FOOD SOURCING
At Clark County Food Bank, our work begins with sourcing more than 10 million pounds of food each year, the equivalent of over 8.3 million meals for neighbors across Clark County. Through a variety of donation and purchasing partnerships, we ensure good food does not go to waste, but instead reaches families who need it most. Food sourcing is the first step in this process. It’s how food comes into our warehouse through donations and recovery efforts. Over 25,000 square feet of storage space allows us to sort, organize, and inventory food for distribution to our neighbors.
Expediency and efficiency are especially important in a food bank warehouse since much of the product arrives near its expiration date. Because of this, most fresh food is brought in, sorted, and distributed within 24 hours. This means the warehouse team processes over 40 thousand pounds of food a day.
Food Sources
Food Recovery
Fresh Alliance: Our local grocery store food recovery program. It is driven by participation from over 30 local grocery locations, a partnership with 200+ Starbucks locations and a team of volunteers.
Industry Donors: Wholesale sellers and distributors play a vital role in our sourcing efforts. Through large-scale donations and reduced-cost purchases, these partners provide essential items that strengthen our overall food supply.
Combined, these two food recovery efforts bring in over 5 million pounds of meat, dairy, and other perishable items donated by local grocery store and industry partners.
Nonprofit Partners
We collaborate with local and national nonprofits that share surplus food or connect us with resources, helping expand our sourcing capacity and ensure more food reaches neighbors in need. Nonprofit partners help us procure over 1.4 million lbs of food per year.
Oregon Food Bank: Through our partnership with Oregon Food Bank, we access additional funding, food resources, and strengthen regional hunger relief efforts.
Feeding Washington: By working with Feeding Washington, we connect to a statewide network that increases the amount and variety of food available for Clark County.
Y.E.A.H.: Our partnership with Y.E.A.H. provides high-quality protein, ensuring families have access to nourishing meals.
Federal & State Partnerships
We partner with the USDA and WSDA to bring federal and state food resources into Clark County. Contributing over 2.5 million pounds of food per year, these partnerships strengthen our sourcing efforts and ensure families have consistent access to food.
USDA: We receive federally funded food that provides a reliable source of meals for neighbors in need.
WSDA: Through WSDA, we access state-level programs that expand food availability across Clark County.
Food Drives & Donations
Community donations are an important part of how we source food, whether through individual contributions or large-scale drives.
Food Drives: Hosted by individuals, businesses, schools, and community groups, bring in over 400 thousand pounds each year. Our two largest annual food drives are the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Drive and Walk & Knock.
General Food Donations: Individuals donate directly from their cupboards, farms, or gardens, providing a steady source of both fresh and shelf-stable food.
If you’re interested in hosting a drive, visit our Food & Fund Drive page for details.
Additional Sourcing
Farming: In 2009, Clark County Food Bank increased its commitment to providing fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables by growing our own! With the help of countless dedicated volunteers, a 10-acre plot at Heritage Farm on 78th St. produces, on average, 100 thousand pounds of fresh product.
Gleaning: We partner with local farmers and farmers markets to recover fresh produce that might otherwise go to waste. Through gleaning efforts, staff & volunteers harvest surplus crops and collect leftover fruits and vegetables, ensuring more families have access to fresh, local food. This program brings in over 35 thousand pounds annually.
Other: As the need grows, we continue to expand creative donation partnerships. There are times when purchases are required to fill gaps in food sourcing. Food purchases are supported by grants and donations.