Cooking Without Power Workshop Brings Preparedness to the Table
Community event in Talent highlights emergency readiness through food, partnership, and hands-on learning
Image, Oregon Department of Emergency Management
TALENT, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) partnered with the Talent Community Cooperative and Rogue Food Unites this fall to host a “Cooking Without Power” workshop, offering families practical tools for emergency preparedness through hands-on learning and community collaboration.
The family-focused event demonstrated how nutritious, culturally relevant meals can be prepared without electricity using shelf-stable ingredients. OEM staff prepared a meal during the workshop, showing participants how simple techniques can help households remain resilient during power outages or other emergencies.
The event was supported by OEM’s Preparedness and Strategic Communications teams, including Community Preparedness Coordinator Kayla Thompson, Chief Resiliency Officer Natasha Fox, and Public Information Officer Shirley Blake.
Community Partnerships Support Preparedness
Local partnerships played a key role in the workshop’s success. Albertsons donated non-perishable food items, allowing organizers to distribute 50 emergency food bags to participating families. Each bag was intended to help households begin or strengthen their emergency food supplies.
OEM also partnered with Rogue Food Unites (RFU), whose staff participated directly in the workshop. RFU representatives Jesús Ríos, Program Manager; Yesenia Solorzano-Madden, Grants Lead; and Jeff Nichols, Local and State Outreach Lead, shared information and expertise with attendees throughout the event.
Rogue Food Unites works with locally based food businesses to provide fresh, nutritious, and shelf-stable food to communities during times of crisis. The organization focuses on strengthening local food systems, supporting food security, and preserving jobs while responding to emergency needs across Oregon.
Accessible, Bilingual Learning Environment
Approximately 35 people attended the workshop, representing families connected to the Talent Community Cooperative. Participants also received information on emergency alert systems and OEM’s “Be 2 Weeks Ready” preparedness program.
To ensure accessibility, the workshop was conducted in English with Spanish interpretation, allowing families to fully participate regardless of language preference.
Building Resilience Through Practical Skills
Organizers said the event reinforced the idea that emergency preparedness does not need to be complex or intimidating. By combining practical skills, reliable information, and community support, families can take manageable steps to prepare for unexpected situations.
Photos from the workshop documented cooking demonstrations, families learning together, and participants receiving emergency food supplies — reflecting a shared focus on preparedness and community resilience.
