Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donates 20 tons of food to 2 C.O. groups

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A semi-truckload of 20 tons of food was recently delivered to NeighborImpact in Redmond and the La Pine Community Kitchen from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City.

Half of the donation was delivered to NeighborImpact the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 30 for the benefit of Bethlehem Inn and other local food pantries and kitchens in need of non-perishable food to feed hungry families.

The other half was delivered to La Pine Community Kitchen on Thursday morning, Oct. 1. 

The food donation included mixed canned goods offering supplies of protein, vegetables, fruit and other necessary staples.

Food banks are seeing dramatic shortages in non-perishable food supplies. Families are facing food scarcity because of COVID-19 forced layoffs, wildfires and non-perishable food shortages.  Needs for food in our community have doubled and tripled for some non-profit agencies serving those in need.

“The generous food donation allows our food bank to continue to provide quality, non-perishable food to clients in Crook, Jefferson and Deschutes County," said Carly Sanders, NeighborImpact's Food Program director.

"During a time when shelf stable items can be hard to resource and the need for food higher than ever, this gift helps ensure no one in Central Oregon goes hungry,” she said.

“Bethlehem Inn is so grateful for the partnership and support received over the years from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," said Gwenn Wysling, executive director. "This includes prepared meals, volunteers and event donations such as Journey to Bethlehem each Christmas."

"During the current COVID-19 environment, receiving vital staples for our food program is especially appreciated and needed to maintain our ability to serve three meals a day for those staying at Bethlehem Inn," she added.  As the regional food bank, NeighborImpact serves as an important partner in distribution of such important food supplies. Their involvement in receiving and getting food supplies to us and other partners reinforces the collaboration and gift of community LDS's generous donation makes possible.” 

Sharri Dempsey, general manager of La Pine Community Kitchen, said, “With the help of the LDS Community, we now have better capacity to help meet our community needs with food, clothing and a welcoming safe environment. We here at the kitchen are humbled and grateful.  Thank you."

Greg Stevens, president of the Bend, Oregon Stake, explained, “Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fast for two meals monthly, contributing the monies they would have spent for those meals to the Church. They also help grow, process and package food in preparation to help those in need.

"Like other faith communities, we take seriously the example of and request from Jesus Christ to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and serve our fellow man. At this time of great need, we are grateful to be able to supply over 40,000 pounds of food to help feed families in our area. We pray for the health and healing of all during the COVID-19 pandemic and those affected by the wildfires.”