WHAT: A semi-truck load of 20 tons of food was delivered to NeighborImpact and La Pine Community Kitchen September 30th and October 1st from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, UT. One half truck load was delivered to Neighbor Impact the Wednesday evening (September 30) for the benefit of Bethlehem Inn and other local food pantries and kitchens in need of non-perishable food to feed hungry families. The remaining half truck was delivered to La Pine Community Kitchen Thursday morning (October 1). The food donation includes mixed canned goods offering supplies of protein, vegetables, fruit and other necessary staples.
WHERE: NeighborImpact, Redmond, OR and La Pine Community Kitchen, La Pine, OR
WHEN DELIVERED: Wednesday, September 30th 7:30 p.m. NeighborImpact
Thursday, October 1st 8:30 a.m. La Pine Community Kitchen
WHY: Food banks are seeing dramatic shortages in non-perishable food supplies. Families are facing food scarcity because of COVID-19 forced layoffs, wildfires and non-perishable food shortages. Needs for food in our community have doubled and tripled for some non-profit agencies serving those in need.
“The generous food donation allows our food bank to continue to provide quality, non-perishable food to clients in Crook, Jefferson and Deschutes County. During a time when shelf stable items can be hard to resource and the need for food higher than ever, this gift helps ensure no one in Central Oregon goes hungry.”
Carly Sanders
Food Program Director
NeighborImpact
2303 SW First St
Redmond, OR 97756
541-323-6548
“Bethlehem Inn is so grateful for the partnership and support received over the years from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This includes prepared meals, volunteers and event donations such as Journey to Bethlehem each Christmas. During the current COVID-19 environment, receiving vital staples for our food program is especially appreciated and needed to maintain our ability to serve three meals a day for those staying at Bethlehem Inn. As the regional foodbank, NeighborImpact serves as an important partner in distribution of such important food supplies. Their involvement in receiving and getting food supplies to us and other partners reinforces the collaboration and gift of community LDS’s generous donation makes possible.”
Gwenn Wysling
Executive Director
Bethlehem Inn
3705 N Hwy 97
Bend, Or 97701
541-389-2820
“With the help of the LDS Community, we now have better capacity to help meet our community needs with food, clothing and a welcoming safe environment. We here at the kitchen are humbled and grateful. Thank you.”
Sharri Dempsey
General Manager
La Pine Community Kitchen
16480 Finley Butte Rd
La Pine, OR 97739
541- 536-1312
“Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fast for two meals monthly, contributing the monies they would have spent for those meals to the Church. They also help grow, process and package food in preparation to help those in need. Like other faith communities, we take seriously the example of and request from Jesus Christ to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and serve our fellow man. At this time of great need we are grateful to be able to supply over 40,000 pounds of food to help feed families in our area. We pray for the health and healing of all during the COVID-19 pandemic and those affected by the wildfires.”
Greg Stevens
President, Bend Oregon Stake
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Please contact receiving organizations or Sandy Hinmon (contact information below) for possible future stories and photos.
