With families across Central Oregon facing food insecurity, Newport Avenue Market, Oliver Lemon’s, and Ollie’s Kitchen have once again galvanized Central Oregon around a shared commitment to care for one another. The 100% employee-owned markets announced today that their annual Food for February fundraiser raised a record $85,236.70, helping ensure local families have access to nutritious food.
Throughout December, customers donated during checkout at all three locations, with Rudy’s Markets, Inc. matching over $30,000 of those gifts. Proceeds benefit Family Kitchen, serving Bend, Redmond, and Terrebonne, and the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank.
Beyond customer and company contributions, the markets generously leverage their long-standing wholesale relationships to stretch every dollar further. By working directly with wholesalers, Newport Avenue Market, Oliver Lemon’s, and Ollie’s Kitchen help source thousands of pounds of food at wholesale pricing, including fresh produce and meat. Purchases are carefully aligned with specific needs identified by the nonprofits, providing higher-quality, nutrient-rich food to those they serve.
Now in its 15th year, Newport Market created Food for February to address February as the hungriest month due to the sharp drop in donations after the holidays. In January 2026, the Oregon Food Bank Network reported one in eight Oregonians facing ongoing hunger, leading to record visits to food assistance sites, a startling 31% increase from the prior year.
Since launching in 2011, Food for February has raised nearly $715,818, including $311,563 in matching funds from Newport Avenue Market, Oliver Lemon’s, and Ollie’s Kitchen.
“Food for February is about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Lauren G. D. Redman, leader of the pack / CEO and president of Newport Avenue Market. “Our customers show up year after year with incredible generosity, and as a 100% employee-owned company, it’s important to us to match that commitment. Together, we’re helping local food partners maximize every dollar as food insecurity continues to rise.”
“Support like this makes all the difference for the people we serve,” said Allison Slater, Family Kitchen board president. “Access to healthy food is central to our mission, and our long-standing, generous partnership with Newport Avenue Market and their shoppers allows us to meet people where they are with compassion and respect.”
Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank echoed that sentiment. “Balancing rising food costs with increasing demand is an ongoing challenge,” said Jeff Taylor and Doug Wills, directors of Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank. “The generosity shown through Oliver Lemon’s and their customers is not just financial support — it’s a vote of confidence in our work and a reminder that our community cares deeply.”
Rising food costs continue to place strain on families and organizations that serve them, making programs like Food for February a vital lifeline during winter months. Newport Avenue Market, Oliver Lemon’s, and Ollie’s Kitchen extend sincere thanks to customers, cashiers, and staff and reaffirm their commitment to strengthening communities they serve. For more information about Food for February or ongoing community initiatives, contact Newport Avenue Market at 541-382-3940.
About Rudy’s Markets Inc.:
Since opening its flagship grocery store in 1976, Rudy’s Markets has been the #1 choice for food lovers in Central Oregon. Today, Rudy’s Markets Inc. operates three locally founded, 100% employee-owned specialty grocery brands: Newport Avenue Market in Bend, Oliver Lemon’s in Sisters and Terrebonne, and Ollie’s Kitchen in Redmond. Rudy’s Markets offers shoppers hard-to-find and everyday food items, kitchenware and unusual gifts. Stores are known for supporting local producers and offering an expansive selection of high-quality, in-demand food and beverage items.
About Family Kitchen:
Guided by the belief that nobody should be hungry, Family Kitchen has been providing meals to anyone in need since 1986, serving three dinners and five lunches weekly in Bend, one dinner in Sisters, and five in Redmond. Over 20,000 meals per month are served by over 450 volunteers to diners who are treated with dignity and respect.
About Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank:
Formorethan30years,KiwanisofSistershasbeeninvolvedinthedevelopmentandsupportof manycommunityorganizations,withafocusonlocalyouth.Inaddition,Kiwanisvolunteersalso operate the Sisters Food Bank, distributing over 100,000 pounds of food annually to those in need.
newportavemarket.com • oliverlemons.com • ollieskitchen.com • familykitchen.org • sisterskiwanis.org
