Central Oregon employee-owned stores, shoppers team up for ‘Food for February’, raise $85K to fight hunger

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Shoppers across Central Oregon helped raise more than $85,000 to fight hunger through the 15th annual Food for February fundraiser organized by Newport Avenue Market, Oliver Lemon’s, and Ollie’s Kitchen.

The employee-owned grocery stores announced Thursday that the campaign brought in a record $85,236.70, with more than $30,000 matched by parent company Rudy’s Markets, Inc. The funds will support Family Kitchen, which serves Bend, Redmond, and Terrebonne, and the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank.

The month-long fundraiser took place in December, when customers donated at checkout counters at all three store locations. The employee-owned markets also use their wholesale relationships to make contributions go further: buying fresh produce, meat, and other staples at reduced prices based on needs identified by local nonprofits.

Newport Avenue Market launched Food for February in 2011 to address the post-holiday drop in food donations. February is often one of the toughest months for families facing food insecurity. The Oregon Food Bank Network recently reported that one in eight Oregonians are experiencing hunger, with food assistance visits up 31% from the previous year.

Since its inception, Food for February has raised nearly $716,000, including more than $311,000 in matching company funds.

“Food for February is about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Lauren G.D. Redman, CEO and president of Newport Avenue Market. “Our customers show up year after year with incredible generosity, and as a 100% employee-owned company, it’s important to us to match that commitment.”

Family Kitchen Board President Allison Slater said the fundraiser directly supports their mission. “Access to healthy food is central to our mission, and our long-standing partnership with Newport Avenue Market and their shoppers allows us to meet people where they are with compassion and respect,” she said.

Jeff Taylor and Doug Wills, directors of the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, said support from Oliver Lemon’s and its customers helps them keep up with growing demand. “Balancing rising food costs with increasing demand is an ongoing challenge,” they said in a statement.

Rising prices continue to strain families and nonprofits across the region, making campaigns like Food for February a vital source of support during the winter months.