For the fourth year, Newport Avenue Market’s Food for February kicked off last week with all donations once again going to the Family Kitchen of Bend. Throughout the month of December, customers who shop at Newport Avenue Market can donate any dollar amount they’d like, and the market will match 100 percent of the money raised dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000 total.
With last year’s donations totaling $42,557.15, the market’s goal this year is to reach $50,000.
“In 2015, through the generosity of our customers that chose to shop with us and donated to Food for February, Family Kitchen will have served 57,000 meals. Our customers donated $21,278.57; we matched those funds dollar for dollar, for a total of $42,557.14. Those dollars bought groceries at cost from Newport Ave. Market and our vendors, to create meals for the entire year at Family Kitchen. Just another reminder of how totally cool (and caring) our loyal customers are,” said Lauren, Leader of the Pack (vrrrooom!) & CEO of Newport Avenue Market.
“For 2016, our goal is to match our customer’s donations up to $25,000, for a grand total of $50,000. At our registers, customers can choose to donate a $1 or more, and we will match their money up to $25,000…talk about a double bang for your buck!”
Newport Avenue Market worked hand in hand with their vendors to selectively order hundreds of fresh food items at wholesale prices from Family Kitchen’s wish list.
“Our diners have voiced their gratitude for having such quality ingredients in our meals. It’s a matter of providing a space of dignity in the midst of having to accept a handout. This partnership we have with Newport Avenue Market and their shoppers is a beautiful example of a community wrapping its arms around its whole self and not just a privileged few. Access to quality food is a great equalizer when so many other cards are stacked against hope,” according to Donna Burklo, pt development & marketing director, Family Kitchen.
To participate, shoppers must come into the market anytime through December 31, let the cashier know how much they’d like to donate to Food for February and write their name on the “paper plate” provided to be proudly displayed in the store. Once results are in, they will be emailed to newsletter subscribers and posted on Newport Avenue Market’s Facebook page.
For more information about Food for February or Newport Avenue Market, call 541-382-3940 or visit www.newportavemarket.com.
About Newport Avenue Market
Located on the west end of beautiful Bend, Oregon and locally owned since 1976, the store employs over 100 “internal foodies,” and as of October 2015 is 100% employee owned. Newport Avenue Market serves as the food hub of Central Oregon, offering shoppers both mainstream and specialty grocery options, all in a vibrant environment. A 17-time winner of “Best Grocery Store” in Central Oregon, as voted in The Source Weekly’s annual community poll, the market prides itself in supporting neighborhoods and producers. Their expansive selection of high-quality, in-demand food and beverage items, otherwise known as the “Triple G” – Groceries, Gadgets and Gifts! – keeps shoppers always on their toes. With an atmosphere where people in the community come together for all things food, and not to mention a selection of over 500 brews to choose from, Newport Avenue Market has become the food hub of Central Oregon. For more information about Newport Avenue Market, please call 541-382-3940 or visit www.newportavemarket.com . Life is Short. Eat Good Food.
About Family Kitchen
Guided by the belief that nobody should be hungry, the Family Kitchen has been providing meals to anyone who is hungry for the past 28 years in the Central Oregon area. Family Kitchen serves three dinners and four lunches each week, averaging 5,000 meals per month and over 250 volunteers. Our mission is “To serve nutritious meals to anyone in our safe and caring environment”. Our patrons are treated with respect and are asked nothing but to leave with a full stomach. In the past 3 years, meals served have increased from 2,500 to 5,000 a month. In 2013, 55,970 meals were served – a 5% increase over 2012 and a 19% increase from 2011. Family Kitchen operates as a separate entity sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Church (EIN 93-0427371). For more information about Family Kitchen, please visit www.familykitchen.org
