Catalyzed by the weeklong freeze to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in November, the Marion County food bank is still recovering from the unprecedented surge in community need.
To help stabilize the local food pantry system following the increased demand, the Willamette Health Council recently donated $89,000 to the Marion Polk Food Share, on top of another $100,000 grant earlier this fall. These donations enabled the food share to purchase high-need items, including protein, canned goods, produce and pantry staples, after its shelves were rapidly depleted during the freeze.
In addition to the SNAP delay, the food share — which serves the Woodburn AWARE Food Bank — says new federal regulations on food assistance eligibility and Medicaid also continue to drive more people to their local food banks…