Food pantry providing food for people in need living in or near independence and monmouth oregon.
Ella curran community food bank, an all-volunteer, all-donated food organization for 48 years, continues to fulfill its mission to feed our neighbors in need. In 2025-2026, ella curran food bank had more 14,000 visits, serving 57,552 individuals. This is a 100% increase in shoppers in a four-year period. Areas served are monmouth, independence, rural polk county (67%) and rural marion county (33%). In kind donations, combined with cash donations, successfully meets the increasing food needs of shoppers. More than 70 community members volunteer to provide 12,000 hours of service annually. Combined with area partnerships and community involvement, the mission of ella curran community food bank helps the region reduce food insecurity. The food bank always rented space for food distribution and rented an additional waiting room space for shoppers safety, confidentiality and ada needs. In 2025-26, the food bank increased shopping sessions from four times per week to five times per week; this increase is due to economic and snap benefit concerns. Fundraising for the new building continues. Phase two, the parking lot, water retention swale and infrastructure, is complete. Two events, with attendance totaling 300 people, have celebrated the progress. Fundraising has reached 90% of the goal.