Siletz Tribe Funds to Aid Local Emergency Food Agencies

(SALEM, Ore.) - Five nonprofit partners that provide food and shelter to needy people in Marion County will benefit from a $4,831 grant for equipment from Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund. Marion-Polk Food Share will accept the grant in a distribution ceremony on Nov. 5 at Chinook Winds Hotel in Lincoln City.

As the regional food bank, MPFS provides capacity building support as well as food supplies to its 87 member charities throughout Marion and Polk counties. The grant request made by MPFS on behalf of its network partners will benefit two Salem shelters, Salem Outreach Shelter/YWCA, Stepping Out Ministries; one in Mt. Angel, St. Joseph Shelter; three Forever Homes (one in Keizer and two in Salem) operated by Catholic Community Services; and Sacred Heart Food Bank in Gervais.

“This grant means a lot to our member charities, all of whom are having their resources stretched to the max, to serve meals and provide food boxes to some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” said MPFS President Ron Hays. “This equipment will enable them to keep up the good work they are doing.”

The Siletz Tribe grant funds will support the purchase of four refrigerators, four freezers, industrial strength racking and a pallet jack. This is the second grant STCCF has awarded MPFS for equipment purchases. Earlier this year, the tribe provided $8,539 in equipment funding that benefited 11 agencies in Marion and Polk counties.

“The need for emergency food assistance is leveling at record highs,” Hays said. “We are so thankful that the Siletz Tribe understands the need and is taking steps to join us in the fight against local hunger.”

Source: Marion-Polk Food Share