The Kiwanis Food Bank is a vital safety net for the small central Oregon city of Sisters. Operated solely by Kiwanis and community volunteers, the food bank serves 130 families per month, 32 of which are homeless. Each family receives an average of 48 pounds of fresh and canned food per week, which totals 120,000 pounds of food distributed per year.
Over the past few years, the organization has seen a troubling trend as the number of families in need continues to grow while donations have decreased.
When OnPoint heard that the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank was struggling to raise enough donations to fund its annual Christmas program, we knew we had to step up to support this special local community many of our members call home. OnPoint responded to this need by donating $10,000 to ensure Sisters families will have access to fresh, healthy food this holiday season and into next year.
“Coming from a small Oregon town myself, I understand the critical role local food banks play in addressing food insecurity,” said Rob Stuart, president and CEO of OnPoint Community Credit Union. “No one in our communities should go hungry and it is our hope that this gift will make a difference in the lives of those who are supported by the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank.”
“As the manager of the food bank’s budget and annual planning, it gives me great hope for our community in the New Year,” said Tom Hespe, an officer of Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank. “Most annual donations are made during the months of October through December; however, this year, donations have been down 30 percent. Without OnPoint’s incredible generosity, it would have been a different situation for many of our neighbors. We thank OnPoint for its support; it was greatly needed and greatly appreciated.”
The food bank’s Christmas program provides holiday meals to approximately 175 families. The food bank also relies on cash donations to help buy items that are not normally donated, such as meat and dairy products.
To donate or learn more, visit www.sisterskiwanis.org/food-bank.