Since we began our involvement with the KGW Great Food Drive in 2017, we’ve helped donate more than 6.7 million pounds of food, providing over 5.6 million meals to families in need across Oregon and Southwest Washington. This year’s effort has been particularly important as food insecurity risks have increased due to the ongoing pandemic.
Food Insecurity and the Pandemic: A Growing Challenge
The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the challenges many families face in our region. The crisis had a devastating impact on school meal programs, access to healthcare, and the ability of many households to make ends meet. As more people are affected by job losses, illness, and economic uncertainty, food insecurity continues to be a critical issue.
In fact, 1 in 9 people in our area rely on food donations, and 1 in 5 children are affected by hunger. Additionally, almost 50% of Oregon children qualify for free or reduced lunch at school. The Oregon Food Bank and its network of food pantries have been vital in providing support to families in need, and thanks to the generosity of our community, the 2020 KGW Great Food Drive helped ensure that more families received the assistance they desperately needed.
A Community That Came Together
In 2020 Rivermark and partners—KGW, Toyota, Safeway, and many others—focused on raising monetary donations to ensure that every dollar could be stretched as far as possible. Thanks to the Oregon Food Bank’s wholesale purchasing power, each dollar donated went further, allowing the organization to purchase, collect, and distribute even more food to local communities.
Donations were accepted at Rivermark branches, local Toyota dealerships, and Safeway stores across the region, as well as through online contributions. Rivermark branches also collected both cash and non-perishable food donations, making it easy for members to contribute.
The Impact of Your Generosity
Thanks to your generosity, the 2020 KGW Great Food Drive achieved a truly incredible result: 3,607,839 pounds of food were donated! This surpasses the revised goal of 2.5 million pounds and will provide vital support to our neighbors in need. Every $10 donation provided 30 meals, and those meals will help families across Oregon and Clark County, Washington access the food they need to stay healthy and strong.
The funds raised will support the Oregon Food Bank Network, which distributes food through 21 regional food banks and more than 1,400 food assistance sites. These donations will continue to help families not only during the pandemic but as part of long-term efforts to eliminate food insecurity in our communities.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, or spread the word about this year’s drive. The overwhelming response we received is a testament to the kindness and generosity of our community, and we are grateful for your support. With your help, we were able to provide vital resources to those facing hunger.
Though the official drive has ended, food insecurity remains a year-round challenge, and the Oregon Food Bank is still accepting donations to support our communities as we continue to #EmergeStronger from the effects of COVID-19. If you are able, please consider making a contribution to help those in need. You can donate directly to the Oregon Food Bank at oregonfoodbank.org.
Together, we have shown that when we come together as a community, we can achieve incredible things. Thank you for making the 2020 KGW Great Food Drive a true success!
