The Nehalem Bay Health District and the North County Food Bank have teamed up to support their community. They’ve agreed to allow the Food Bank to use part of the soon-to-be-vacated Nehalem Bay Health Center for food storage and distribution.
This facility will be empty around October 8, 2025, as the Health Center staff moves to a new location. The Food Bank will lease space there for about nine months. This gives them time to finalize their new home behind the Hope Chest Thrift Shop, located between Nehalem and Manzanita on U.S. Highway 101.
The plan ensures that food distribution will continue with minimal disruption while they prepare their new location. The Food Bank expects to operate from their permanent site in about nine months and will keep the community updated on their progress.
The Health District also plans to start environmental cleanup of the old hospital later this year. Since this building is over 70 years old, it has been challenging to maintain, and the necessary cleanup cannot proceed while it’s occupied. The Food Bank has utilized part of this space for years.
Marc Johnson, the president of the Health District, expressed appreciation for the Food Bank’s mission and acknowledged the need for a change due to the building’s deteriorating condition.
Jackie McCrady, president of the North County Food Bank Board, noted that staying with the Health District for their temporary space is the best option. She expressed hope that food distribution will continue smoothly during their move.
“We’re really grateful for everyone involved in making this happen,” McCrady said. “Our community’s support is vital.”
In recent years, food banks across the nation have seen an increase in demand. According to Feeding America, over 38 million people in the U.S., including 12 million children, may face food insecurity this year. Collaborations like this one are essential to ensure communities have access to healthy food.
Working together, the Nehalem Bay Health District and the North County Food Bank aim to strengthen food security in their region, proving that unity can bring about meaningful change.
For more details, check out the full story here.
