Why is there such a high demand for food?
In 2005 , Oregon was number one in the nation for food insecurity. Our rank has improved, which means that of other states has declined. Hunger is an urgent issue that continues to persist among families and children in Oregon.
Double-digit increases in demand for emergency food have impacted Oregon food banks every year for the past three years. The state’s relatively high cost of housing and home energy contributes to stress on families and many Oregonians are only one medical emergency or automobile repair bill away from needing emergency food assistance. Approximately 40% of individuals receiving food throughout the Oregon Food Bank network are children.
How can the public get involved?
Adopt-an-Acre provides the public an opportunity to partner with farmer donors. Cash donations help to defray the costs of processing, handling and transportation of the food, from the field to Oregon Food Bank.
Are there opportunities to volunteer with Farmers Ending Hunger?
Yes! Throughout the summer, Farmers Ending Hunger sets up a table at Portland area farmers markets to share information about the organization. Volunteers are needed to staff tables and ideas for additional locations are welcome.
Where does the donated food go?
Donated crops are delivered to Oregon Food Bank and a statewide network of 20 regional food banks throughout Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Some crops are delivered directly to Oregon Food Bank while others require further processing.
How are cash donations used?
The majority of cash donations received by Farmers Ending Hunger support the process of getting the raw crops from the fields to processors, who transform it into high-quality, user-friendly food products, and deliver it to Oregon Food Bank. Approximately ten percent of our budget is set aside to cover administrative costs.
How do I donate crops to Farmers Ending Hunger?
Farmers can donate crops several different ways:
- Large quantities of raw food crops can be transported directly to Oregon Food Bank.
- Proceeds from the sale of any portion of crops can be donated.
- Crops that need to be processed can be transported to a food processor. (Farmers Ending Hunger can coordinate the transaction.)
- Some regional food banks accept direct deliveries of small quantities of raw food products.
Farmers interested in donating can contact us. We will make the process as easy as possible.
What has Farmers Ending Hunger done to date?
Since its inception in 2004, Farmers Ending Hunger has helped feed countless hungry Oregonians. Between 2006 and 2017, Farmers Ending Hunger has donated 26 million pounds of food crops to Oregon Food Bank. The first donation of 173,000 pounds of frozen peas was made in November 2006, and in 2007 nearly 800,000 pounds of food crops were donated. In 2008, donations from farmers rose to almost 1.1 million pounds, and in 2009 that figured nearly doubled, with Oregon farmers and ranchers donating 2.1 million pounds of food crops. Donations in 2010 totaled 1.9 million pounds. Donations totaled 2.5 million pounds in 2013 and 2.5 million pounds in 2014. We now average 3.5 to 4 million of donated products annually.
Contact John Burt at [email protected] for further details and a complete report of Farmers Ending Hunger’s accomplishments.
Grants and Foundation Support
Farmers Ending Hunger solicits grants from national and regional foundations and has received grants from the following generous partners:
Oregon Food Bank
Oregon Community Foundation
Providence Health and Services
The Collins Foundation
Spirit Mountain Community Fund
The Walmart Foundation
The Lamb Foundation
Kraft Foods
Marie Lathrop Foundation