Sisters Food Bank, run by the Kiwanis Club of Sisters, was lively one cold Thursday morning as people eagerly awaited their food orders. Here, the process feels a lot like dining out. Visitors choose from available items, and volunteers fetch their selections. Those waiting took comfort in a warm pot of soup, a small but appreciated touch.
Brian Banks, a local resident and PacificSource employee, stood on the sidewalk with his child, collecting a full bag of essentials, including applesauce and oatmeal. With both he and his wife juggling six jobs, every little bit helps, especially given the high cost of living in Central Oregon.
Recently, there was a heated debate about the funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Oregon’s SNAP cards were finally funded on November 7, thanks to a federal court order. With the government reopening, things returned to normal, allowing families to access their benefits as scheduled.
Governor Tina Kotek emphasized the importance of timely assistance, saying, “Oregonians shouldn’t have to wait for a court order to get the help they qualify for.” SNAP supports one in six Oregonians, equating to about 18% of households. In Jefferson, Crook, and Deschutes counties, 23,405 households rely on food benefits.
Organizer Jeff Taylor shared that Sisters Food Bank just had two of its busiest days ever. The Kiwanis Club has managed the food bank since the 1980s. Unlike many food banks, Sisters Food Bank has the community support it needs, often receiving assistance from local farms and organizations like NeighborImpact, which typically supplies a significant portion of the food.
Taylor mentioned that people’s needs vary widely. Some families have limited cooking resources and prefer single ingredients like beans and vegetables, while others seek ready-to-eat meals. To help everyone, Seed to Table offers recipes along with its produce, making cooking easier and encouraging healthier choices.
The recent increase in demand hasn’t overwhelmed the food bank. Oregon Food Bank’s guidelines encourage patrons to select their own items, reducing food waste. Taylor observed, “People are generally considerate. They only take what they need.”
Addressing common misconceptions, Taylor noted that many people facing food insecurity are in desperate situations. About a third are experiencing the toughest times in their lives, while another third are retirees. The final group consists of working individuals who still can’t make ends meet.
One frequent visitor is Kyle Nihei, who has been homeless for two years. He relies on the food bank and other community resources and generally prefers canned goods.
Sandra Rosencrantz volunteers, delivering food for both Sisters Food Bank and another local market. She also picks up some items for herself, like carrots for her horse.
In Bend, the Salvation Army operates a food pantry that has seen an influx of over a thousand new visitors this year. They partner with NeighborImpact and purchase additional supplies. For many residents, like Irma Hernandez, the pantry has become a vital resource during tough times.
Other local churches also contribute by providing food services. Bend’s Foundry Church and Methodist Church both have dedicated pantries. Recently, The Giving Plate welcomed around 50 patrons to its shopper-style community store, where families can collect groceries twice a month.
These community efforts emphasize the shared responsibility among locals to support one another. With food insecurity on the rise, especially post-pandemic, public and private collaborations remain essential for addressing these pressing needs.
For further insights into food assistance programs, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services for updates and guidance.
