Newport Ave. Market to Match Funds in ‘Food for February’ Fundraiser

Newport Avenue Market has kicked off its third “Food for February” fundraising event, in which customers can donate any dollar amount and the retailer will match all funds up to $25,000. The event runs through Dec. 31.

Last year, the market raised $25,336.48, which provided 30,000 meals during a seven-month stretch for the Bend community through Family Kitchen of Bend. The ingredients supplied included 952 gallons of milk, 4,896 eggs, 300 pounds of lunchmeat and 240 pounds of cheese. Newport Avenue Market worked with its warehouse, Unified Grocers, to order the food at wholesale prices. The event targets the month of February to begin supplying the food ingredients as it's one of the hardest hit months when it comes to hunger.

The fundraising goal has been raised to $50,000 and 60,000 meals for this year’s event. Shoppers can let the cashier know how much they’d like to donate and a paper plate with their name is displayed in the store.

“This community continues to amaze us year over year with their generous giving during a significant time of need,” said Lauren Johnson, COO of Newport Avenue Market.