Pacific Index

With or without food stamps, if you’re hungry and in need, visiting one of these free food organizations could be an answer

With the recent funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), it is essential for students at Pacific to have a chance at free and/or affordable meals. That is why visiting one of these free food organizations nearby could be a big help to students as we go into finals and the holiday months. 

The best option for hungry Pacific students is the Boxer Food Share. Open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm, the Boxer Food Share provides free food to Pacific students and staff in need. The Food Share is located at 2415 Main St. Forest Grove and it can be a way for any student to get groceries for the week. For some students, eating at the Food Share has been a way to find gluten free items, and find themselves taking trips to the Food Share often when they are in need. 

Talking with people who have gone to the Boxer Food share reaffirmed that Pacific has its students’ backs when it comes to food provision. Students are largely in agreement that the Food Share is of high quality and worth the visit. Even if you have received SNAP resources this month, coupling those funds with the Boxer Food Share is also a viable option and many students on SNAP already do it. 

But if you happen to find your way to Taste and See Local, another food bank in the area, you could also fill your bags up with food. They are open on Thursdays from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm, located on 2134 19th Ave Forest Grove. This community food bank prides themselves on providing for all, no matter where you live. If you find yourself in Forest Grove on a Thursday morning and in need of groceries, go to Taste and See  Local! All they need to know about you is your name and the number of people in your household. 

Other places to look out for, especially when you’re on your own, are your local churches. Most churches have or are associated with food banks, and getting in touch with them early on can save you a lot of worry. Another place you can look is the Oregon Food Bank website, where you can type in your zip code and find any food banks near you. 

During the holiday season, it is important to know that if you need help, your community has your back. Winter break can be tough for some people, so if getting your mind off your next meal is a big help, please look into finding a food bank near you or taking a visit to the Boxer Food Share. These organizations are there to support you and the more people use them, the more the volunteers are motivated to keep helping.