As part of their grand opening celebration, local owners Jonathan and Jennifer Lawton presented AFP with a $1,000 donation to help keep our green bags moving and food flowing directly to the Ashland Community Food Bank. Their early commitment to local food security reflects the spirit of giving that defines our town.

We’re fortunate in Ashland to have grocery partners who understand that food security is a shared responsibility. When local businesses support the Food Project, they’re helping ensure that every green bag placed on a doorstep becomes part of something bigger – nourishment, dignity, and community care.

You can read more about Grocery Outlet’s opening and its impact on our community in the full ashland.news article here:

👉 New Grocery Outlet opens in south Ashland, drawing crowd and creating jobs

Please join us in welcoming Grocery Outlet to Ashland and in thanking all of our local grocery partners who help make this work possible.

Together, we’re building community by sharing food.

The post Welcoming Grocery Outlet to Ashland and to the Food Project Community appeared first on Ashland Food Project.

This morning, your generosity brought in a remarkable 35,594 pounds of food to the Ashland Community Food Bank (ACFB). On a cold, foggy December morning, our Neighborhood Coordinators made their rounds, gathering green bags from porches and doorsteps across town.

And that’s not all.

A Community That Shows Up

Last month, during the off-month between regularly scheduled pickups, you stepped up again. In response to the ongoing federal food aid reductions including the November end of expanded SNAP benefits our community rallied. Through grassroots organizing and direct drop-offs, you donated over 9,000 pounds of food to the Food Bank in November alone.

Ask A Friend: A Simple Idea, A Lasting Impact

This season also marked the launch of our Ask A Friend campaign, inviting donors to extend a hand to someone new – a friend, a neighbor, a coworker and bring them into the Ashland Food Project family.

Thanks to your efforts, we’ve welcomed approximately 120 new donors into the program. That’s 120 new green bags, collected every two months. 120 more ways to keep the shelves of the Food Bank full. And it’s not too late if someone you know might like to join, you can still sign them up today.

The Real Impact: Stories from the Food Bank

Throughout this campaign, we’ve shared real client stories, snapshots of lives changed by your giving.

To close out the year, we introduced readers to J and T, two Food Bank clients who know just how far a green bag can reach. J, facing a recent health diagnosis, and T, adjusting to retirement, find stability and dignity in the food support they receive:

“We’ve had to rely on the Food Bank more than we ever imagined,” J said.

“There’s just no judgment when we walk through those doors,” T added. “The volunteers make us feel like we matter.”

These stories are powerful reminders that your donations translate directly into full pantries, warm meals, and peace of mind for hundreds of neighbors in need.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As 2025 comes to a close, we want to say thank you.

Whether you fill a green bag, make deliveries, organize your neighborhood, or support this work behind the scenes, you make it all happen.

From all of us at the Ashland Food Project,

Thank you for your commitment, time, and generosity.

Let’s keep this spirit going into the new year.

The post A Season of Generosity: Closing Out 2025 with Gratitude and Hope appeared first on Ashland Food Project.

The post Meeting the Moment: Why Your Green Bag Matters More Than Ever appeared first on Ashland Food Project.

Now, it’s time to grow that good.

What Is “Ask a Friend”?

Ask a Friend is our new community-powered initiative to keep the Food Project strong and sustainable. While we currently have a dedicated base of over 2,400 food donors, we naturally lose a few each year due to life transitions like moving or aging. To keep our impact steady and even expand it, we’re reaching out to the heart of this movement…you.

Each current donor is encouraged to invite someone in their circle to join the Food Project. A friend, a neighbor, a coworker, a fellow parent at the soccer game, this is about extending the invitation to be part of something simple, local, and impactful.

How Does It Work?

If you’re a current donor, you likely noticed a bright green Ask a Friend card on your doorknob during the October pickup. The front of the card includes talking points to help you start the conversation, and the back includes a space to jot down contact info for your potential new donor.

Once you’ve got a yes, head to the sign-up form and enter their information directly. We ask that you do this step yourself, so there’s no delay or uncertainty about getting them into the system and welcomed properly.

Why This Matters

The Ashland Community Food Bank currently serves more than 1,200 people every month, a number that continues to rise. From families facing short-term crises to seniors on fixed incomes, the need is growing. In 2024 alone, the Food Bank distributed over 672,000 pounds of food and nearly 30% of that came from Ashland Food Project donors.

By inviting just one more person to join, you help secure the future of this vital resource for Ashland.

Not a Donor Yet? We’d Love to Have You.

You don’t have to wait for someone to ask you. If you’re learning about the Food Project for the first time, or you’ve been meaning to sign up, now is the perfect moment. Just fill out the quick form to get started.

It’s More Than a Green Bag

It’s a movement rooted in kindness, consistency, and community. Thank you to all our donors, and especially to our 125 Neighborhood Coordinators who help keep this engine running. You make Ashland stronger, one bag, one friend, and one act of generosity at a time.

The post Grow the Green Bag Movement: Join the Ask a Friend Campaign appeared first on Ashland Food Project.

A Toast to Community

Panache and Gusto is a new summer pop-up from co-owners Georgina Ruff and Megita Denton, bringing together small-production wines, female-driven labels, and stories that celebrate sustainability and artistry. Their mission aligns beautifully with our own: to build a stronger, more connected community, one neighbor at a time.

During our special evening, 10% of all proceeds from the bar (5:00–10:00 PM) will be generously donated to the Ashland Food Project, directly supporting our efforts to fight hunger and strengthen food security in our region.

What to Expect

This isn’t your typical fundraiser. There are no speeches or presentations, no tables or banners. Instead, this is about neighbors talking to neighbors over a glass of wine. AFP representatives will be there from 6:00–8:00 PM, sharing what we do and how easy it is to get involved. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just curious, we’d love to chat.

We’ll have some informational cards and door hangers on hand if you want to take something with you – or pass it along to a friend.

Why It Matters

At the Ashland Food Project, we believe that small actions like putting out a green bag every two months can lead to big change. Events like this help us grow our network, reach new neighbors, and continue the vital work of keeping the Ashland Community Food Bank well-stocked.

Come out, bring a friend, and enjoy a glass of thoughtfully chosen wine for a good cause.

We’ll see you there!

Event Details:

📍 Panache and Gusto

@ Le Petit Café Crêperie

10 Water Street, Downtown Ashland

📅 Thursday, June 26

🕕 6:00–8:00 PM (AFP hosted hours)

🍷 Bar open from 5:00 PM – late

Want to learn more about Panache and Gusto? Check out their feature on Ashland.news.

Thank you for supporting local food security and local wine!

The post Sip for a Cause: Join Us at Panache & Gusto for a Special Evening Benefiting the Ashland Food Project appeared first on Ashland Food Project.

Together, they examine the causes behind the region’s growing food insecurity — from rising housing costs and inflation to the lingering aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation offers a candid glimpse into how increasing demand is stretching community resources while also inspiring innovation. Amey and Anna share how their organizations are responding, highlighting solutions like mobile meal delivery, community food hubs, and collaborative partnerships across the valley.

🎧 Listen to the full interview here

The post Hunger in the Rogue Valley: Local Leaders Tackle Rising Food Insecurity appeared first on Ashland Food Project.

Our community is fed because of your kind action! Thank you!!!!! ACFB has been independent and fortunate to remain vibrant because of the generosity of friends and neighbors for 53 years.

ACFB is committed and actively strategizing to best meet the coming wave of need. We are grateful for the bedrock of your support.

Out of sincere concern for our ability to meet the needs of our community, many are asking if we are being impacted by executive orders and federal funding cuts. I thought I would take this opportunity to share how ACFB fits into the current landscape. Thankfully, we have zero dependence on federal dollars. We are in a “stable” position, for now, compared to many.

However, anything that impacts access to food, affects food costs, job security, and/or cost of living, will have an impact on how many people need our help. For example, when SNAP (food stamps) benefits were reduced 2 years ago as COVID relief programs expired, we saw a 100% increase in demand within 30 days, and food insecurity has been climbing ever since.

Out of sincere concern for our ability to meet the needs of our community, many are asking if we are being impacted by executive orders and federal funding cuts. I thought I would take this opportunity to share how ACFB fits into the current landscape. Thankfully, we have zero dependence on federal dollars. We are in a “stable” position, for now, compared to many.

However, anything that impacts access to food, affects food costs, job security, and/or cost of living, will have an impact on how many people need our help. For example, when SNAP (food stamps) benefits were reduced 2 years ago as COVID relief programs expired, we saw a 100% increase in demand within 30 days, and food insecurity has been climbing ever since.

Therefore, the program cuts made by our federal administration will eventually affect ACFB. In late March, the Trump administration put a halt to 500 million federal dollars of food deliveries committed to food banks nationally. In this, the Oregon Food Bank lost food that supplies ACCESS (among other agencies), who serve Southern Oregon/Ashland/Talent. The administration plans to cut SNAP and WIC (feeds low income women w children), undermine housing security with cuts to HUD, threatening Medicare, and many other social services. As safety nets thin, economic disparity grows increasing need.

As identified by the United Way, 44% of Ashlanders do not have the opportunity to earn enough, despite being employed, to meet foundational costs of living. In addition, nearly 18% live below the poverty line. Many in our community need help affording basic expenses so they can show up for their job (transportation childcare), and have a roof over their heads. When we provide food, funds can then be used for critical expenses like rent, childcare and healthcare.

ACFB is very fortunate to have the foundation of Ashland Food Project. And as you are hearing, we will be impacted as many in our community struggle with greater economic disadvantage because of federal actions.

ACFB is committed and actively strategizing to best meet the coming wave of need. We are grateful for the bedrock of your support.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~Helen Keller

The post To beloved partners, Ashland Food Project appeared first on Ashland Food Project.

Today, we can celebrate many successes. Each month, AFP food donations help nearly 600 local households. Giving exceeds pre-pandemic levels of support. And in December, our lifetime food donations to Ashland Community Food Bank surpassed two million pounds!

Yet the need for food assistance persists. In 2025, we commit to enlisting more community participation and maximizing our contributions to the Food Bank. We share this report to update our progress in the past year and recognize the importance of our donors’ ongoing participation. Thanks to all our donors for making the past year a success!

The mission of the Ashland Food Project is to help feed those in need and strengthen community connections by bringing neighbors together to donate food to the Ashland Community Food Bank.

Total Number of AFP Donors: 2,500
Neighborhood Coordinators: 140
District Coordinators: 14
Number of Paid Staff Hours: 0
Number of Volunteer Hours (2024): 4,968
Total Amount of Food Donated Since 2009: 2,004,351 pounds

2024 Corporate Sponsors:
Ashland Food Co-op, Evergreen Federal Bank, Harry & David, Paddington Family of Stores, Ravassipour Orthodontics, Rogue Food Unites,
Shop’n Kart, White Dental Studio

“… Your kindnesses made all the difference. I was treated with dignity and human kindness and caring… The food that we received will help us put money towards our rent and other bills.”

This appreciation, shared recently in a note to Ashland Community Food Bank from an Ashland couple in their 70s, underscores how meaningful community support can be in combating food insecurity. Although they exist as two separate entities, Ashland Community Food Bank (formerly Ashland Emergency Food Bank) and Ashland Food Project are united in their common goal of minimizing food insecurity in the community.

So what exactly is the difference between the Food Bank and the Food Project?

Although they exist as two separate entities, Ashland Community Food Bank (formerly Ashland Emergency Food Bank) and Ashland Food Project are united in their common goal of minimizing food insecurity in the community.

So what exactly is the difference between the Food Bank and the Food Project?

AFP, an all-volunteer organization, collects food from community members through the Green Bag program six times per year and passes the food donations onto the Ashland Community Food Bank. ACFB, supported by a small staff and strong base of volunteers, receives food and financial donations from a variety of organizations, including AFP, and distributes food to the community through numerous channels.

According to ACFB Executive Director Amey Broeker, Ashland Food Project is one of ACFB’s most valued community partners. As the source of 29% of the 672,500 pounds of food ACFB distributed in 2024, Ashland Food Project is, in Broeker’s words, “critical to the success of what we do. The food and financial support make it possible for ACFB to meet the demand in our community. Without this amazing system of support—and we feel our relationship just keeps getting stronger—we would never be able to provide the quality or quantity of food needed by our friends and neighbors.”

From its inception, AFP has consistently worked to lift up the work of ACFB and support the Food Bank’s efforts in whatever way we can. In recent years, inflation has cut into families’ budgets, and the community’s food needs have continued to rise; in the past year alone, the number of households seeking assistance from ACFB increased 10%. ACFB relies on AFP food donations to support people with their “foundational human needs,” said Broeker.

Furthermore, food donations provide a source of uplift both for people who receive food donations and those who give. As Broeker emphasized, “We all deserve to be nourished with respect and kindness. A key indicator of resilience in the face of stress/trauma is a sense of belonging and community. We want all to know we care.”

AFP, through its donors and volunteers, helps our community meet those needs.

Did you know…

… that to maintain our current donation levels, AFP needs to register several hundred new donors each year? Due to regular life changes (like moving, health, and changes to financial circumstances), about 1 in 6 current donors will step back from AFP involvement in 2025. One of our biggest ongoing challenges is maintaining our donor base so that we can continue our contributions to the Food Bank. In 2025, keep an eye out for our upcoming Ask a Friend campaign to learn how you can help replenish our donor base and provide maximum support to the Food Bank!

Ashland Food Project Board of Directors

Sally Kirkpatrick (President) • John Trivers (Vice President) • Amy Blossom (Secretary) • Ingrid Laursen (Treasurer) • Linda Peterson Adams • Larry Chapman • Liz Cooper • Nathaniel Hardy • Frank Honts • Eliza Kauder • Steve Russo

The post Ashland Food Project – 2024 Year in Review appeared first on Ashland Food Project.

We hope this message finds you safe and warm after the recent snowy weather in our region. Due to the snowfall, we had to cancel the originally scheduled green bag pickup on February 8. Thank you for your understanding as we prioritized safety for our volunteers and community members.

Our Green Bag Pickup has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 22. Mark your calendars, and cross fingers for clear, dry weather!

Key Details for the February 22 Pickup:

• Pickup Start Time: We’ll begin collecting green bags at 9:00 AM on Saturday, February 22.

• Food Bank Hours: The Ashland Community Food Bank (ACFB) will be open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM to receive filled bags.

• If you drop off bags after hours, please place them in the designated AFP or ACFB bins to keep them safe from animals or weather.

Neighborhood Coordinators:

Please adjust your schedules and plan to put out your lawn signs one week before the new pickup date to remind your neighborhoods of the rescheduled collection.

Calling All Donors:

Your continued generosity is truly the heartbeat of the Ashland Food Project. Even with a little delay, we know you’ll show up in a big way to support our community. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Here’s the updated list of the most-needed items requested by the Food Bank:

• Baked Beans
• Beef Stew
• Broth (chicken, beef, vegetable)
• Cereal
• Chili
• Canned Fruit
• Canned Vegetables
• Canned Spaghetti Sauce
• Refried Beans
• Pork and Beans
• Shelf-Stable Milk Alternatives
• Tuna
• Peanut Butter (16 oz jars, creamy or crunchy)
• Vegetable Oil
• Diapers (sizes 5 & 6)
• Wet Cat Food
• Brown Paper Bags

Important Reminder: Please avoid donating yogurt containers and egg cartons.

We are so grateful for your patience and support as we adjust to the weather. Together, we’re making a difference—one green bag at a time.

The post Update: Green Bag Pickup Rescheduled to Saturday, February 22 appeared first on Ashland Food Project.

Key Reminders for February 8 Pickup Day:

• Food Bank Hours: The Ashland Community Food Bank (ACFB) will be open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM to receive filled green bags. If you arrive after hours, please place your bag in the AFP or ACFB bins to protect it from animals.

• Neighborhood Coordinators: Don’t forget to put out your lawn signs a week before the pickup to remind everyone about the big day!

Calling All Donors:

Your generosity makes a huge difference! Since 2009, the Ashland Food Project has donated over 2,000,000 pounds of food to the Ashland Community Food Bank. What an incredible achievement—thank you!

Here are the most-needed items requested by the Food Bank this month:

• Baked Beans
• Beef Stew
• Broth (chicken, beef, vegetable)
• Cereal
• Chili
• Canned Fruit
• Canned Vegetables
• Canned Spaghetti Sauce
• Refried Beans
• Pork and Beans
• Shelf-Stable Milk Alternatives
• Tuna
• Peanut Butter (16 oz jars, creamy or crunchy)
• Vegetable Oil
• Diapers (sizes 5 & 6)
• Wet Cat Food
• Brown Paper Bags

Important: Please avoid donating yogurt containers and egg cartons.

Early Drop-Off Option:

If you’ll be out of town, feel free to drop off your green bag earlier at your Neighborhood Coordinator’s house.

Thank you for your continued generosity, Ashland! Together, we’re making a difference in our community one green bag at a time.

The post Get Ready for Our Next Green Bag Pickup on Saturday, February 8! appeared first on Ashland Food Project.