Marion Polk Food Share

Marion Polk Food Share is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending hunger and its root causes in Marion and Polk counties in Oregon. Established in 2004, the organization has grown significantly, distributing over 10 million pounds of food annually and providing assistance to approximately 18,000 households each month.

Mission and Services

The primary mission of Marion Polk Food Share is to alleviate hunger by providing nutritious food to individuals and families in need. They achieve this through a network of over 70 local partners, including food pantries, meal sites, and shelters.

Their services encompass:

• Emergency Food Boxes: Offering 3-5 days of nutritious food to individuals and families facing immediate hunger.
• Meals on Wheels: Delivering meals to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities in Salem and Keizer.
• Youth Programs: Operating the Youth Farm, a two-acre urban vegetable farm that provides high school students with work experience in running a small farm business.
• Community Gardens: Supporting a network of community gardens to increase local food production and promote healthy eating habits.

Recent Developments

In response to the growing demand for services, Marion Polk Food Share has been actively seeking to expand its facilities. In 2025, the Oregon legislature allocated $6 million to assist in purchasing and renovating a new warehouse space.

This expansion aims to enhance their capacity to store and distribute food, ensuring they can meet the increasing needs of the community.

Community Impact

The organization plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity in the region. In 2023, they distributed a record-high 10 million pounds of food, providing $14 million in relief to 18,000 households monthly.

Their efforts not only provide immediate assistance but also work towards long-term solutions to hunger and homelessness.

Location

Marion Polk Food Share operates from a central location at:

• 1660 Salem Industrial Drive NE, Salem, OR 97301

This facility serves as the hub for their various programs and services, including the Youth Farm and community gardens.