Newport Market’s ‘Food for February’ breaks records

Newport Avenue Market‘s “Food for February,” an annual fundraiser geared towards feeding the hungry in Central Oregon in collaboration with Family Kitchen of Bend, has surpassed last year’s numbers, raising an astonishing $21,278.57 from customer donations alone.

As promised, Newport Avenue Market matched those funds dollar-for-dollar, totaling $42,557.15! As a result, these funds will help Family Kitchen by providing roughly half of all ingredients needed to make the 60,000+ meals they anticipate serving in 2015.

In its third year championing “Food for February,” Newport Avenue Market worked hand in hand with their warehouse, Unified Grocers, to selectively order hundreds of fresh foods, at wholesale prices, from Family Kitchen’s wish list. The food supply will then be delivered to Family Kitchen for approximately 48 consecutive weeks, starting Tuesday.

“We could not be more pleased that Newport Avenue Market chose to partner with us for the second year in a row,” said Donna Burklo, development and marketing director of Family Kitchen. “The donations of their generous shoppers and the company match during the 2014 Food for February drive will provide roughly half of all ingredients needed to make the 60,000+ meals we anticipate serving in 2015.

“The staff all know who we are and are proud to be making a difference for those in need in our community – it just doesn’t get any better than that!”

Family Kitchen’s weekly shopping lists are reviewed by Newport Avenue Market, who then determines the best way to stretch their dollars and also provide special treats. New items on this year’s list include fresh fruit, and holiday specialties like Corned Beef Cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day.

“We are proud to be part of one of the largest food donations in the tri-county region, thanks to our generous customers,” said Lauren G.R. Johnson, Leader of the Pack (vrrrooom!) & COO of Newport Avenue Market.

“December was truly a time of giving this holiday season! We are absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of our customers, and caring community. February is historically one of the hardest hitting months for hungry families in Central Oregon and this campaign will deliver food for February, and then some!”

To participate in Food for February, shoppers must have come into the market any time in December.

For more information about Food for February or Newport Avenue Market, call 541-382-3940 or visit www.newportavemarket.com.