Google awards CGFB $100,000 Community Food Systems Grants

Columbia Gorge Food Bank is thrilled to announce the expansion of hunger relief programs across the Gorge region thanks in part to a new $100,000 grant from Google which operates data centers in The Dalles. “As we work to recover from the pandemic, rising inflation and the cost of food and fuel are putting more families at risk of hunger. With many temporary COVID relief benefits expiring, people are needing support more than ever,” said Sharon Thornberry, CGFB Manager.

“We are proud to partner with an organization that is creating both short- and long-term food solutions,” said Kate Franko, Google’s Regional Head of Data Center Public Affairs. “This grant will help local families of all backgrounds by connecting them with sustainably, locally produced food.” The support from Google will be used to fund local food systems and food access programs including:

• Provide Native American communities with culturally appropriate food and propane for cooking.

• Support community gardens and contracts with small farmers.

• Build food security beyond emergency food assistance through partner collaboration.

• Provide SNAP match funding at farmers markets to enable participants to purchase more food fresh from local farmers.

• Purchase equipment and furnishings for a community room, learning kitchen and pantry space at the Columbia Gorge Food Bank’s new warehouse and Community Food Center.

Photo Credit The Dalles Farmers Market, where SNAP will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to support from Google and the Columbia Gorge Food Bank.

“CGFB has provided leadership and invaluable guidance on how to strengthen our local food system,” said Kathleen Willis, South Wasco Alliance Board Chair. “Through our partnership, we’ve been able to open two new pantries serving South Wasco County, connect our small farmers to CGFB contracts, expand our community garden and food education programs, and support the opening of a new local farmers market this summer.”

The Columbia Gorge Food Bank serves over 5,000 community members per month and our reach has more than doubled in recent years. Throughout the pandemic CGFB has expanded services to Native American and Latinx families, farmworkers and rural communities including in South Wasco and along the Columbia River.