Thank you for your support of
Ella Curran Community Food Bank!
Our Story: A permanent home!
Since 1978, the Ella Curran Food Bank volunteers and all the community have come together to help our neighbors in need. Since the food bank’s origin, from the trunk of Ella Curran’s car, our mission has been the same.
Our Mission
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To provide food for those in need
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Eliminate the stigma of food insecurity
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End food insecurity in the area
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Be a Hub for food distribution and partners to all area organizations.
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Serve the community during personal, economic, and emergency situations
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Create partnerships so individuals and families can easily access healthy food
“Thank you for volunteering at the food bank. I have been there and my friends have, too. It helps so many, and we are proud to live in a community where neighbors help each other.”
Our Work
Ella Curran Community Food Bank has seen first-hand the consistent reality of food insecurity. Families frequently struggle to pay monthly bills: rent, insurance, car repair and maintenance, food, and health care. Families often need help to stretch their dollars, and by “shopping” at the food bank, people often save enough money to both feed their families and pay their other bills. The food bank provides healthy food in a safe, confidential setting, at five weekly shopping times where people select their own food.
Additionally, it has helped three area youth pantries obtain food; provided Thanksgiving dinner supplies including turkey or chicken for more than 500 families; distributed food to area organizations for special group trainings and health/resource fairs; provided assistance for free dental clinics; and responded in emergency situations, developing strategies for food distribution to meet unusual needs.
In 2024, the food bank served: 52,517 individuals.
In 2025, the food bank sees between 200-320 families per week, serving about 1000-1300 people.
“I do not need the food bank now, but at one time my family did. Thank you for being here for all of us"
Our Need
In 46 years, Ella Curran Food Bank has moved nine times. It is difficult to find a space for a food bank. The current food bank has limited space (2760 square feet). This counts the sidewalk and delivery entrance. Refrigeration space and storage space are limited. Even with a small waiting room, people are standing in lines outside in the heat and cold.
Our Process
In 2021, the food bank conducted a feasibility study to determine if the food bank could fundraise this project. The Board met with food bank volunteers, community, and regional leadership to discuss the important role the food bank plays in the region. The community has seen how Ella Curran Food Bank has never closed during the pandemic, fires, smoke, ice storms, snow, and economic challenges.
Our Plan
Build a new 7,000 square-foot permanent facility that will serve Independence, Monmouth, rural Polk County, and Marion County for decades to come. The design of the building includes:
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An exterior market structure to create a welcoming entrance and shopping experience.
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An ergonomically appropriate food bank entrance and shopping area for all shoppers to select their own food.
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Easy-to-access area; a drive-through pickup area to be used during health emergencies and be available for shoppers with disabilities and special needs.
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An outdoor produce market area with portable shelving to more readily provide healthy produce.
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The new location will increase the availability of fresh produce with dedicated planting sections for fruit, vegetables, and a community garden space.
Our Progress
The dream of a permanent home is nearing it’s goal. Ella Curran Food Bank Food has received the support and generosity of our entire region.
First, Neighbors Helping Neighbors provided the lead gift to start the campaign. This organization was led by Pat Jaffer and board members with decades long history with Ella Curran Food Bank.
A major step took place with a gift of property from the Oregon Community Foundation through a generous family fund. This property is easily accessible for all the community as well as being close to highways, airport, railroad in the event of an emergency.
Major donations led by our area’s legislators launched the next successful phase of the campaign. This phase of the project was made possible through an appropriation from the Oregon Legislature, and this allocation was followed by another state legislative allocation
– thanks to both Representative Paul Evans and Senator Deb Patterson. These efforts have fully funded Phase Two of the new building!
Additional local individual grants, private foundation grants, and federal grants have been received. The generosity and support have given momentum to the entire campaign and future of the food bank. Thank you!
With the gift of property, the major state allocations, and local donations, as well as the support of our area leadership, the new building campaign continues to gain momentum. Here is our up-to-date progress: We have reached 82% of our goal!
Many thanks are due to these grantors and sponsors:
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Neighbors Helping Neighbors
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Project funding made possible through an appropriation from the Oregon Legislature legislative, thank you Representative Paul Evans.
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Appropriation from the State of Oregon, secured by State Senator Deb Patterson. Thank you, Senator Deb Patterson.
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Joseph and Judith Ann Fox Family Fund of Oregon Community Foundation
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Ford Family Foundation
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Willamette Health Council
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Maps Credit Union
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Lions Club International Foundation presented through the Central Lions Club
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Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) HUD grant supported by Senator Jeff Merkley, Senator Ron Wyden and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas
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Also, generous donations have come from local individuals and families.
Here is our up-to-date progress! We have reached 82% of our goal!
The Four Phases of the Ella Curran Food Bank Permanent Home Campaign:
Phase 1: Project planning, design, property partitioning/ deed and building permit. 100% funded and complete. $192,000.
Phase 2: Infrastructure and site preparation: rock site, in-ground plumbing, electrical, sewer, and asphalt. Phase 2 is 100% funded and complete. $1,490,000.
Phase 3: Structure and roofing: $2,300,000 needed; $1,400,000 is raised.
Phase 4: Interior finish work, built-in equipment, portable equipment, generator, kitchen equipment, signage, display equipment. 90% has been raised.
Our Goal
To move into the new building completely funded. To have a community resource that will serve the community for generations! Thank you for all the support as we continue to feed our community!