Rain or shine, the Food Share’s Youth Farmers used their spring break to get ready for another productive summer season. “Spring training is the first taste of the Youth Farm for any who are interested in participating in the summer program,” said Ava Ryan, manager of the Youth Farm. It’s James’ second year spending the…
For Tillie, volunteerism runs in the family. In 2016, Tillie’s mom, Heather, volunteered at the Food Share’s warehouse, repacking beans and corn to be distributed by our food pantry partners. Infant Tillie joined in, snug in a baby carrier on Heather’s back, complete with an adorable hairnet to match her mom’s! “Start ’em young,” Heather…
Thanks to your incredible generosity, Grand Ronde community members like Penny can find nutritious food and community connection at the Food Share’s pantry, Iskam MәkhMәk-Haws. On a sunny day in Grand Ronde, Penny trades corny jokes with volunteers and moves through the market-style pantry tables full of food options. “I’ve been coming to Iskam on…
Eight years in the making, there’s a new home for one of the Food Share’s partner pantries, Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA). To meet the growing need it was experiencing, SACA moved out of the basement of a century-old building near downtown Silverton to a 17,000-square-foot space about a mile away. “We knew we had…
On a sunny day in Grand Ronde, volunteers Chris and Mike unpack fresh produce for families in need. They trade corny jokes and move through their tasks with the easy choreography of two people who have known each other for a long time. “I’d never been to a food pantry in my life until Mike…
Wanda was ecstatic when her oldest daughter returned to their hometown after a long stint in Tennessee. Now her daughter stops by often to catch up over coffee, help around the house, and encourage Wanda to go out from time to time. “It’s great to have them close by,” Wanda says. But recent health issues…
For most of his life, Kent made Tacoma his home base. But when his great aunt became unwell, he decided to move to the Willamette Valley to care for her. Helping others — especially his family — is just second nature for Kent. “I wanted her to be able to stay in her home,” he…
Several residents at Holiday Hidden Lakes Senior Living aren’t slowing down in their retirement. Instead, they stay active and engaged by volunteering every week at Marion Polk Food Share’s warehouse, sorting and repacking food for our neighbors facing hunger. Maureen, also known as “Mo,” is a Holiday Hidden Lakes resident who has dedicated much of…
Sharon doesn’t give up on people. Once you’re in her orbit, you’ve got a loyal friend for life. A longtime Salem resident, Sharon started volunteering as a Meals on Wheels driver during the COVID-19 pandemic when the need for delivered meals was at an all-time high. “I’ve been delivering the same route [in Northeast Salem]…
Misti has worked hard to build a stable life and home for herself and her sons. She’s not taking anything for granted because, not that long ago, she was in a very different place. “I came from a domestic-violence marriage, and that’s how I started out with me and the boys on our own,” she…
