pacific Northwest with a lot of varied stock. We are, I think, an undiscovered treasure,” Joe Pettit, manager of internet book sales, said. “We’ve been here for 30 to 40 years, and we have stock from all time periods with comprehensive selections in history and psychology among others. We just have a great selection.”
Smith Family Bookstore is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Book buying hours are by appointment only, and there is an extensive online collection. The store is located across from the Post Office at 525 Willamette street.
BEST COMIC STORE: BOOKS WITH PICTURES
Comics and graphic novels are still emerging as a serious form of literature for all ages and demographics, and there’s no better place to find them than Books with Pictures. Books with Pictures sells brand new comics ranging from the superheroes of Marvel and DC to manga and local indie works. On the outside, it’s a quirky store that sits on the corner of West Broadway – and on the inside, a well lit and well organized wonderland of graphics. They surely live up to their slogan, “Comics for everyone.”
The sister to a Portland store by the same name, Books with Pictures works to create an inclusive environment for groups of people who have often been left out of comic book spaces, such as women, People of Color and members of the LBGTQ+ community. The store is a safe space for anyone with an interest in comics and graphic novels to be met with a friendly face and the ability to browse the shelves in peace.
“It's really neat that we have a comic shop in Eugene, especially one that doesn’t try to gatekeep comics,” long time comics fan Riley Watkins said.
Books with Pictures is open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. They’re located at 99 W Broadway Suite C (conveniently down the street and around the corner from Voodoo Doughnut). BEST UNDERRATED STORE: SECOND HAND PROSE
Second Hand Prose is run by the nonprofit volunteer organization Friends of the Eugene Public Library. The Friends’ mission is to raise money for the library’s projects and programs through selling second hand books — hence the name of the store — and fosters a love of reading in the community. Not only do they provide an affordable resource for literature, but all of their profits go directly to the Eugene Public Library.
The cozy library store has table rows full of expertly organized books, featuring a wonderful display to peruse through. Truly a bookstore with a heart of gold, here you can find yourself an excellent book and support an excellent cause.
Second Hand Prose is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Since they keep their browsing capacity small, they also have an online selection. The store is located at the Eugene Public Library, 100 W 10th avenue.
Whether you are a student, community member or just passing through Eugene, all of these bookstores are worth checking out and supporting. If you’re COVID-19-conscious or quarantining and want to avoid in-person interactions, these stores also have online options, ensuring that no one is left out of reading.
Each and every one of these establishments brings something special to Eugene and helps to build a culture for our city. It’s always important to support local businesses, but especially after a year-and-a-half of COVID and quarantine, when we need their stores and their stories the most. Supporting these stores isn’t just about buying books. It’s also about supporting our community.
LEFT: Smith Family Bookstore is located at 525 Willamette Street in Eugene. The Emerald takes a look at five of the most prevalent bookstores in Eugene. (Emerald/Ian Enger)
RIGHT: Black Sun Books is located at 2476 Hilyard St. in Eugene. The Emerald takes a look at five of the most prevalent bookstores in Eugene. (Emerald/Ian Enger)
