Then & Now: Hunger Relief That Meets Families Where They Are
To mark 75 years of walking alongside our community, we’re sharing monthly stories of MFS programs that reflect our past, shape our present, and build our future.
An early incarnation of the MFS Hunger Relief team
Hunger Relief started small. Now it’s meeting families where they are.
Then: A program takes root
In 2011, our Hunger Relief work began with weekend food backpacks so students wouldn’t go hungry when school was closed. From there, a bigger idea grew: bring food directly to where families already are—at school.
MFS Hunger Relief, circa 2022
Now: A community-first model
Today, MFS operates five school-based food pantries and hosts monthly Free Food Markets at additional schools across the region—providing fresh produce and pantry staples to hundreds of families each week. It’s simple, familiar, and removes barriers to access.
“When the community needs us,” says Program Manager Meghan Zook, “we go to the community.”
This season: right to the table
The week of Thanksgiving, our team will assemble and distribute 300 family food boxes at two school sites—handed directly to parents as they pick up their children. It’s one more way we’re getting food to kitchen tables, fast.
Powered by partnership
This work is made possible with support from partners including Oregon Food Bank and the Portland Children’s Levy, alongside schools and volunteers who show up week after week.
What’s next: help families thrive
The need is high—but so is our commitment. Your gift keeps pantries open, markets stocked, and seasonal food boxes moving out the door.
