The Bend Park and Recreation District is hosting a Drive-Thru Holiday Food Drive on Saturday, Dec. 14, to help fill the shelves at the NeighborImpact Food Bank.
Community members are invited to bring food donations to Larkspur Community Center Home of the Bend Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. this Saturday. The drop-off location is at the Bend Senior Center entrance at 1600 SE Reed Market Rd. BPRD staff and volunteers will be on site to make it easy for donors to remain in their vehicles if desired.
For 2024, BPRD staff set a goal to collect 5,000 pounds this year, which equals 4,167 meals. Since 2020, the district has helped to collect more than 20,000 lbs. of food.
Food Bank donation items needed most include:
- Canned proteins (chicken, tuna, etc.)
- Soups and stews
- Canned vegetables and fruit
- Peanut butter
- No glass packaging, please.
NeighborImpact distributed just less than four million pounds of food in 2024, including 44 percent of the pounds as fresh, canned and frozen produce. According to Oregon Food Bank, 1 in 8 of our Central Oregon neighbors face hunger.
“Food drives are especially impactful because they can be a source for the highest quality food items we receive,” said Sam Nielsen, NeighborImpact. “The need is great and the generosity of donors in our community is always appreciated.”
NeighborImpact donation bins are also available at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, Larkspur Community Center, The Pavilion and the BPRD Office through Jan. 5. Facility visitors are encouraged to bring food items to donate during regular hours.
“Community members need one another. We want to support NeighborImpact’s important mission to provide food for our neighbors this winter,” said Julie Brown, BPRD community engagement director.
