To respond to food insecurity during the pandemic and beyond, county leaders have partnered with the cities of Fairview, Wood Village and Troutdale to collaborate and share resources.
Organizers of the existing food pantry in East Multnomah County just cleared their largest hurdle Friday, funding the purchase of a 20’ cold refrigeration unit. Thanks to County Commissioner Lori Stegmann and Chair Deborah Kafoury, Multnomah County will direct CARES ACT funds to purchase an onsite cold storage unit that will be located at Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church where the food pantry will be hosted.
Multnomah County, in partnership with Fairview Mayor Brian Cooper, Wood Village Mayor Scott Harden and Troutdale City Councilor Zach Hudson, has been coordinating a response to the growing number of East County residents who are struggling to put food on the table due to the pandemic.
“I am so proud that we’ve come together and found a way to increase food access in East County,” Commissioner Stegmann said. “The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the need for governments of all sizes to increase safety net services to ensure that our community members can keep a roof over their heads and have access to food for themselves and their families.”
The seeds for this food pantry were planted this summer in Fairview when volunteers began distributing food boxes. With the need for food increasing rapidly, these leaders began collaborating with Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church and the Oregon Food Bank to create a more permanent food pantry. The goal was to have onsite cold storage so they could distribute more food boxes.
Smith Memorial Rev. Brad Busiek, hopes to begin this increased distribution by January 1, 2021. Once Smith Memorial is able to install the refrigeration unit, leaders plan to expand the number of families served weekly.
“COVID has hit our East County communities hard, upending workplaces, schools and social networks. Yet, East County people stepped forward to help their neighbors and want to do more in the future,’’ said Chair Kafoury. “I’m so glad the County could help support these community members taking care of one another.’’
Currently, the food pantry regularly serves about 100 families from Gresham, Fairview, Portland, Troutdale and Wood Village. Also the Multnomah County Sheriff Office’s Homeless Outreach and Programs Engagement (HOPE) team distributes food boxes to community members experiencing homelessness.
People, businesses or organizations who are interested in donating or for more information, please contact Rev. Brad Busiek with Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Rev. Brad Busiek, pastor
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church
2420 NE Fairview Avenue
Fairview, OR 97024
office 503-667-6800
cell 503-539-3277