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To contact me, please click here: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Neighbors,
Over the past few weeks, we have seen our community come together in such an inspiring way. At the moment, the future of federal food benefits for the month of November remains unknown, we will likely see partial payments later this month. In Deschutes County that means 15,000 households are short on groceries.
Here’s what I know: Food should never be political. We can debate what the future of SNAP might look like, or ways to improve - but pulling back benefits with short notice to the most vulnerable is unacceptable.
Below, my staff has gathered local resources to help neighbors meet essential needs, including updates on food assistance and energy bill support programs available across Central Oregon. From food bank volunteers to local farmers and shelter cooks, every act of giving adds up to real nourishment, and warmth, for our community.
If you have questions, want help navigating resources, or want to connect with my office directly, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
If you are a business that is sharing free food with the community, please contact 211info to ensure your resources are listed.
In community,
Emerson
Local Food Resources & Ways to Help in Central Oregon
Whether you’re looking for food assistance or want to lend a hand, these trusted local organizations are here for you. Each one plays a vital role in ensuring our Central Oregon neighbors have enough to eat.
NeighborImpact
NeighborImpact is Central Oregon’s regional food bank, supplying nutritious food to more than 50 partner pantries and 15 mobile pantry sites across Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties and the Warm Springs Reservation.
Get Help:
- Use their Find Food Map to locate a pantry near you.
- Visit or call their offices in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, or Redmond for local assistance.
Ways to Give:
- Donate Online, every dollar helps distribute up to 3 meals.
- Volunteer at the food bank or mobile sites.
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Donate Food at their warehouse or partner pantries.
Shop the Online Food Drive to fund specific food purchases.
High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA)
HDFFA connects local farmers and families through programs that make fresh, healthy food more accessible to everyone, while supporting Central Oregon’s farm economy.
Upcoming Event: Fill Your Pantry – Saturday, Nov 8 (11 AM – 3 PM) Deschutes County Fairgrounds
Thanks to generous community donations, anyone in need can receive fresh, local food at no cost (while supplies last). So far, HDFFA has raised funds for over 6,600 meals!
Ways to Give:
- Donate directly: hdffa.org/donate
- Attend Fill Your Pantry and support local farmers.
Explore their Local Food Directory to buy local and strengthen our food system.
Bend Food Project
This volunteer-powered project turns neighborhoods into food collection networks! Every two months, on the 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of even-numbered months, neighbors leave green bags of non-perishable food outside their doors for pickup.
Get Help: Collected food goes directly to partner food programs like The Giving Plate, serving families across Bend.
Ways to Give:
Bethlehem Inn
Bethlehem Inn provides shelter, meals, and case management for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Bend and Redmond. Each guest receives three nutritious meals a day, plus access to housing and job-readiness support.
Current Campaign: Harvest for Hope Food Drive (through Nov 30)Your contributions help keep their kitchens stocked and food boxes available for community members in need.
Ways to Give:
- Donate online: bethleheminn.org/harvestforhope
- Drop off food items at either Bethlehem Inn location:
- Bend – 3705 N High Desert Lane
- Redmond – 517 NW Birch Ave
- Monetary donations can also be mailed: P.O. Box 8540, Bend OR 97708
Most-needed items: coffee, oatmeal, cereal, fruit cups, peanut butter, fresh produce, and proteins.
Shepherd’s House Ministries
Shepherd’s House offers low-barrier shelters, mobile outreach services, and long-term recovery programs across Bend and Redmond. Their outreach teams deliver meals, hygiene items, and hope to those in need.
Get Help: If you or someone you know needs shelter, a meal, or basic supplies, visit their Bend or Redmond locations or connect through their Mobile Outreach Program.
Ways to Give:
- Donate online: shepherdshouseministries.org/donate
- Give needed supplies (food, clothing, hygiene items).
- Volunteer to serve meals, organize donations, or mentor program participants.
Learn more ways to get involved: shepherdshouseministries.org
Energy Bill Assistance for Central Oregon Residents
As the government shutdown continues, energy bill assistance funds aren't being distributed to communities, forcing programs to turn to limited funds carried over from previous years. As temperatures are dropping, we want to share local programs available to help:
Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP)
OEAP helps electric customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power avoid disconnection.
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Eligibility: Low-income households at risk of shut-off.
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How to apply: Reach out to your utility or local community action agency.
Weatherization & Efficiency Programs
Oregon’s Energy Conservation Helping Oregonians (ECHO) and local weatherization programs provide insulation, furnace repair, and other upgrades to reduce energy costs.
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Eligibility: Varies by income, county, and utility.
Quick Tips
- Check if your income is ≤ 60% of Oregon’s median.
- Gather your recent energy bills, proof of income, and household information.
- Contact your local agency or utility early, funding is limited.
- Ask about additional support for arrears, deposits, or energy-saving improvements.
For more resources, visit the National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) directory.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1453
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-486, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/levye
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