Our Roots.
From a Neighborhood Mission to a Statewide Movement
What began as a small, faith-led effort to serve neighbors in need has grown into a statewide movement rooted in compassion, dignity, and action. Founded within Portland Open Bible Church in 2015, our pantry was born out of a desire to fill a very real gap—people in our own community struggling with hunger, without access to regular support.
We saw the need, and we responded.
The Why Behind the Work
In our early days, we served just 14 families from a tiny space in the church basement. But it wasn’t long before word spread. Each week, more families came through our doors, and with every new face came stories of hardship, resilience, and hope. We knew this was more than a temporary need. It was a call to act.
Our “why” has always been simple: No family should go hungry. And no one should have to choose between food and basic needs. Hunger doesn’t discriminate—and neither do we.
Growing with Community Support
What made the difference then—and still does today—is community. Volunteers stepped up. Local donors gave what they could. Families that once received help came back to give back. Over time, our pantry became not just a place to receive food, but a place to feel seen, supported, and cared for.
This network of trust, built over a decade, is what allowed us to expand from one zip code to dozens.
A New Chapter Begins
Now, after 10 years of serving under the umbrella of Portland Open Bible Church, we’ve been blessed with the opportunity to become our own 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This exciting shift allows us to deepen our impact, grow our reach, and develop stronger partnerships to serve more families throughout Oregon.
Our Vision Forward
We are still the same pantry—driven by love, powered by community, and grounded in our mission. But now, as Nourish Oregon, we’re stepping into a new chapter with a broader vision…
TO ENSURE THAT EVERY OREGON FAMILY HAS ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOOD, NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE OR WHAT THEY’RE GOING THROUGH.
This is the vision guiding our work as Nourish Oregon. Whether through our mobile pantry program, community tables, or partnerships with hospitals and local leaders, we are committed to fighting hunger with integrity, compassion, and respect.
We are proud of where we’ve come from—and even more hopeful for where we’re going. Join us as we continue building a pantry system that reaches every corner of Oregon.
The Network that Makes it Possible
We couldn’t have made the impact we did without the generosity and collaboration of our partners. From local hospitals to community organizations, each plays a vital role in helping us reach families across Oregon with food, care, and dignity.
Interested in joining our mission?
We’d love to connect.
Please contact our Pantry Director at 503.442.8228
to learn more about partnership opportunities.
