Silverton residents are invited to “Imagine No Hunger,” a free community dinner event that is designed to raise awareness about local hunger and the steps that are being taken to address it. The event is at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at First Christian Church, 402 N. First St.
“This free dinner is a benefit to support the work of ending hunger in Silverton and throughout Marion and Polk counties,” said MPFS Sustainer Campaign Manager Sarah Perryman. Reservations are required by Oct. 20 and may be made by calling 503-581-3855, ext. 309.
The dinner program will shine a light on the local need and response for emergency food assistance. Attendees also will be invited to join the Sustainer Circle of monthly givers with the option of sharing 50 percent of their monthly donation with the local MPFS hunger relief partner of their choice.
Last year, MPFS provided 423,811 pounds of food valued at $635,716 to partner pantries and meal sites in Silverton and Scotts Mills at no cost to them. Recipients include Wednesday Community Dinner, Mission of Hope (Silver Creek Fellowship) and Silverton Area Community Aid in Silverton and Scotts Mills Community Center.
“More than 660 households comprised of 5,000 individuals were served in Silverton and Scotts Mills each month last year,” Perryman said.
Marion-Polk Food Share launched its Sustainer Campaign last November with a $75,000 matching grant from The Collins Foundation serving as incentive. The first three months of a new donor’s gifts will be matched dollar for dollar by the grant.
“This is an excellent time to become a Sustainer and have your gift doubled for three months,” Perryman said. “There is so much we can do to address local hunger issues with the dollars received from monthly givers.”
