Oregon Shows Up: $4 Million for Hunger Relief in Just Three Months

Donors across the state came together through collective and individual giving to support food access in every corner of Oregon. 

Oregonians Step Up with Wave of Generosity

We know you’re generous. We know you rally around your neighbors in need. But my oh my, Oregon — you’ve really outdone yourself this time. 

Oregon Community Foundation and its donors committed just over $4 million to hunger relief in the final three months of 2025. 

Collective Giving Adds Up 

Nearly $500,000 was donated by new and current donors through the Stronger Together Fund, a collective giving fund that accepts contributions starting at $25.  

“We’re absolutely blown away by the response,” said Kim Koenig, Director of Community Programs. “This effort shows the power of collective giving and coming together for a common cause. And it’s having immediate impact across the state, from Harney County in Eastern Oregon to Brookings on the South Coast. Our partner nonprofits are feeding kids, seniors, Tribes, culturally specific groups and rural families. We’re incredibly grateful for their work in the community and our donors for making it possible.” 

Donor contributions to the Stronger Together Fund provided $600,000 in grants to community organizations in amounts from $5,000 to $50,000. Donors gave another $3.4 million through their Donor Advised Funds to nonprofits with a food or nutrition services mission.  

“It Comes Down to Trust” 

Portlander Amy Wayson gave through the Stronger Together Fund during the Feeding Oregon campaign because, “The need is huge, especially in these times of inequality,” she said. 

Amy grew up in Portland and practiced law in the private sector in Portland and Seattle for nearly 20 years. She served as General Counsel, Vice President and Senior Vice President of Oregon Health & Science University for nine years. She’s served on the Boards of several Portland nonprofits and as a volunteer who visited and reviewed nonprofits as part of OCF’s Community Grants program. 

“I’ve long known OCF as an enormously important player in Oregon,” Amy said. “It comes down to trust. I trust OCF to identify the appropriate areas of need and deploy the money that comes to them in a way that optimizes its effectiveness.” 

Meeting Hunger Head-On 

Nonprofits will use the funds to stock food pantries, make food deliveries and purchase culturally specific foods.  

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action

The Mid-Willamette Community Action Agency will use its grant to buy halal meat to feed refugee families, said Eva Pignotti, Chief Program Officer of Early Learning and Child Care, who also leads the agency’s new food pantry program. The meat will be frozen and distributed throughout the year. 

“There are so many things lurking out there that are ready to strip food and other benefits from people,” Eva said. “But it’s also awakening a large number of people who want to help their fellow man,” she said, adding that she’s seeing more donors and volunteers step forward. “That’s what keeps people like me going.” 

Brookings Harbor Community Helpers Food Bank and Resource Center serves families who live between the California border and Pistol River in rural Curry County. Executive Director Olivia Davis said support from the community and OCF helped buy fresh fruits, vegetables and other food for monthly emergency boxes that fed 917 people in December alone. The food bank also distributes snack packs to youth and produce to senior citizens.

Donors Motivated by Disruption to Federal Food Benefits 

Financial support for food and nutrition services spiked in mid-October when news broke that a federal government shutdown would disrupt federal food benefits known as SNAP for 757,000 Oregonians. In response, donors began making grants to nonprofits that feed Oregonians as visits to those organizations increased sharply. 

“Oregonians help their neighbors in times of need,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. Mensah also serves on the board of Feeding America, a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and programs. 

Efficient System, Yet Gaps Remain

The Oregon Food Bank effectively and efficiently distributed over 110 million pounds of food in the last year from the Idaho border to the Oregon Coast. Yet gaps in the system remain, and it is under strain like never before. Consider:  

• Oregon ranks third in the nation in the percentage of our population that relies on federal food benefits known as SNAP.
• Food bank visits rose from 1.5 million in 2019 to 2.9 million in 2025 — and continue to climb.
• 1 in 8 people and 1 in 6 children in Oregon and Southwest Washington face food insecurity.

Individuals and foundations can never replace government. However, we can help stabilize and support this vital system. 

What You Can Do 

Your generosity can help feed Oregonians. 

Here are two ways to make an immediate difference: 

• Give locally. Locate a food resource in your area to support. 
• Give directly to the Oregon Food Bank. 

Understanding Hunger in Oregon

In rural and remote Oregon, residents face food insecurity rates nearly double those in urban areas. 

Communities that have faced historic inequities — including many Black, Indigenous, Latino and immigrant communities — are also more likely to experience hunger. 

Your generosity can ensure more Oregonians have access to food. 

Why Your Giving Matters 

Today 

• Meet a surge in hunger across the state. 
• Support the vital work of Oregon's complex network of regional food banks and local pantries. 
• Relieve immediate strain on distribution systems and volunteer capacity. 

Tomorrow 

• Build a more resilient, equitable food system. 
• Support stronger partnerships to secure sustainable access to food. 

Together, We Can Feed Oregon 

Every dollar matters. Every action helps. 

Give Locally 

Donate to Oregon Food Bank 

If you have a Donor Advised Fund at OCF and would like to support hunger relief organizations in Oregon, please contact your Donor Relations Officer. 

If you’re new to OCF, our Philanthropic Advisors can help you make the most of your giving.