Emergency Food
We work with a network of 25+ partner agencies throughout Josephine County to distribute over 2 million pounds of food each year and feed 18,000 people (1:5 people in Josephine County) every month. We source this food from local donors, the Oregon Food Bank, the USDA, grocery store partners, and our own Raptor Creek Farm. Our network distributes this food through food pantries, meal sites, and supplemental agencies to all who need it.
Food pantries provide a variety of fresh and shelf-stable groceries, typically enough for a three-to-five days supply. Meal sites provide fresh, ready-to-eat meals intended for that day. If you are in need of food assistance or have any questions about if you qualify for free food assistance, please visit our Get Help page.
Food Recovery Program
Roughly one-fifth of the food we collect and distribute each year comes from a grocery recovery program called Fresh Alliance. This program recovers safe, edible grocery items (that might otherwise be composted or discarded) and allows us to redistribute them to people experiencing need.
The Fresh Alliance Program allows us to offer our community fresh, varied products not typically found in food boxes, such as name-brand items, fresh meats and fish, deli items, and more. The Fresh Alliance program is a significant source of food for our organization – in 2020, we rescued over 500,000 lbs from the waste cycle!
Our current grocery partners include Albertsons, Big Lots, Bimbo Bread, Fred Meyer, Safeway, Walmart, WinCo, and Umpqua Dairy. If you are interested in volunteering for this program, please register to volunteer, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator.
Mobile Pantries
In order to best serve our diverse and rural community, the Josephine County Food Bank operates mobile pantries in communities that lack or are under-served by existing food networks. We currently hold weekly pantries in the communities of Kerby and Wolf Creek, and pop-up pantries across Josephine County as needed. If you are interested in volunteering for our mobile pantry program, please register to volunteer, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator.
Raptor Creek Farm
Raptor Creek Farm is our 2.5-acre community-led farm and educational hub that produces 270,000 servings of diverse vegetables each year. A program of the Josephine County Food Bank, Raptor Creek Farm exists to meet the nutritional needs of our community, ensuring that our food bank has consistent access to nutrient-rich produce like leafy greens, peppers, and legumes.
All food on the farm is grown using organic methods and is lovingly tended to by our two farm staff and many dedicated volunteers. Raptor Creek Farm also serves as a learning space for youth and adults of all ages through hands-on lessons, tours, and workshops. Please contact us if your group is interested in a field trip or volunteer experience!
Community Garden
The Community Garden at Raptor Creek Farm is a shared space dedicated to empowering individuals through free access to 16 raised beds. Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive environment where community members can safely and actively engage in the joy of growing their own produce. Please contact us if you would like more information or are interested in signing up for a raised bed.
Nutrition Education
Josephine County Food Bank’s nutrition education program equips individuals who rely on food pantries with the skills to cook nutritious meals using the surprising and sometimes unfamiliar ingredients found in food boxes. We do so through hands-on cooking and tasting demonstrations through our Food Demo program, held during food pantry hours and at HUD retirement facilities. If you are passionate about cooking, join us as a volunteer instructor!
Please contact our Education Coordinator if you are interested in learning more.
Adult and Youth Education
Our education programs empower adults and children alike to make healthier choices. By providing knowledge and practical skills, we aim to create a healthier future for our community. For adults, we host monthly workshops and education series. For youth, we provide year-round education through our Planting Seeds for the Future program, with activities like school field trips, garden tastings, and school garden education. We also hold an immersive 11-week Summer Garden Camp for elementary-aged youth who are interested in learning more about the natural world, food, and our place in it.
If you are interested in learning more about our educational programs, please visit: Community Garden, Youth Internship Project, Adult Education Series, Summer Garden Camp, School Gardens or Food Demonstrations.