Hunger Doesn’t Take a Summer Break—And Thanks to You, Neither Do We
The days are getting warmer, and summer is just around the corner. Kids are counting down the days to vacation, and here in Central Oregon, we’re lucky to be surrounded by natural beauty and endless outdoor adventures. But as we head into this sunny season, it’s important to remember that while school may pause and routines shift—hunger does not take a summer break.
In fact, this time of year is one of our most challenging with donations of food and funding slowing, while the need for food continues—and it’s growing.
A Look at the Numbers...
In May 2025, we shared 74,948 pounds of food, providing nearly 60,000 meals through our Grocery Program and had 7,520 visits from individuals across all our programs.
We are already serving 30% more families in 2025 than we did on average in 2024. And last year, we experienced a 40% increase over 2023. The need is growing—exponentially. Just take a look at this graph comparing the past three months in our Grocery Program:
(Comparison of households served: March, April, May 2023–2025)
Standing Strong Since 2010
When my parents started The Giving Plate in 2010, we didn’t have a large funder or government dollars. What we had and still have is our community—friends like YOU.
Yes, we’ve grown with support from NeighborImpact and access to USDA food, but the heart of this work has always been you. In 2024, 72% of the food we gave was made possible because of the local community. When SNAP benefits were reduced in 2022, or during COVID, you helped us respond with compassion, not fear.
And today, we continue to stand confidently at the frontlines—because of your support.
💚 Thank you to everyone who fills green bags through the Bend Food Project.
💚 Thank you to those who give monthly, donate food, offer prayers, or give time.
💚 Thank you for every gift, large or small, that keeps our programs going strong.
Hope in a Child’s Handwritten Note
A few weeks ago, someone shared a photo with me that melted my heart. A young guest at our Kid’s Korner Market left behind this handwritten note:
“This place is the best place I ever been to.” Young guest of Kid's Korner Market
Forget Google reviews—this one says it all. This is the fuel that keeps me going and feeds hope to my heart, and this is the kind of impact you make possible.
So as we enter the summer months, I want to simply say: thank you. Thank you for being the reason we don’t have to lead with fear or scarcity. Thank you for giving us the confidence to keep showing up and feeding hope—together.
With joy,
Ranae Staley, Executive Director
