OFB Improves Food Access in Clackamas County Thanks to Kaiser Permanente Grant

December 19, 2019 — Oregon Food Bank (OFB) is excited to announce expanded food access in Clackamas County, thanks to a $15,000 volunteer grant from Kaiser Permanente Gives. Each year, the program supports nonprofits that KP employees are passionate about and donate their time to. Oregon Food Bank was nominated by Kaiser Permanente leader Jenny Smith, who has served on the OFB Board of Directors since 2017. 

Thanks in part to KP’s generous support, Oregon Food Bank distributed more than 3.6 million meals worth of food to area families — an increase of 22% over the prior year. Four new food distribution sites came online through the Clackamas Expansion Project, including  those on Clackamas Community College campuses. An additional site for houseless youth opened at Milwaukie High School’s health center through a partnership with Outside In. Combined, these efforts were able to serve 97 meals per person in need (MPIN) throughout the year!

The Clackamas Expansion Project is one of many efforts between Oregon Food Bank and partners like Kaiser Permanente to increase access to fresh, healthy food in under-served communities. These partnerships implement innovative food distribution models to meet diverse and culturally-specific needs — and consistently seek feedback from local community members to inform program strategy. The project has found a perfect match in Kaiser Permanente Gives, whose mission is rooted in the belief that community engagement plays a crucial role in the work of nonprofit organizations in the Northwest. Thank you, Kaiser Permanente, for your contributions to help end hunger in our community! 

There are many ways to join KP and other community partners in our shared effort to end hunger. Sign up to volunteer, donate, host a workplace drive or become an advocate today.