Mobile Pantry Program Shortens the Distance Between Families and Food

Your generosity makes it possible for children, families, and seniors to receive the essential food they need to work, learn and thrive. Thanks to you, this includes support for our neighbors in some of the more rural parts of our community.  

Often community resources are concentrated at population centers, which means people living in rural areas might not have access to the food assistance they need. At Marion Polk Food Share, our Mobile Pantry Program goes the distance to serve our neighbors experiencing the greatest need in rural parts of North Marion County.

During the pandemic, the Food Share began mobile pantry distributions to the Hubbard area after learning the community was without a nearby food pantry. Through collaboration with the North Marion Service Team, the Food Share found a perfect central location to serve our neighbors in North Marion County: Ravines Park in Hubbard. The park was already the site for the school district's summer meals program, which meant that community members were already familiar with receiving food assistance there. After receiving the City's approval, the Food Share team began year-round mobile pantry distributions, rain or shine at the park's picnic shelter. 

In many ways, food assistance at Rivenes Park has a long history here in Hubbard. The park is named after Paul Rivenes, a beloved Hubbard resident known for running the Rivenes Hubbard Market. Paul frequently allowed customers to purchase groceries on credit when they did not have enough to eat, often  forgiving their debts. The Food Share is honored to pay forward his generosity, and thanks donors like you for partnering with us.  

Your generosity helps ensure that our friends and neighbors can access nutritious food across our community. Thank you for your support. 

And thank you to Kaiser Permanente who joins you in supporting the Mobile Pantry Program.