How do I become an agency partner to distribute food?
If you are interested in partnering with Marion Polk Food Share to offer a food distribution program, download this information and follow the instructions.
Can I donate fresh food?
Yes. You can donate fresh food and food that needs to be frozen or refrigerated (like eggs and milk) directly at our warehouse from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.
What foods do you need most?
We always need donations of high-protein food like canned tuna, peanut butter, and dairy. Healthy food like canned fruit and vegetables, rice, beans, and pasta are also in high demand.
How do I donate food?
You can donate food at the Marion Polk Food Share warehouse at 1660 Salem Industrial Drive NE in Salem, OR from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, or at your nearest food pantry.
What should I do if I was refused food by an agency?
Please call us! We hold our partner agencies to high standards and always want to hear about ways we can improve our services. We will also be able to refer you to a different site where you will be able to receive food. Call 503-581-3855 and ask for our Agency Relations Department.
It is especially important that you call us if you feel you have been refused service because of your race, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, military status, age, disability, ethnicity, color, creed, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation including gender identity, familial or marital status, veteran status or unfavorable discharge from the military. Marion Polk Food Share is an equal opportunity provider and our agency policies prohibit discrimination.
Do I need to make special arrangements if I do not speak English?
No. All sites are required to provide you with food regardless of your language, ethnic background, citizenship status or national origin.
What do I need to bring?
What you need to bring will depend on which site you plan to visit. Typically, meal sites don’t require you to bring anything. No site should ask you to provide proof of income or a social security number in order to receive food. ID or other documents are not required to receive food. Food box sites with a geographic boundary may ask you to bring something with your name and address on it to show that you live in their service area.
How often can I receive food?
Different sites have different rules. Marion Polk Food Share does not enforce any limits on how often individuals can receive services. Most meal sites allow you to come whenever they are open with no restrictions. Some food box sites limit your visits to once or twice a month. This is based on any given program’s food resources and the number of families it serves.
What if I am unable to leave my home to get food?
Some food pantries are able to make deliveries under certain circumstances. If you are unable to leave your home to get food, please visit our Get Help page to find out which agencies are close to your home. Then call them to find out if they can help you make special arrangements to have food delivered. The Food Share also offers a Meals on Wheels program that provides home delivered meals to elderly or disabled individuals. Call 503-364-2856 to inquire about Meals on Wheels.
Are there income guidelines?
Many food pantries use USDA income guidelines. However, proof of income is not required. You will be asked to state that your income is below the guideline level and sign a form. If your family receives SNAP (food stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) benefits, you automatically are eligible to be served by sites that use USDA income guidelines. These are just guidelines. Special circumstances, for example, medical bills or a recent job loss, can be taken into account.
2022 USDA Income Guidelines
- Household size: 1 – Monthly income: $3,398 – Annual income: $40,770
- Household size: 2 – Monthly income: $4,578 – Annual income: $54,930
- Household size: 3 – Monthly income: $5,758 – Annual income: $69,090
- Household size: 4 – Monthly income: $6,938 – Annual income: $83,500
- Household size: 5 – Monthly income: $8,118 – Annual income: $97,410
- Household size: 6 – Monthly income: $8,790 – Annual income: $105,480
- Household size: 7 – Monthly income: $10,478 – Annual income: $125,730
- Household size: 8 – Monthly income: $11,658 – Annual income: $139,890
- Each additional person over 8 – Add $1,180 per month
How do I know if I am eligible to get food?
Are you in need? Then you are eligible to get food. Some agencies have service area boundaries and many sites use income guidelines established by USDA. These are just guidelines. Special circumstances, for example, medical bills or a recent job loss, can be taken into account. See our Get Help page to find a pantry or meal site close to you. Income guidelines to receive a food box are printed below:
2022 USDA Income Guidelines
- Household size: 1 – Monthly income: $3,398 – Annual income: $40,770
- Household size: 2 – Monthly income: $4,578 – Annual income: $54,930
- Household size: 3 – Monthly income: $5,758 – Annual income: $69,090
- Household size: 4 – Monthly income: $6,938 – Annual income: $83,500
- Household size: 5 – Monthly income: $8,118 – Annual income: $97,410
- Household size: 6 – Monthly income: $8,790 – Annual income: $105,480
- Household size: 7 – Monthly income: $10,478 – Annual income: $125,730
- Household size: 8 – Monthly income: $11,658 – Annual income: $139,890
- Each additional person over 8 – Add $1,180 per month
If you feel you have been denied service for an inappropriate reason, please call 503-581-3855 and ask to speak with our Agency Relations Department.
Where does your food come from?
The food that we distribute comes from a variety of sources, including donations from local businesses, farmers and individuals, USDA commodities, food from the Oregon Food Bank, and food that we grow and purchase.
How do I get food?
You can receive an emergency food box at your nearest food pantry, or a hot meal at your nearest community meal location. An emergency food box is a 3-to-5 day supply of food for your family.
