Newport Ave. Market Gives $56K to Combat Hunger

Newport Avenue Market, in conjunction with 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon and Oregon Country Beef, presented Family Kitchen of Bend a check for $56,000 to go toward feeding the hungry in Bend, Ore.

Newport Avenue Market shoppers donated throughout December for Food for February, the grocer's annual fundraiser. The money raised will be used to purchase groceries at cost for Family Kitchen to provide enough meals for an entire year.

“One thing we can do is count on our customers to support our community with their generosity, and this year’s Food for February was no exception,” said Lauren Johnson, "Leader of the Pack" (vrrrooom!) and CEO of Bend-based Newport Avenue Market.

The employee-owned grocer matched the donated funds, dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000. As a result of shopper donations, the matched funds contributed by Newport Avenue Market, and donations by 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon and Oregon Country Beef, a total of $56,000 was presented to Family Kitchen. The amount is the highest ever since the inception of Food for February in 2012.

“Food for February is the largest in-kind donation in Family Kitchen’s history,” explained Donna Burklo, Family Kitchen's development and marketing director. “Knowing the entire community pitched in to make it all happen provides a level of respect that our diners don’t often feel. This has become not just a treat for February, but a healthy boost all year round. We are beyond grateful.”

Newport Avenue Market works with major brands to order fresh food items at cost from Family Kitchen’s wish list. The fundraising campaign began as a way to help those in need during the months when donations are not as likely, specifically after the holidays, and when the “season of giving” is over.

Newport Avenue Market is 100 percent employee owned and serves as the food hub of central Oregon, offering shoppers both mainstream and specialty grocery options, all in a vibrant environment. A 17-time winner of “Best Grocery Store” in central Oregon, the market prides itself on supporting neighborhoods and producers.