Local nurses and healthcare workers donated nearly 1,000 pounds of food to Central Oregon families in August through a partnership with The Giving Plate. As the need for food assistance increases, frontline healthcare providers are stepping up to care for their community.
“We’re not just your nurses, we’re your neighbors,” said Nichole Ryan, RN and an ONA leader at St. Charles Bend. “Every day, we see people struggling and we can’t stay on the sidelines. We’re committed to caring for our community whether you’re in the hospital or at home. This food drive is just another way we can give back.”
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents 1,200 registered nurses working at St. Charles Bend and St. Charles Home Health and Hospice. Nurses collected food in the break rooms at St. Charles Bend.
Since opening their community store in April 2024, the Giving Plate has seen individual visits in their grocery program go from 3,500 a month in 2023 to over 6,800 a month today. Their food levels have only increased by just over 20% since 2023 despite the 94% increase in those served, making food drives like this all the more impactful.
Local food banks like NeighborImpact reported record numbers of individuals seeking food assistance amid rising costs, increasing unemployment and federal cutbacks on food assistance. Looming cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid)—part of H.R. 1, the so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’—will only make it harder for Oregonians to put food on the table.
“We know we can’t solve every problem. But there’s no better time to get involved. Many of our coworkers volunteer every month to collect and deliver donations in their neighborhood and lead regular food drives on their units,” said Ryan. “During this drive, several workers shared that they relied on donations or knew someone who had relied on donations in the past. Now they’re thrilled to be able to give back. Helping a neighbor in need is one of the most rewarding things you can do. If you’re able, please consider making a donation or volunteering. You won’t regret it.”
Nurses began collecting canned foods, dry goods, toiletries and other necessities in break rooms at St. Charles Bend July 29 using The Giving Plates green totes. Donations were picked up August 12.
The Giving Plate is a 501(c)3 food pantry that has helped Central Oregon families and children struggling with food insecurity since 2010. Its mission is “feeding the hungry today with compassion and hospitality.” To learn more about The Giving Plate and the work it is doing to serve food-insecure families in Central Oregon, or to make a donation go to www.thegivingplate.org.
