Addressing the Food Gap at p:ear

p:ear is a downtown Portland organization that engages homeless and transitional youth, 15-24, using mentorship and the tools of education, art and recreation.  p:ear's Kitchen and Food program provides hands-on training for youth in the areas of food preparation, gardening, nutrition, and the economics of eating. This capstone will partner with this program to engage students in scholarship about food cultures, social justice and sustainability, developing independent research about homeless adolescents and food insecurity. Students will forge new relationships with food providers in the region to support p:ear's work, culminating in a fundraising feast. **First class meets on campus; subsequent classes meet at p:ear, 338 NW 6th Ave (in Old Town/China Town).**