Feeding Oregon: What You Can Do

Oregon faces a critical moment — and together, we can respond.

Oregonians Step Up  with Wave of Generosity

The recent disruption in federal food assistance has generated a wave of generosity from Oregonians. In the span of one month, Oregon Community Foundation and its donors have committed $1.9 million to organizations that help get food to Oregonians who need it. 

The surge happened between October 1 and November 17, 2025 when generous Oregonians stepped up to help through Donor Advised Funds, Corporate and Community Advised Funds and donations to the Stronger Together Fund of OCF. Separately, the OCF Board of Directors has approved a $250,000 special grant from OCF to combat food insecurity in Oregon and 18 grants totaling $300,000 to food-related organizations through the OCF Community Grants program. 

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. 

And another said his Central Oregon food banks will see nearly 1 million visits this year in a region with soaring housing costs. 

Hunger Touches Every Community 

These are real Oregon stories and reminders that hunger touches every community, especially rural and remote ones, and OCF donors are responding to the need. 

“Food insecurity doesn’t stop at the city limits,” says Betsy Priddy, an OCF donor. “After visiting Eastern Oregon, I witnessed first-hand the deep relationships forged even in our most remote communities. Local organizations are doing transformative work on modest budgets, proving that impact isn’t measured in dollars alone. For me, it’s simple: I support OCF in deploying resources where they will make the greatest difference.” 

Oregon Food Bank President Andrea Williams spoke about the vast network that helps keep Oregonians fed, and Erin Borla of the Roundhouse Foundation shared how philanthropy is strengthening rural and remote food banks and caring communities are pitching in. 

“I have heard specifically of community dinners in small rural places where they're feeding 160 people a week. We've got libraries that are showing up with meals on a weekly basis,” Borla said. “There was a high school here locally, and instead of trick-or-treating, the high school students planned and picked up bags of donated food from everybody's porch. People are showing up in a way that really does build community.” 

At OCF, we exist to catalyze collective generosity, and we’re connecting donors and partners to build long-term stability in Oregon’s food system. 

Watch our full virtual briefing on hunger here

Efficient System, Yet Gaps Remain

The Oregon Food Bank’s 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.

Read this background briefing from Oregon Food Bank. 

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 three ways to make an immediate difference: 

• Give locally. Locate a food resource in your area to support. 
• Give directly to the Oregon Food Bank. 
• Give through the Stronger Together Fund of Oregon Community Foundation. Your contribution will deliver rapid-response funding to food banks and pantries statewide. Give online or contact your Donor Relations Officer to give through a Donor Advised Fund.  

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 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 

Support OCF’s Stronger Together Fund 

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.