Pacific Coast Fruit Company, owned by Nancy Brugato and David Nemarnik, received a USDA Federal Grant to distribute over 100 thousand free food boxes for anyone in need throughout Oregon and Washington. They have teamed up with their home church, St. Anthony Catholic Church and School in Tigard, Oregon, the Portland Catholic Archdiocese, and many other 501-3C charitable organizations to coordinate the distribution of over 100,000 fresh produce, dairy, and combo boxes each week starting on May 18. The goal of the USDA, providing the funds are available, is to run this program through December of 2020.
Other key distribution partners include The Society of St. Vincent DePaul in Portland and Catholic Charities of Oregon. Each will be coordinating their own hours of operation and distribution centers.
St. Anthony Business Manager Jerry Voelker is coordinating the effort to distribute nearly 5,000 boxes weekly from their campus in Tigard. Pick-up hours are 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., while supplies last, Monday – Friday every week. A team of volunteers and church leaders will be on hand with gloves and masks to help deliver boxes directly into cars. One of three box varieties will be offered each day, depending on what is available from the distributor. Special orders or requests cannot be taken.
DAIRY – Eggs, milk, butter, yogurt, cheddar cheese & jack cheese.
PRODUCE – Apples, oranges, strawberries, potatoes, onion, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, lettuce, carrots
COMBO – Deli ham & turkey, milk, cheddar & jack cheese, carrots, apples, celery, lettuce, tomatoes
St. Anthony will not be asking for proof of need to receive a box. Whether a family needs help to meet a food budget or simply feels uncomfortable visiting the grocery store, this is a great way to get high quality produce, dairy and meats on a weekly basis. This program also helps to support local farmers. Broad participation is invited. Each household will be eligible to receive one box each week.anth
Other churches and organizations are invited to participate by contacting St. Anthony Business Manager Jerry Voelker at 503-639-4179.
For More information, please visit the St. Anthony Information Page:
www.satigard.org/pacificcoast
Federal Program Information from Pacific Coast Fruit Company: www.pcfruit.com/box-programs/usda-farmers-to-families-boxes
