Are you looking for ways to access nutritious food for yourself or your family? SUN Community Schools, in partnership with the Oregon Food Bank and local community agencies, offers a valuable resource: free food pantries near you. These pantries and free food markets are dedicated to supporting community members, particularly families and students, by providing essential food supplies.
What are SUN Community School Food Pantries and Free Food Markets?
SUN Community School Food Pantries are designed to provide 3-5 days’ worth of nutritious food to families. This service is especially crucial during weekends, evenings, and school holidays when access to regular meals might be limited. These pantries are stocked in collaboration with the Oregon Food Bank and various SUN community agencies, ensuring a consistent supply of essential food items.
In addition to food pantries, SUN Community Schools also host monthly Free Food Markets. These markets focus on distributing fresh fruits and vegetables, also through the partnership with the Oregon Food Bank. They offer a fantastic opportunity to access healthy, seasonal produce and supplement your family’s nutritional needs.
Who Can Access These Free Food Resources?
A significant aspect of SUN Community School food programs is their accessibility. Anyone in the community is welcome to visit and utilize the food pantries and free food markets. While there is a special focus on supporting students and families connected to the school where the pantry is located, the services are open to all individuals and families in need within the wider community. Whether you are a student, parent, or simply a community member facing food insecurity, you are encouraged to drop by and receive support.
Where to Find a Food Pantry or Market Near You
Locating a Free Food Pantry Near Me is made easy through the Oregon Food Bank’s online Food Finder tool. To find the most up-to-date information on food distribution times, days, and locations, please visit Foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org/. This online map allows you to search for nearby food pantries and markets and provides essential contact details should you have any specific questions.
SUN Community School Locations
Currently, there are weekly Food Pantries operating at 25 SUN Community School sites and monthly Free Food Markets at 6 sites, all in partnership with the Oregon Food Bank. For specific locations and schedules of these resources, please refer to the Foodfinder map. This will provide the most accurate and timely details for each location.
Other Food Resources at SUN Community Schools
Beyond the food pantries and markets, many of the 92 SUN Community Schools offer additional food assistance programs. These may include Backpack Programs, which provide food for students to take home on weekends, and smaller pantries managed by non-profits, students, or volunteers directly within the schools. To discover what other food resources might be available, it is best to contact your local SUN Community School directly.
Need Food Assistance Outside of SUN Community Schools?
If you are unable to reach a SUN Community School pantry, there are still numerous resources available to help you find food assistance:
- Dial 2-1-1: This toll-free helpline can connect you with various social services, including food banks and pantries in your area.
- OFB Food Finder Page: Visit the OFB Food Finder page to search for other food pantries and food assistance programs beyond SUN Community Schools.
- Multnomah County Food Assistance: Explore the Multco.us/food-assistance website for information on programs like SNAP, WIC, and School Meals, which can provide ongoing food support.
Organizations Looking to Partner
If your organization is interested in collaborating with SUN Community Schools in hunger relief efforts, we encourage you to reach out. For partnership inquiries and further information on SUN Hunger Relief initiatives, please contact:
Annie Kirschner
Phone: 971-334-6858
Email: [email protected]
SUN Community Schools and their partners are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food. By utilizing these free food pantry near me resources and exploring the additional support options, community members can find the help they need to address food insecurity.
