Join Us for the ‘Food Can Tsunami: The Fourth Wave’ Event – Saturday, April 26, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM!

Local food banks are facing an urgent situation. With cuts to SNAP (food stamp) benefits, many families now rely more on these vital resources. The Oregon Food Bank, which funnels food to many local banks, has frozen federal funding. This means the supply of food is running low just as demand is skyrocketing.

To illustrate this, the North County Food Bank has seen a huge increase in clients over the past few years. In 2021, they served around 2,250 people. Last year, in 2022, that number jumped to nearly 4,500, and it continues to rise. For 2023, they’ve helped close to 5,700 people, and projections for 2024 show that they might serve almost 9,000 clients—a staggering increase of more than 300% in just a few years.

Where does the food come from? Here’s a quick breakdown:
– 35% is from individual and group donations.
– 29% from locally grown produce.
– 25% comes from local food drives.
– 12% from businesses.

They also purchase food from various sources, with 59% coming from local stores and 20% from big box stores. Unfortunately, assistance from the Oregon Food Bank is dwindling, with only 14% of their food supply coming from there.

Funding is also a challenge. Around 39% of their support comes from groups and foundations, while the remaining 61% relies on generous individuals. This community support is crucial to feeding families in need.

One community initiative making a big impact is the Food Can Tsunami. This event combines a food drive with emergency preparedness. Participants review their emergency supplies and donate food. If you’re considering joining, it’s simple. You can check your emergency bags, gather your donations, and drop them off at designated sites like the Manzanita Police Station or Nehalem City Park.

While the food banks warmly welcome all donations, they especially request:
– Canned fruits and vegetables
– Dry pasta
– Peanut butter and jam
– Unopened pet food

The need for food assistance is not going away anytime soon. Experts warn that food insecurity can lead to serious health issues. According to recent studies, food insecurity has been linked to higher rates of chronic diseases and mental health problems.

As of last year, a survey showed that about 10% of households in the U.S. faced food insecurity, a number that experts believe has likely worsened due to economic factors and inflation. Community support and initiatives like the Food Can Tsunami are essential to address this growing issue.

If you’re looking to help, consider reaching out to local food banks or participating in community events. They appreciate every single donation and act of kindness. Together, we can make a difference.



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