Frequently Asked
Questions & Answers

Have questions about Food for Lane County? You’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions. Use the dropdown to jump to a specific topic and find the information you’re looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Have questions about Food for Lane County? You’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions. Use the dropdown to jump to a specific topic and find the information you’re looking for.

About Us Questions & Answers

A. Food for Lane County is a nonprofit organization, not a government agency. Based in Lane County, we work to reduce hunger by collecting and supplying food through our distribution network and various programs, such as food pantries, meal sites and youth and senior nutrition services.

Food for Lane County is part of the greater statewide network of food banks. As Lane County’s food bank, we serve as the community’s hub for food collection, sorting, storage and distribution to partner agencies and programs.

More than 8 million pounds of food were distributed to those experiencing food insecurity in Lane County last year.

The majority of the food that Food for Lane County distributes is donated, not purchased. The food we collect and distribute to our partners comes from the following sources*:

  • Local businesses and food drives (37.2%)
  • Oregon Food Bank (27.5%)
  • United States Department of Agriculture (18.8%)
  • Other purchased foods (16.5%)
  • Food for Lane County gardens (<1%)
  • Summer Food Program (<1%)

Food is distributed is as follows*:

  • Emergency food box agencies (70%)
  • Non-emergency partner agencies (13%)
  • Emergency meal sites and shelters (7%)
  • Extra Helping program (6%)
  • Senior Grocery program (3%)
  • Transferred to other food banks (<1%)
  • Cereal for Youth program (<1%)
  • Summer Food Program for youth (<1%)
  • Children’s weekend snack packs (<1%)
  • Miscellaneous (<1%)

We distributed food to 150 partner agencies, including 34 pantries and more than 100 supplemental food programs throughout Lane County last year. Our partner agencies are independent nonprofits and faith-based organizations.

Of the revenue we receive from all sources, 91.9% is spent on program functions. Only 8.1% is spent on administrative costs. Charity Navigator has given us a 4-star rating for financial health, accountability and transparency. We also have a platinum-level seal of transparency from Candid/GuideStar.

Food for Lane County’s Tax ID number is 93-0888347.

Food Questions & Answers

Using our food locator, you can easily find both pantry and meal sites throughout Lane County. For example, you can search by ZIP code, day of the week or the type of site, such as our mobile food pantry, partner pantries, meal sites or summer lunch sites.

We do not provide food assistance at our warehouse locations. To find pantry locations, use our food locator and filter your search for food pantries.

Emergency food assistance requirements for getting groceries at a food pantry are based on your household’s yearly gross income, according to the current income guidelines and whether you participate in certain programs. Nutritious, prepared meals are served for free at various meal site locations throughout Lane County. You can visit a meal site as often as you’d like; no identification or proof of income is needed. To find a pantry or meal site near you, use our food locator.

As independent nonprofits or faith-based organizations, our partner pantries are dedicated to feeding our neighbors. When you visit a food pantry, you should feel welcomed, accepted and treated with dignity. Our partners strive to create an inclusive space for all who visit. In addition to food box distribution, some pantries offer additional items or services, such as hygiene or personal care products or information about programs.

Also important to know:

  • We do not distribute food boxes at our warehouse locations. To find pantry locations, use our food locator.
  • No identification, proof of income or Social Security number is required for food. Some sites may request these for other services, but you can decline if you are only seeking food.
  • Community members who visit our partner food pantries must meet the USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program Requirements.
  • You can expect to receive a 3- to 5-day supply of nutritionally balanced groceries per visit. How often you can visit varies by pantry. Please bring plenty of bags or boxes for the food you’ll receive.
  • There are designated food pantries and other services for college students that are not income based, such as the UO Student Food Pantry and the Lane Titan Pantry and Closet.
  • You may be asked to provide your name, address and the number of people in your household. If you don’t have a permanent residence, you can still get food.
  • If you’re unable to leave your home, you can send someone to pick up food for you by having them bring an Authorized Representative Form; download the form in English or Spanish.

We believe that emergency food assistance should be wholesome and nutritious – not just fill stomachs with empty calories. The food we receive and distribute has the following characteristics*:

  • Proteins, complete meals, soups (26%)
  • Fresh produce (18%)
  • Juice, dairy products and ice cream (17%)
  • Fruits and vegetables, canned or frozen (9%)
  • Canned food, mixed (8%)
  • Cereal, grains, pasta and rice (8%)
  • Breads and sweets (6%)
  • Miscellaneous (beverages, sauces, dressings, condiments, spices, etc.) (5%)
  • Prepared food for meal sites (<1%)
  • Non-food items (<1%)
  • Pet food (<1%)
  • Baby food (<1%)

Gardens Questions & Answers

Food for Lane County’s gardens produce thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables for our community each year. They also serve as vibrant educational hubs, providing social and skill-building opportunities and work experience for teens and adults. In addition to serving as a work experience site, our Youth Farm offers public workshops on a variety agricultural topics and operates both a produce stand and our Community Supported Agriculture program. Our GrassRoots Garden and outdoor kitchen is a growing and learning space for all ages. It’s also a great place to volunteer, socialize and learn to grow, prepare and preserve healthy, nutritious foods.

Last year, more than 169,500 pounds of fresh produce were harvested at our GrassRoots Garden and the Youth Farm.

Giving Questions & Answers

Your generosity has a powerful impact. By supporting Food for Lane County, you’re helping us provide nutritious foods for those experiencing food insecurity. Whether through donations, volunteering or fundraising, every contribution makes a meaningful difference in supporting our mission to reduce hunger by engaging the community to create access to food.

Food for Lane County depends on the generosity of many funders. We encourage you to see our most-recent annual report for details.

  • Individuals, Foundations and Corporate Grants (60.1%)
  • Government Grants and Contracts (36.5%)
  • Programs and Misc. (3.4%)

Food for Lane County’s Tax ID number is 93-0888347.

Programs Questions & Answers

Cereal for Youth provides snack-size portions of nutritious, organic cereal to children and teens through schools and youth programs in Lane County.

Through several partnerships, the Children’s Weekend Snack Pack program provides a gallon-size bag of kid-friendly snacks for elementary school students to take home on the weekends and over vacations, when they may not have access to other food.

Extra Helping provides a weekly serving of bread and produce for residents in low-income housing complexes, which is facilitated by resident volunteers who organize and administer the program.

The Dining Room provides free meals, served restaurant style, four days a week. In addition to offering meals, this innovative restaurant serves large portions of dignity in a community-oriented atmosphere.

Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal. Friendly volunteers deliver a nourishing, freshly prepared noontime meal that is nutritionally balanced to provide one-third of a senior’s recommended daily nutrients. Seniors who live alone feel more secure knowing that someone is checking on them regularly.

Food for Lane County’s Mobile Pantry is focused on serving high-need geographic areas to increase food security and promote self-sufficiency.

The Senior Grocery Program is a once monthly food box (or bag) given to low-income seniors. The box is filled with nutritious staple foods necessary for a balanced diet.

Food for Lane County operates the largest Summer Food Program in Oregon, which provides nutritious meals five days a week to children during the summer, when the National School Lunch Program is not operating. Staff and volunteers serve meals at schools, parks and community centers throughout Lane County.

A partnership of Food for Lane County and Trillium Community Health Plan, the Trillium Produce Plus and Veggie Rx programs put fresh fruits and vegetables into the hands of individuals and families, with the goal of reducing food insecurity and improving people’s health and well-being. Trillium members who receive “prescription” vouchers can redeem them at the Youth Farm Produce Stand or get a subsidized weekly box of vegetables.

Food for Lane County’s gardens produce thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables for our community each year. They also serve as vibrant educational hubs, providing social and skill-building opportunities and work experience for teens and adults. In addition to serving as a work experience site, our Youth Farm offers public workshops on a variety agricultural topics and operates both a produce stand and our Community Supported Agriculture program. Our GrassRoots Garden and outdoor kitchen is a growing and learning space for all ages. It’s also a great place to volunteer, socialize and learn to grow, prepare and preserve healthy, nutritious foods.

*Unless otherwise noted, all figures are based on the 2024 fiscal year.