Benton County has launched a countywide food collection effort running through December to address increasing demand at local food banks.
The “Noodles for Neighbors” campaign encourages residents to donate nonperishable food items at eight county facilities. Organizers are particularly seeking dry pasta, boxed macaroni and cheese, canned pasta sauce and ready-to-eat canned pasta meals with pop-tops. All donations must be unopened and unexpired.
Monetary donations are also accepted, with Linn Benton Food Share able to provide the equivalent of five meals for every dollar donated, organizers said.
The initiative comes as food distribution in the county reaches record levels. Linn Benton Food Share distributed more than 1.6 million pounds of food in Benton County during the 2024-25 fiscal year ending June 30, including 21,785 emergency food boxes — a 13% increase from the previous year and the highest number ever distributed in the county.
“We see those numbers continuing to increase both through the rest of this calendar year and into the next few years because of changes both at the federal and state level,” said Ryan McCambridge, program director for Linn Benton Food Share, in a presentation last summer to county officials.
The food bank provides food to 29 member agencies in Benton County, including food pantries, meal sites, senior food box programs and distribution programs at child care centers and group homes. Philomath Community Services is among the recipients.
The Board of Commissioners recently approved a $60,000, two-year grant to support the organization’s work.
County officials note that food insecurity affects not only those below the federal poverty level but also working households struggling to afford basic expenses. An estimated 46% of Benton County households fell below the ALICE threshold — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — in 2023, a figure that has likely increased with rising costs.
“While these community members might not be in crisis, they are forced to make impossible choices,” County Administrator Rachel McEneny said. “They’re deciding whether to pay for the electric bill or a car repair, whether to buy food or fill a prescription.”
The campaign began as an internal employee food drive organized by the county’s Benefits and Wellness Committee and AFSCME Local 2064 before expanding to a public effort.
A list of donation sites and additional food resources is available on the Benton County website.