Our Mission
We empower neighbors to build a better future by providing emergency nutrition and basic needs in addition to serving as an open door to community resources.
Our Vision
Our vision is a collaboration of partnerships working together to create strong, capable, and self-sustaining individuals.
What We Do
We are a proud distribution site in partnership with the Oregon Food Bank, offering both Oregon Food Bank products and locally donated items. Our goal is to provide each visiting household with 3 to 5 days’ worth of meals, serving approximately 200 households—or around 600 individuals—each month.
Our shopping-style pantry is staffed by dedicated volunteers and allows customers to select the items they need, helping to reduce food waste.
Resource Center: We also collaborate with local agencies to connect community members with essential services, including social services, mental health care, job listings, and family support networks—all available on-site.
A Message from Our Board Chair
To Our Clients, Donors, and Friends,
What a joy it is to be part of a mission where neighbors help neighbors and hands are joined in hope! The Vale Food Pantry is more than just a place to pick up groceries—it’s a community of folks working together to lift one another up.
In early 2024, we faced a big change: after 18 years at City Hall, we learned we would need to find a new home. Change can be daunting—but our board rose to the occasion! By midyear, we had found the perfect spot, and thanks to the incredible generosity of a local donor, our rent is covered for the entire first year. What a blessing!
Now, we’re not only giving out food, but also offering clothing, toiletry items, basic cooking tools—and even a place to gather and grow. Our new space is bustling with possibility! We’re partnering with nonprofits and agencies that usually only operate in Ontario and bringing their services right here to Vale, along with classes, workshops, and more.
It’s amazing how much can happen in a single year when people come together. But we believe this is just the beginning. As an all-volunteer organization, we’re always reaching out for new partners and fresh ideas. Clients, we want to hear from you—what would help you thrive? Whether it’s budgeting tips, parenting support, resume help, or cooking classes—we want to bring it to you. And to fellow nonprofits: our doors are open if you’d like to offer services from our building.
A huge thank you to every person who drops by with a donation, contributes financially, or volunteers their time. You are the heartbeat of this pantry. And to the generous foundations and funders who’ve believed in our mission—we couldn’t do this without you.
If you’d like to get involved, whether as a volunteer, a board member, or become a partnership, don’t hesitate to reach out. The more hands we have, the more hope we can spread.
Together—hand in hand—we’re building a stronger, more connected Vale.
With heartfelt thanks,
Jessica Patton
Chairwoman, Vale Food Pantry
2025 Board of Directors
Jessica Patton
Chairwoman
Luwana Hinrich
Treasurer
Christine Strauchon
Vice Chairwoman
Linda Nyborg
Secretary
Ron Lopez
Board Member
Sheryl Johnson
Board Member
Rulea Dougal
Board Member
Tina Heid
Board Member
Connie Ussing
Pantry Manager
Annual Report
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