Our mission is to lead the fight to end hunger in Marion and Polk counties … because no one should be hungry.

In 1987, Marion Polk Food Share was formed as an independent nonprofit to help lead the fight to end hunger in Marion and Polk counties. Today, the Food Share collects and distributes food to a network of more than 100 partner agencies. Support from the community makes it possible for the Food Share to distribute food to meal sites, food pantries, foster homes, low-income day care centers, shelters, and senior housing sites across the Mid-Valley. We also operate Meals on Wheels in Salem and Keizer, which delivers meals to seniors and disabled adults.

Every month, more than 46,000 people – including 15,000 children – will access emergency food through the Marion Polk Food Share partner network. This food may be a hot meal served at a shelter, a free community meal served at a church, or an emergency food box from a food pantry. This nutritious food will help children and adults learn, work, and thrive.

The Food Share also supports programs that address the root causes of hunger. These programs include:

• Community gardens, which grow healthy food and healthy communities.
• Job skills training programs that empower people to find and keep jobs.
• The Youth Farm, a partnership with the OSU Extension 4H Youth Program, provides business, agriculture, and leadership training to young people while growing produce for emergency food distribution.

If you believe no one deserves to be hungry, you can put your belief into action by volunteering your time, donating food or consider becoming a Sustainer Circle member.