Three employee-owned grocery stores in Central Oregon have launched their annual Food for February fundraiser in December, 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. The organizations serve those facing food insecurity in Bend, Redmond, Terrebonne and Sisters.
The matching program doubles the impact of customer contributions, with funds going to nonprofits that purchase fresh produce, meat and other essentials at wholesale prices to maximize their reach.
“We’re proud to launch Food for February again this December,” said Lauren G. D. Redman, CEO and president of Newport Avenue Market.
“You, our friends, neighbors, customers and visitors have the opportunity to double your giving dollars this holiday season. 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, demonstrating sustained community support for the initiative.
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. 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 strategically addresses a critical gap in food bank resources. February historically ranks as one of the hardest months for food-insecure families as charitable donations typically decline after the holiday season, leaving food banks struggling to meet demand when need remains high.
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.
The timing allows food banks to stock up on essential items before the February crunch, when resources typically run lowest and demand peaks.
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Employee ownership model supports community focus
Rudy’s Markets Inc. operates the three Central Oregon locations as 100 percent employee-owned specialty grocery stores. The ownership structure aligns with the company’s community-focused approach to operations and charitable giving.
Since 1976, Rudy’s Markets 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.
The employee ownership model gives workers a direct stake in business success and community impact. This structure has enabled sustained support for local causes including the Food for February program over more than a decade.
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. The organization treats diners with respect and asks nothing except that they leave with a full stomach.
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 to those in need. The food bank operates from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays at 328 W. Main St. in Sisters.
The wholesale purchasing power provided by Food for February donations allows both organizations to stretch dollars further, converting each contributed dollar into significantly more food value than retail purchases would provide.
Customers can participate by donating at checkout at any of the three store locations throughout December. The stores encourage supporters to share information about the campaign on social media using #FoodForFebruary.