Since 1985, FOOD For Lane County (FFLC) has been a lifeline providing hope and nourishment for thousands of families in Lane County. As part of the Oregon Food Bank statewide network and Feeding America (the national network), FFLC plays a vital role in the fight against hunger. Through a network of partner agencies, including food pantries, meal sites, and shelters, they distribute millions of pounds of food to those who would otherwise go without. In 2023 alone, FFLC distributed 8.3 million pounds of food, reaching over 80,000 individuals, ensuring that children and their families don’t face hunger alone.

Food Programs for Families & Children

FFLC offers several programs specifically focused on supporting children and families. The Snack Pack program provides elementary-aged children with bags of kid-friendly snacks to take home on weekends or during school breaks. In 2023, FFLC distributed 14,275 snack packs at six schools around Lane County, ensuring kids had something to eat when school meals are unavailable.  Additionally, their Cereal for Youth program distributes snack-sized portions of nutritious cereal to kids through schools and youth programs across Lane County, offering a convenient and healthy option during the school day. In 2023, over 233,000 packages of cereal were distributed to 95 local partners.  One student shared, “It’s a wonderful resource because not a lot of students have access to [healthy food] because they either have parents that can’t work, or sometimes students like me who don’t have family to provide for them.”

At Springfield High School (SHS), an on-site food pantry provides students and their families with weekly food boxes. “If you have these resources in such a common place, it normalizes asking for things you need,” says Midori R., a student at SHS.

FOOD For Lane County operates one of the largest Summer Food Programs in Oregon. The Summer Food Program (SFP) provides free, nutritious meals five days a week during the summer months when many families lose access to school meals. In the summer of 2024, FFLC hosted 31 meals site and served 28,840 meals to kids across Lane County.

The Dining Room, FOOD For Lane County’s meal site, provides hot meals in a welcoming, restaurant-style setting where guests are treated with dignity and respect. Unlike traditional meal sites, The Dining Room creates a community-oriented atmosphere, offering hearty portions served by caring staff and volunteers. This encourages connection and conversation, helping guests feel valued and cared for. Families with children are always welcome to visit the Dining Room. 

FOOD For Lane County operates its own Mobile Pantry program, designed to bring food to communities where traditional food pantries may be less accessible. The Mobile Pantry currently makes eight to twelve distribution stops across Eugene, Springfield, and Cottage Grove, ensuring wider reach. The Mobile Pantry provides recipients with a three-to-five-day supply of nutritionally balanced groceries.

The Garden Program also plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity while prioritizing community involvement, education, and sustainability. Collectively, the GrassRoots Garden and Youth Farm grow about 130,000 pounds of organic fruits and vegetables each year. The produce grown at these sites is distributed to food pantries and other FFLC programs, and is also sold at their youth-run farm stand every summer.

The GrassRoots Garden is a 2.5-acre site featuring a City of Eugene compost demonstration area

After 25 years of operating its Youth Farm on land owned by the Springfield School District, FOOD For Lane County purchased 25-acres of agricultural land near the base of Mt. Pisgah in Eugene. This purchase was made possible thanks to funds from the Oregon State Legislature and two anonymous donors. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for FOOD For Lane County. To safeguard this important agricultural land, have the opportunity to expand our growing operations, and to settle into a forever home for the Youth Farm is so special,” says FFLC Executive Director Carolyn Stein. “We can’t wait to invite the public to join us here when we fully transition our operations in 2026.” 

FOOD For Lane County also offers a Senior Grocery Box and Meals on Wheels to seniors in the community facing food insecurity. Other impactful programs include the Extra Helping initiative, which provides weekly servings of bread and produce to residents in affordable housing communities. Trillium Produce Plus brings fresh produce to community partners in a farmer’s market setting.

The Importance of Consistent Support

All FFLC programs not only address food insecurity, but build community engagement by encouraging volunteerism and participation. Consistent access to nutritious food is crucial for families, not only in the winter months, but year-round. FFLC’s work is possible because of the generosity of individuals in the community. Through donations, volunteering, or participating in a local food drive, contributions large or small can make a real difference.

How You Can Support FFLC This Giving Season 

1. Donate Funds: With every dollar donated to FFLC, the organization can access and distribute two meals to the community. Your financial support helps fill essential nutrition gaps, ensuring that children receive the foods that are critical to their development.

2. Volunteer: Whether you’re an individual or part of a group (church, business, civic, or beyond), FFLC has numerous volunteer opportunities available. Volunteering is a great way to give back as a family or with friends. Opportunities can be tailored for large or small groups, making it easy to get involved.

3. Support a Food Drive: This season, FFLC has partnered with several local businesses to make it easy for the community to contribute critically needed food items. 

·       Market of Choice Food Drive | November 2 - 24

All four Eugene Market of Choice locations will have food donation barrels available for drop-offs.

·       Stuff the Bus | November 15 - 16

In partnership with BiCoastal Media and LTD, join FFLC November 15th at Walmart in Springfield (Olympic Street location) and November 16th at Walmart in Eugene (Green Acres Road location) to collect enough food and funds to fill an LTD bus!

·       Turkey Trot | November 28 

A fun, family event on Thanksgiving morning! A portion of each registration supports FFLC. Register here: bit.ly/FFLC-TurkeyTrot-24

·       The “Giving Machine” | November 21 - 29

Valley River Center will have a giving vending machine. Just like buying a soda or sweet treat, you can purchase a week’s worth of meals for a family in need straight from the vending machine!

·       Giving Tuesday | December 3

Join KVAL newscasters at the Take A Bite Out of Hunger event at BiMart on 18th Avenue in Eugene. They will be collecting food and funds for the community.