Bend market’s fundraiser helps Family Kitchen
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Newport Avenue Market customers, team members and suppliers have raised $45,031.50 to help alleviate hunger in Bend. The money raised as a result of Newport's Food for February fundraiser will be used to purchase groceries at cost for Family Kitchen of Bend.
The funds are expected to provide enough meals for Family Kitchen for one year.
Newport Avenue Market shoppers donated throughout December, and the employee-owned market matched the funds donated dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000. The program maximizes donation dollars, with Newport Avenue Market working closely with the wholesaler, SuperValu, to use the funds to order thousands of pounds of fresh food from Family Kitchen’s wish list.
Additionally, this year, shoppers at Oliver Lemon’s in Sisters also donated $8,454 to the Food for February program, which Oliver Lemon’s matched for a total of $13,454. The funds will stay in the Sisters community to support the Kiwanis Food Bank.
February is one of the most challenging months for hungry families in Central Oregon. Money is tight after the holidays, donations dwindle, and food pantries are depleted.
Since 2011, Food for February has raised nearly $270,000 for hungry families in Central Oregon, including $129,000 in matching funds from Newport Avenue Market.
“Thanks to shopper generosity, we are able to provide Family Kitchen with enough meals for an entire year,” said Lauren Johnson, CEO of Newport Avenue Market.
"I love working with the staff at Newport Market, placing our orders for our daily meals. They truly care about our diners and about making all of our interactions as smooth as possible,” said Jan Hedges, Kitchen Coordinator at Family Kitchen.
"To have a local, employee-owned market involve not only their staff but also their shoppers in this effort to bring quality ingredients to our diner population - it's just beautiful. Every year I get that same feeling all over again. And every week when that delivery appears, and the diners come out to help unload - it's such a fantastic picture of an entire community in action for the benefit of all," said Donna Burklo, Program Director, Family Kitchen.
About Newport Avenue Market
Since opening in 1976, Newport Avenue Market in Bend, Oregon, has been the No. 1 choice of foodies in Central Oregon. A 100-percent employee-owned boutique grocer, Newport offers shoppers both mainstream and hard-to-find food items as well as kitchenware and unusual gifts. A 20-time winner of “Best Grocery Store” in Central Oregon by The Source Weekly’s annual community poll, the market supports local producers and offers an expansive selection of high-quality, in-demand food and beverage items, including 500 varieties of craft beer. For more details, go to www.newportavemarket.com.
About Family Kitchen
Guided by the belief that nobody should be hungry, the Family Kitchen has been providing meals to anyone in need since 1986. Family Kitchen serves three dinners and four lunches each week, averaging 4,500 meals per month served by over 250 volunteers. Our diners are treated with respect and are asked nothing but to leave with a full stomach. Family Kitchen operates as a separate entity sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Church (EIN 93-0427371). For more information, please visit www.familykitchen.org.
