The 2022 KGW Great Food Drive was an overwhelming success, thanks to the incredible generosity of our community. Rivermark Credit Union, in partnership with KGW, Pacific Office Automation, Safeway, local Toyota Dealers, and many other supporters, helped raise funds and donations to provide over 2 million meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
For the past six years, Rivermark has been a proud sponsor of the KGW Great Food Drive, and our ongoing commitment to fighting hunger has never been more crucial. Since our involvement began in 2017, we’ve helped donate more than 10 million pounds of food, which has provided over 8.5 million meals to local families.
Addressing the Growing Need
The pandemic has had a profound impact on food insecurity, highlighting the vulnerabilities of many in our community. With a significant portion of the population struggling due to loss of income, job insecurity, and a lack of access to healthcare, food assistance has become more important than ever.
At the peak of the pandemic, 1 in 4 Oregonians sought food assistance, and the Oregon Food Bank distributed 1.7 million meals to those in need. As we continued navigating the challenges of COVID-19, the need for food support remained critical, and the 2022 KGW Great Food Drive stepped up to meet that need.
A Community Comes Together
The focus of this year's drive was on monetary donations, allowing the Oregon Food Bank to leverage its wholesale purchasing power to stretch every dollar as far as possible. Rivermark and our partners worked together to raise funds that would be distributed across the Oregon Food Bank Network, which includes 21 regional food banks and over 1,400 food assistance sites in Oregon and Clark County, Washington.
Rivermark’s branches collected both cash donations and food donations, while our partners Safeway, Toyota, and local businesses also served as donation sites. Throughout March, Rivermark members and the broader community showed up in force to support the cause, with every dollar donated helping to provide 30 meals to those in need.
A Big Thank You to Our Supporters
The 2022 KGW Great Food Drive would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff, members, and volunteers, as well as the support of our generous partners. Rivermark branches, Toyota dealerships, and participating Safeway stores all played key roles in making this year’s drive a success. Your contributions made a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of families facing food insecurity.
We are also incredibly grateful to the Oregon Food Bank for their tireless work throughout the year in supporting those in need. This year, we all came together to ensure that more families in our region had access to the food they needed to stay healthy and safe during a challenging time.
Keep the Spirit of Giving Alive
Though the 2022 KGW Great Food Drive has wrapped up, the need for food assistance continues. The Oregon Food Bank remains dedicated to supporting our communities year-round, and donations are always needed. Please consider donating today to help #EmergeStronger in the wake of COVID-19 and ensure that families in our community have the resources they need to thrive.
To make a donation, visit Oregon Food Bank.
Together, we’ve proven that when we come together as a community, we can make a difference. Thank you for your support during the 2022 KGW Great Food Drive! Let’s continue to fight hunger and help those in need, every day.
