$6.4M Philanthropic Match Expands Oregon Hunger Relief
State and philanthropic partners join forces to increase funding for food banks, pantries, and community organizations across Oregon.
Oregon is expanding its statewide food security response through a new public–private partnership announced today by Governor Tina Kotek. Philanthropic groups participating in the Oregon Disaster Funders Network (ODFN) have matched the state’s recent $6 million investment, identifying more than $6.4 million in additional support for hunger relief organizations across Oregon.
The funding will assist regional food banks, local pantries, and community-based organizations responding to needs identified under the Governor’s emergency food order.
Although federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been restored following the federal government shutdown, Governor Kotek said the crisis highlighted long-standing gaps in Oregon’s food security network.
“Our fight to keep food on the table for Oregonians during the federal shutdown exposed critical gaps in food security across the state,” Governor Kotek said. “The momentum we have built to help feed people in Oregon isn’t going away. I’m grateful to every donor, volunteer, and community partner who has answered the call to feed their neighbors.”
Following the emergency declaration, the Governor asked ODFN to coordinate philanthropic partners and identify areas where additional funding could address unmet needs. ODFN organized statewide grantmakers, shared tools for local service providers to submit requests, and connected donors with organizations requesting support.
“We are able to respond swiftly and effectively to crises like these through coordination across the state,” said Kara Inae Carlisle, president and CEO of The Ford Family Foundation. “We established the Oregon Disaster Funders Network in 2020 to support recovery from the catastrophic Labor Day fires, and we continue to see the benefit of this unified approach.”
Funding has been distributed to communities across Oregon, including Tillamook County, Klamath County, Coos Bay, La Grande, and other rural and urban areas. Support has ranged from purchasing vehicles to transport food donations, hiring or expanding staff, and strengthening programs serving seniors, tribal communities, and student food assistance initiatives.
“Philanthropy has been able to provide flexible funds that service providers can use to fill gaps; in this ever-evolving landscape, this flexibility is a lifeline,” said Kristin Kelley Monahan, Manager of ODFN. “We can fund farther and fund effectively when we fund together.”
To date, philanthropic partners have identified $6,471,800 in matching resources, with more than $4 million already awarded to address urgent hunger needs.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) convened a philanthropy task force to help coordinate the funding effort. In collaboration with the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM), the task force identified areas of greatest food insecurity and provided data to guide philanthropic decisions.
“OEM’s role is to coordinate and clear pathways so support reaches people faster,” said Erin McMahon, Director of OEM. “Alongside our partners, we will continue to amplify information on food access needs, match support to on-the-ground demands, and keep the public informed.”
How to Help
Donate to statewide hunger relief efforts:
Give to the Stronger Together Fund through the Oregon Community Foundation, an ODFN member. All contributions made through December 31, 2025, will support hunger relief across Oregon.
Join the Oregon Disaster Funders Network:
Information for philanthropic organizations interested in participating is available on the ODFN website.
Support regional food distribution:
Donate directly to the Oregon Food Bank at: https://secure.oregonfoodbank.org/a/xap
