You Met the Moment

When uncertainty around SNAP benefits began affecting families across Central Oregon, you responded. Between November and January, donors gave $1,352,560 to support NeighborImpact and its Food Program—ensuring that when need increased, our community was ready. Because of your generosity, no pantry in our network of 56 partners had to close its doors due to a lack of food. Together, the network brought in 482,490 additional pounds of food compared to the previous quarter, with NeighborImpact’s food bank alone securing 222,237 extra pounds. As need surged, pantry visits rose by 25 percent—more than 20,000 additional visits in just three months. That translates to more than 250,000 additional meals provided to neighbors facing hunger.

“The SNAP crisis highlighted just how crucial food is to the security and wellbeing of our community. It reminded us that local food pantries are a lifeline—and that when our community comes together, we can do incredible things,” said Carly Auten, Food Program Director. “Even in times of political disruption, local food emergency programs still show up with open doors and welcoming smiles to feed our neighbors.” Because of you, families found full shelves, open doors, and a community that showed up when it mattered most.

By Rachel Haakenson, Director of Marketing & Communications