There are two reasons why Mary Ann is so grateful for the Capital Park Food Pantry. First, it’s the only way she can keep her family of six fed. Second, the community of support she’s found there has kept her socially and emotionally nourished in the face of hardship. Sadly, Mary Ann’s story echoes so…
As we welcome the vibrant colors of the season, we also celebrate the remarkable positive impact of our Farm Share Rx program on participants such as Valerie. For the past three years, she has embraced a transformative journey in her cooking and health — fueled by the fresh produce grown at our Youth Farm. Valerie’s…
Bob, who retired from the post office, found a new purpose after hanging up his mailbag. “I was looking for something to fill my time,” he says. “I heard they had a program out, Meals on Wheels, and they were looking for people to drive.” Back then, Bob thought volunteering would be a simple way…
Dear Friend, Welcome to the Spring 2025 edition of Harvester. This season, we highlight stories about community connections and healthy food. First, you’ll meet Bob, a retired postal worker whose dedication to service has taken a new route. Bob’s journey from mail routes to meal routes highlights his continued commitment to service — delivering not…
Long before Sam Parra established Parra Wine Co., he grew up in wine country: Napa Valley. His parents, who came to the US from Mexico via the Bracero work visa program, spent their entire careers in Napa, along with his uncles. Though Sam has branched out into sales and marketing, wine has always been his…
Meet Kathy, who just visited a Marion Polk Food Share pantry for the first time. Struggling with both the impact of a serious health diagnosis and a limited income, Kathy’s life reflects the complex challenges many in our community navigate daily. Thanks to kind people like you, Kathy enjoys access to fresh produce, fruits, and…
Brant’s aging Ford Ranger symbolizes the financial pressures many face, as rising maintenance costs stretch household budgets thin. “I’m so pushed financially trying to pay back the truck,” Brant says, highlighting the ripple effects of maintaining an older vehicle on a fixed income. According to a 2023 report by the AAA, a vehicle owner driving…
After serving his country bravely in the Vietnam War, Daniel found new challenges at home. “It took me about 4 years to feel acclimated again,” Daniel reflects, sharing how tough it was to adapt to civilian life. Many veterans face these struggles, including dealing with economic instability and food insecurity. “I’m low income and sometimes…
Louie, a 77-year-old tribal elder from the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe in Washington’s lush Olympic Peninsula, is deeply connected to his heritage. Despite growing up away from the tribal area, he maintained his connection to his heritage through his S’Klallam father and regular tribal engagements. The tribe supported him in getting his bachelor’s degree at The…
At Chemeketa Community College, an old semi truck’s transformation embodies more than just the repurposing of materials. It symbolizes a pathway to empowerment and opportunity for students who navigate both food insecurity and academic pressures. This truck, donated by Marion Polk Food Share after serving in food distribution for years, now plays a crucial role…
