In 1985, the Clark County Food Bank (CCFB) became the primary, countywide nonprofit food distribution organization as the successor 501(c)(3) organization of the Clark County Food Bank Coalition. CCFB is a member of the Oregon Food Bank network and provides bulk food to 34 emergency food pantries and feeding programs. They, in turn, distribute food to hungry and food insecure individuals, families and children of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds at or below 185 percent of federal poverty guidelines.
Bulk food products are sourced from the USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program, Washington State Emergency Food Assistance Program, Northwest Harvest, Northwest Harvest South, Oregon Food Bank, and CCFB’s Fresh Alliance partnership with area supermarkets. This is supplemented by annual Clark County food drives, including Walk & Knock and Postal Carriers, local donations, gleaning and our 10-acre food garden at Heritage Farm.
A successful $4.8 million capital campaign was launched in 2009, resulting in the purchase of land and construction of a 22,000 sq. ft. facility. CCFB took occupancy in January 2012. We now have a drive-in, forklift-accessible freezer and cooler, temperature-controlled and efficient repack center, larger and more loading docks, essential office space, a fully-equipped kitchen and classroom for our Nutrition Education Program, and a community meeting room available for nonprofit partners.
This greater capacity has increased CCFB’s ability to accept large donations and expand programing. Clark County includes more urban centers, like Vancouver, and more rural areas, such as Ridgefield and Battle Ground. Approximately 10,000 food boxes go out each month to over 31,000 people. In Clark County, the need for food assistance continues to grow. The Clark County Food Bank’s core mission is to alleviate hunger and its root causes.
