Grief Connection Group

This fall, many families across the country are facing the very real possibility of not being able to afford their next meal. 

At Jewish Family & Child Service (JFCS), we believe that access to food is a fundamental human right, and no person, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have to go without. As the need for food assistance continues to rise, we are committed to amplifying and sharing information about the many local organizations in the Portland Metro area that are stepping up to help families in need. Below, we’ve compiled a list of resources available across Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Clark County to help ensure no one has to face hunger this season.

*This list is not comprehensive. If you have questions or need other resource information, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Information & Referral department at 503-226-7079, option 1.

Jewish Federation of Greater Portland
In partnership with the Oregon Board of Rabbis and Jewish Family & Child Service (JFCS), and the generosity of a donor family, Jewish Federation of Greater Portland has $10,000 in food gift cards available, to be distributed by JFCS ($5,000) and the Oregon Board of Rabbis ($5,000). If you need assistance, contact JFCS or a community rabbi.

Oregon Food Bank – Locater Tool
Here is a link to the Oregon Food Bank locater that will allow you to input your zip code and see food banks and pantries near you. It will list their contact info, address, and hours information.
www.oregonfoodbank.org/find-support

Meals on Wheels
www.mowp.org/what-we-do/online-meal-request/
(503) 736-6325
Delivery Service / Multiple Locations
Meals on Wheels delivers meals to seniors over 60; call or submit an online meal request to sign up. There are also dining centers across the Portland area that can be found on this map:
www.mowp.org/what-we-do/dining-centers/ 

Sunshine Division
(503) 823-2102
12436 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97233
Sunshine Division offers free food assistance every Tuesday-Saturday at our Southeast Stark Street food pantry. Anyone with limited access to food is welcome to visit our food pantry up to 16 times per year. We ask that you meet at least one of our eligibility requirements. 
sunshinedivision.org

William Temple House
2023 NW Hoyt Street
www.williamtemple.org/our-services/social-services-2024-08/
William Temple House’s food pantry offers fresh produce, meat and dairy, bread, spices, grab-and-go meals, and staple ingredients. Essential items like soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, clothing, and more are available upon request. Food pantry hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 11am-2pm. In addition, they’ll be hosting an evening food market from 4-6pm on the Monday before Thanksgiving. Visit their website for details on how to access the food pantry.

Lift UP
www.lifturbanportland.org
Lift UP’s mission is to reduce hunger and improve the lives of low-income residents in Northwest and Downtown Portland. They fight food insecurity by offering a variety of food assistance services to residents in NW and Downtown Portland. Learn more on their website.

POBC – Community Pantry
Contact pantry@pobcpantry.com or (503) 442 8228 during normal business hours.
3223 SE 92nd Ave, Portland, OR 97266
POBC believes no one should go hungry and provide everything a household needs. From fruits & vegetables to canned goods & dairy, and even fresh & frozen meats, their Pantry is open and available to anyone in the state of Oregon. You can come into the Pantry or schedule a pickup. Even if you aren’t registered in their system, their team will help you get set up and find a meal.

Urban Gleaners
urbangleaners.org/food-finder/
(503) 226-8061 or email info@urbangleaners.org
Multiple Locations
At Urban Gleaners we collect delicious, fresh food before it can go to waste. And we get it to people who need it. Pure and simple. Follow the link above to find an Urban Gleaners food location near you.

St. Vincent De Paul
www.svdppdx.org/food
503-235-8431
Multiple Locations
St. Vincent de Paul chapters called “conferences” operate more than 40 pantries from the foothills of the Cascades to the northern Oregon Coast. Most conferences only serve clients who live in the local area. Our administrative office operates a food hotline to help locate a pantry (503-235-8431).

Washington County HOPE Center – Salvation Army
hillsboro.salvationarmy.org/hillsboro/cure-hunger/
1440 SE 21st  Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97123
On any given day, up to 17 percent of Washington County families suffer from hunger or food insecurity. To help combat this serious problem, The Salvation Army Tualatin Valley Service Center serving Washington County operates a food pantry for the community.

Tualatin Food Pantry
www.tualatinfoodpantry.org/contact
503-783-0721 or email pantry@tualatinfoodpantry.org
3550 SW Borland Road, Tualatin, Oregon 97062
The Tualatin Food Pantry operates similar to a neighborhood grocery store. You select the food that your family needs. The amount of food you receive is based on allocations for small (1-2 people), medium (3-5 people), and large (6+ people) families as well as current available supply of food.

Clackamas Service Center Food Box Delivery
grocery@cscoregon.org
Delivery Service / Multiple Locations
Free food box deliveries are available to the following zip codes: 97015, 97027, 97045, 97086, 97202, 97206, 97214, 97215, 97216, 97222, 97266, and 97267. To request a free grocery delivery, use their online form or call (503) 771-7914 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday. If no one answers, leave a voicemail with your name and phone number.
www.cscoregon.org/groceries

Esther’s Pantry + Tod’s Corner
www.ourhouseofportland.org/esthers-pantry

503-349-4699
10202 SE 32nd Ave., Suite 601, Milwaukie, OR 97222
Esther’s Pantry is a food bank where clients select food from well-stocked shelves that will help support and maintain good health. Esther’s provides supplemental food and personal care items to over 250 clients each month.

Community Kitchen
www.thekitchenwa.org/

360-828-7815
Fruit Valley: 1910 W. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98660
Walnut Grove: 4501 NE 68th Dr., Vancouver, WA 98661
As a food distribution program through Clark County Food Bank, we have daily supplies of fresh produce, hearty grains, various dairy, and a wide range of other nutritious & delicious food. Modeled in a shopping style fashion, residents of Fruit Valley or Walnut Grove looking for food assistance can visit Community Kitchen for their household needs with no appointment necessary.

FISH of Vancouver
fishvancouver.org
360-695-4903
906 Harney St., Vancouver, WA 98660
We are open to all Washington State residents in need of food assistance. On your first visit we will ask for your name and birthday, the names and birthdays of everyone in your household, and your address. This information is kept confidential and will never be shared with anyone. For subsequent visits, we will only ask for your name and birthday.

Food Resources in Oregon
Oregon Department of Human Services’ information on food resources in Oregon.
https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/default.aspx

Resources for your pets:

  • Mutts Coffee
    www.instagram.com/muttscoffee
    If you’re a Washington County resident in need of pet supplies, Mutt’s Coffee is offering free items with no paperwork required. You can grab supplies from their outdoor donation area anytime or stop by during business hours for additional items. If you know someone who can’t make it in person, feel free to pick up items for them.
    Address to pick up donations: 4925 SW Angel AVE, Beaverton, OR 97005
    Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday: 7am-4pm, Saturday- Sunday: 8am-4pm
    (check their google listing or social media for unexpected closures)
  • Paw Team’s Supply Bank
    www.pawteam.org/food-and-more
    In Multnomah County, Paw Team’s Pet Food and Supply Bank is a vital resource for pet owners, offering essentials such as food, litter, flea control, leashes, coats, and toys. Open to guests once a month, there’s no need for appointments or pre-screening—just come by to access what’s available. As a fully donation-driven initiative, the supply of items can vary, depending on current contributions.
    Tuesday – Thursday 10:00AM – 3:00PM
    1718 NE 82nd Ave. Portland, OR 97220

 

Below are links to lists of Portland businesses, restaurants and nonprofits who were offering meals to those who were not receiving their SNAP benefits during the government shutdown:

18 Portland-area coffee shops and restaurants that have pledged to feed people who lose SNAP benefits
Shared from
The Oregonian

SNAP Meals: Where To Eat, No Questions Asked, During the Suspension of SNAP
Shared from Bridgetown Bites

 

As we navigate times of uncertainty, it’s essential to remember that no one should have to face hardship alone. The resources we’ve shared here are more than just places to find food—they represent a community coming together, offering support, and acting with compassion.

At JFCS, we are committed to Gemilut Chasadim, the value of acting with kindness toward those in need. Whether through offering assistance or simply being there for one another, we strengthen our community by lifting each other up. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry, and that everyone has the support they need to thrive. Let’s continue to act with generosity and empathy, keeping the spirit of community alive in everything we do.