A Website Committed to Providing a Single Source of Web Links and Information
for all Free Food Programs in and around Portland, Oregon.
for all Free Food Programs in and around Portland, Oregon.
I've started developing this web site with the goal of creating a one-stop portal to all major Portland food security providers and to encourage them to make it easy to find the answers to these four questions:
1. Where can I find food today?
2. What type of food program is it (prepacked bags/boxes, personal shopping/selection, driveup/walkup)?
3. What are the requirements to obtain food at each location/program?
4. What questions will I be asked to obtain food at each location?
In my studies of, and volunteering at, various food providers in and around Portland, I quickly realized that while there is an amazing abundance of free food pantries/food programs, there is no convenient way to educate those in need about all of them and, with some notable exceptions, their web sites have incomplete information about exactly where the pantry is operated, how the pantry operates, whether a person might "qualify," and what questions will be asked.
The many and varied "food banks" and "food pantries" and supporting food programs each have their own independent websites - sometimes without information about unaffiliated food programs in the same neighborhoods and usually without clear information about program requirements - and what questions will be asked. For example, the Oregon Food Bank web site doesn't list a major provider with a less recognized name: "Urban Gleaners" that has an excellent web site which is easy to navigate to their supported pantries and makes it clear they ask no qualifying questions. Similarly, "County" food banks only cover those providers in their geographical area. And, none of these major providers include information about a unique "financial literacy program" at Birch Community Services designed specifically for working families to overcome their financial challenges though obtaining food and financial counseling/training - potentially a more sustainable option for many. I've also noted that while some pantries/providers do provide specific qualification requirements (you must live in a certain zip code, for example) most have no information about what, potentially embarassing/disqualifying, questions might be asked. Urban Gleaners is a refreshing exception with their video-provided confirmation (here at time stamp 3:12) "...another crucial way we make our food access more inclusive is that we do not require any identification, proof of need, residency or tax documents. Paper work and often shameful proof of poverty testing can hinder access for many families who are simply going through difficult times."
It is my hope to continue to develop this website to be that one-stop source/portal of links to all Portland free food programs and to encourage each provider to publish their participation requirements/qualification questions so that next time you see or meet a person in need, you can suggest they visit "INeedFood.org" to begin their journey to food security.
Please feel encouraged to send an email to [email protected] if you know of resources/information that should be added or corrected on this site.
1. Where can I find food today?
2. What type of food program is it (prepacked bags/boxes, personal shopping/selection, driveup/walkup)?
3. What are the requirements to obtain food at each location/program?
4. What questions will I be asked to obtain food at each location?
In my studies of, and volunteering at, various food providers in and around Portland, I quickly realized that while there is an amazing abundance of free food pantries/food programs, there is no convenient way to educate those in need about all of them and, with some notable exceptions, their web sites have incomplete information about exactly where the pantry is operated, how the pantry operates, whether a person might "qualify," and what questions will be asked.
The many and varied "food banks" and "food pantries" and supporting food programs each have their own independent websites - sometimes without information about unaffiliated food programs in the same neighborhoods and usually without clear information about program requirements - and what questions will be asked. For example, the Oregon Food Bank web site doesn't list a major provider with a less recognized name: "Urban Gleaners" that has an excellent web site which is easy to navigate to their supported pantries and makes it clear they ask no qualifying questions. Similarly, "County" food banks only cover those providers in their geographical area. And, none of these major providers include information about a unique "financial literacy program" at Birch Community Services designed specifically for working families to overcome their financial challenges though obtaining food and financial counseling/training - potentially a more sustainable option for many. I've also noted that while some pantries/providers do provide specific qualification requirements (you must live in a certain zip code, for example) most have no information about what, potentially embarassing/disqualifying, questions might be asked. Urban Gleaners is a refreshing exception with their video-provided confirmation (here at time stamp 3:12) "...another crucial way we make our food access more inclusive is that we do not require any identification, proof of need, residency or tax documents. Paper work and often shameful proof of poverty testing can hinder access for many families who are simply going through difficult times."
It is my hope to continue to develop this website to be that one-stop source/portal of links to all Portland free food programs and to encourage each provider to publish their participation requirements/qualification questions so that next time you see or meet a person in need, you can suggest they visit "INeedFood.org" to begin their journey to food security.
Please feel encouraged to send an email to [email protected] if you know of resources/information that should be added or corrected on this site.
