NeighborImpact, the nonprofit that partners with 55 food banks in Central Oregon to feed those in need, distributes food from its central warehouse in Redmond to points all across Central Oregon.

Before the pandemic, NeighborImpact helped 14,000 to 16,000 people obtain food each month. Now that number is closer to 60,000.

Bulletin photographer Andy Tullis followed the food recently, tracking donations from a truckload delivered by the Oregon Food Bank to NeighborImpact in Redmond, to delivery to a Bend food bank for distribution, and finally to people in need.

How can you help?

What can you do if you suspect someone doesn’t have enough food?

The food pantries in Central Oregon all are low-barrier, meaning no paperwork is required to prove need. Anyone can go to a food pantry and shop for free food and can even get food for others. The only information required is name, ZIP code, number of people living in the home and a signature. Go to www.neighborimpact.org/providers for a list of food pantries in Central Oregon. The website can filter information by language and geography.

More information

Series: Hunger in Central Oregon

One in 5 residents of Central Oregon is hungry too often. Civic leaders, organizations and volunteers fighting to solve the problem say hunger goes deeper than most people are aware. The Bulletin is shining a light on the situation and the community’s efforts to address it. Previously published stories in the series are:

Dec. 19

• Hunger in Central Oregon: Food security is more than subsistence: the changing reality of hunger

• Food banks: Myriad options in Central Oregon for donating to food banks

Dec. 20

• Helping seniors: From prison with love: Deer Ridge inmates cook meals for Madras seniors

Dec. 21

• Growing up hungry: How is Central Oregon helping its hungry children?

Dec. 22

• Finding comfort with food: Neighbor of Bend senior center finds solace in baking

Dec. 23

Helping others: In the face of insults and threats, Prineville woman vows to feed the needy