About us

Why we run a rescue without a kennel.

Keizer Community Food Bank provides free groceries to residents of Keizer and northern Salem, Oregon. We run a choice-model pantry so clients select the foods their family will actually eat, reducing waste and preserving dignity. We partner with Oregon Food Bank and local farms to keep our shelves full year round.

Two church basements combined shelves in 2008 when the financial crisis doubled the number of families asking for help. Sixteen years later we operate out of a dedicated warehouse on Chemawa Road and serve more than a thousand households each month.

We are unusual among food banks in running a choice model. Families shop the pantry like a store rather than receiving pre-packed boxes. It is slower, but it is respectful, and it dramatically reduces food waste.

Ninety-four percent of our operating budget comes from private donors and local grocery chains. We accept no government funding so we can serve anyone who walks through the door without documentation.

Leadership and governance

We are governed by a five-member volunteer board that meets quarterly. Day-to-day operations are led by a small paid staff. Full bios and our annual Form 990 are available on request.

Financial transparency

Our most recent audit is available upon request at [email protected]. Over 91% of expenses fund direct animal care. Administrative costs run under 6%; fundraising under 3%.