Three employee-owned grocery stores in Central Oregon have launched their annual Food for February fundraiser, matching customer donations dollar-for-dollar up to $32,500 to support local food banks during a critical time of year.
Newport Avenue Market, Oliver Lemon’s and Ollie’s Kitchen are collecting donations at checkout throughout December to benefit Family Kitchen and Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, which serve Bend, Redmond, Terrebonne and Sisters.
The program doubles the impact of customer contributions, with funds going to nonprofits that buy fresh produce, meat and other essentials at wholesale prices to maximize their reach.
“You, our friends, neighbors, customers and visitors have the opportunity to double your giving dollars this holiday season,” said Lauren G. D. Redman, CEO and president of Newport Avenue Market.
“Your hard-earned money you so generously give to fight hunger in Central Oregon stays right here at home and helps our neighbors. The beneficiaries of your giving use the donated money to purchase food at wholesale price to fill their kitchens and pantries.”
Since its inception in 2011, Food for February has raised nearly $630,575, including $279,063 in matching funds from the markets. Last year, the program generated more than $70,824.
Each store location sets individual matching goals based on market size and customer base. Newport Avenue Market will match up to $20,000 in customer donations for Family Kitchen.
Oliver Lemon’s in Sisters will match up to $5,000 in customer donations for Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, while Oliver Lemon’s in Terrebonne will match up to $5,000 in customer donations for Family Kitchen.
Ollie’s Kitchen in Redmond will match up to $2,500 in customer donations for Family Kitchen.
The December fundraising window addresses a critical gap in food bank resources. February historically ranks as one of the most difficult months for food-insecure families as charitable donations typically decline after the holiday season.
Rising food and housing costs have intensified pressure on food assistance organizations. Visits to food assistance sites increased by 25 percent last year across the region. In Oregon, nearly 1 in 8 residents faces hunger, underscoring the ongoing need for community support.
[RELATED: NGA Poses Five Questions for … Rudy’s Markets’ Lauren G.R. Johnson]
Employee ownership model supports community focus
Rudy’s Markets Inc. operates the three Central Oregon locations as 100-percent employee-owned specialty grocery stores.
Since 1976, it has served Central Oregon with a focus on mainstream and hard-to-find food items, kitchenware and specialty products. The stores support local producers and maintain an expansive selection of high-quality food and beverage items, including more than 600 varieties of craft beer.
Beneficiary organizations serve thousands monthly
Family Kitchen has provided meals to anyone in need since 1986, guided by the belief that nobody should be hungry. The organization serves three dinners and five lunches weekly in Bend, one dinner in Sisters and five in Redmond.
Family Kitchen partners with service organizations to provide meals while other groups offer critical services. More than 450 volunteers prepare and serve more than 20,000 meals per month.
Kiwanis of Sisters has spent three decades developing and supporting community organizations with a focus on local youth. Kiwanis volunteers operate the Sisters Food Bank, which annually distributes more than 100,000 pounds of food.