Food for February: C. Oregon’s employee-owned grocery stores, communities unite to combat food insecurity
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As food insecurity reaches alarming levels in Central Oregon, Newport Avenue Market, Oliver Lemon’s, and Ollie’s Kitchen have exemplified the power of community by raising over $70,824 through their Food for February fundraiser.
Throughout December, generous shoppers contributed to this impactful program, which was matched by the 100% employee-owned markets, ensuring that local families have access to essential food resources.
The funds raised will directly benefit Family Kitchen and Sisters Kiwanis Foodbank, which serve communities in Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. Newport Avenue Market, Oliver Lemon’s, and Ollie’s Kitchen are committed to tackling hunger and have actively collaborated with wholesalers to source thousands of pounds of food at wholesale prices, including fresh produce and meat, aligned with the needs identified by Family Kitchen and Sisters Kiwanis Foodbank.
February poses significant challenges for food-insecure families in Central Oregon. Donations typically decrease during this time, depleting food pantries. According to the Oregon Food Bank Network, in 2024, food insecurity in Oregon became an increasingly urgent issue, with approximately 1 in 8 residents experiencing hunger, a notable rise from 2023, when 1 in 5 individuals faced similar struggles. Rising food and housing costs have worsened this alarming situation, resulting in a 14% increase in visits to food assistance sites last year.
Newport Avenue Market created Food for February to help fight hunger in Central Oregon. Since 2011, shoppers and the markets have raised almost $630,575 for hungry families in Central Oregon, including $279,063 in matching funds from Newport Avenue Market, Oliver Lemon’s, and this year, Ollie’s Kitchen.
“The generosity of our community of customers in December towards Food For February is inspiring,” said Lauren G. D. Redman, Leader of the Pack (vrrrooom!)/CEO & President at Newport Avenue Market. “That our neighbors, friends, and families give so much for us to match means far fewer people in Central Oregon will go hungry throughout 2025. Food for February is an important funding source for non-profit recipients, allowing them to buy groceries from their list at wholesale pricing to feed hungry people. We couldn’t be prouder to be the catalyst for this great amount of giving throughout Central Oregon.”
"We are incredibly thankful for our long-standing partnership with Newport Avenue Market. Providing healthy food to our diners is at the heart of our mission, and we truly couldn't achieve this without the support of our community. We feel fortunate to have friends like the Rudy Markets Inc. family in Central Oregon," Rob Knoth, Family Kitchen.
“As you can imagine, running a food bank is not easy. Balancing rising food costs against increasing demand and organizing the volunteer workforce can be challenging,” Jeff Taylor and Doug Wills, Directors of Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank. “We are so grateful for the generous community support from companies like Oliver Lemon's and their customers. It isn't just about the dollars though. When our community opens their hearts (and wallets) to help us, that's a vote of confidence that we are doing the right thing. This is very reaffirming to our small but dedicated team of volunteers. Thank you from everyone at the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank.”
Newport Avenue Market, Oliver Lemon’s, and Ollie’s Kitchen invite the community to join their efforts in combating food insecurity by participating in ongoing fundraising initiatives and supporting local food banks.
For more information about the Food for February program or ways to get involved, please contact Newport Avenue Market at 541-382-3940.
About Rudy’s Market Inc.
Since opening its flagship grocery store in 1976, Rudy’s Markets has been the No. 1 choice of foodies in Central Oregon. Today, Rudy’s Markets Inc. operates three locally founded, 100% employee-owned specialty grocery stores in Central Oregon: Newport Avenue Market in Bend, Oliver Lemon’s in Sisters and Terrebonne, and Ollie’s Kitchen in Redmond. Rudy’s Markets offers shoppers both mainstream and hard-to-find food items, kitchenware, and unusual gifts. Its stores support local producers and offer an expansive selection of high-quality, in-demand food and beverage items, including over 600 varieties of craft beer. For more details, go to www.newportavemarket.com - www.oliverlemons.com - www.ollieskitchen.com
Guided by the belief that nobody should be hungry, Family Kitchen has been providing meals to anyone in need since 1986. Family Kitchen serves three dinners and five lunches weekly in Bend, one dinner in Sisters, and five in Redmond. We partner with many service organizations, providing meals while they offer other critical services. Over 20,000 meals per month are prepared and served by over 450 volunteers. Our diners are treated with respect and are asked nothing but to leave with a full stomach. For more information, please visit www.familykitchen.org.
About Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank
In its three-decade history, Kiwanis of Sisters has been involved in the development and support of many community organizations, with a focus on local youth. In addition, Kiwanis volunteers operate the Sisters Food Bank. Annually, The Sisters Food Bank distributes over 100,000 pounds of food to those in need. Sisters Food Bank's hours of operation are Thursdays, 9 am-2 pm, located at 328 W. Main Street, Sisters, OR 97759. For more information, please visit www.sisterskiwanis.org
