Giving Plate’s Backpacks for Bend program receives grant

In June 2018, The Giving Plate adopted the Backpacks for Bend program. In its first year running the program, The Giving Plate increased the number of children served by 40% in 28 Bend/La Pine schools and provided a total of 14,630 bags of food over the school year ensuring that no child has to face a weekend of hunger.

The Giving Plate’s Backpacks for Bend program was recently honored to receive a $23,000 grant from Oregon Community Foundation (OCF). This funding was in partnership with several donor advised funds which include the following: Edith M. & Paul E. Sobel Charitable Fund of OCF, Ward Family Fund of OCF, Rudy & Debbie Dory Fund of OCF, and Mildred F. Hoskins Fund.

“All of us at The Giving Plate are truly grateful for Oregon Community Foundation’s partnership in fighting childhood hunger in our community. This funding has lifted a financial weight that will allow us to focus on continuing to improve this program while we work to raise community awareness surrounding the transition of the program to The Giving Plate,” said The Giving Plate Executive Director Ranae Staley.

Oregon Community Foundation puts donated money to work in Oregon – more than $100 million in grants and scholarships annually. Since 1973, OCF grantmaking, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses and organization create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. For more information visit: https://www.oregoncf.org/

“Our non-profit partners work passionately to improve quality of life and build community resiliency in our region. The Oregon Community Foundation is proud to partner with The Giving Plate in their efforts to serve the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Cheryl Puddy, Program Officer for Oregon Community Foundation in Central and Eastern Oregon.

The Giving Plate is a 501(c)3 food pantry that has helped Central Oregon families and individuals struggling with food insecurity since 2010. Its mission is “feeding the hungry today with compassion and hospitality.” To learn more about donating to the Giving Plate visit www.thegivingplate.org/rsvp/.