Family Kitchen | The Source Weekly - Bend, Oregon

Family Kitchen

Community support brings nutritious meals to the hungry

The Family Kitchen recently received its biggest donation in its 28-year history. Newport Avenue Market, with the generosity of its customers, raised $56,000 for the organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals for anyone in need. The funds raised will cover 67 percent of the food costs for the Family Kitchen's meals this year.

"One of the most important things is that anybody can go have a meal at Family Kitchen," says Donna Burklo, the organization's development director. The ability for anyone to be able to go to Family Kitchen for a shared meal, enjoying the experience, without any questions asked, is an important facet of the non-profit.

Shoppers donated $25,000 in December, which was matched by Newport Avenue Market, combined with $5,000 in donations from Oregon Country Beef, and 100 Women Who Care Central Oregon, who also gave to the Food for February cause.

The contributions are a reflection of the employee-owned company's dedication to hunger prevention, and the generosity of the customers of Newport Avenue Market.

Burklo has been involved with the Family Kitchen for 10 years as a volunteer and serving on its board of directors. She says the Family Kitchen relies on approximately 250 volunteers and three part-time employees, as well as donations from individuals, churches and businesses to keep it going.

Although the mission of the Family Kitchen has always been to provide quality and nutritious meals, Burklo says, "With this Newport Avenue Market partnership, our diners are noticing a difference in the quality of the food."

Regular access to quality fresh food is one of the key benefits of the partnership. Every week the Family Kitchen puts together a list of food and then volunteers pick it up.

"It takes a community to support efforts like the Family Kitchen and this would not be possible without Newport Avenue Market customers," says spokesperson ShanRae Hawkins. "It's a reflection of the people of Bend," she says.

Family Kitchen

231 NW Idaho Ave., Bend

541-760-5677

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