A USDA grant has made it possible for Oregon families to receive FREE produce, dairy or combo  boxes that are distributed at selected Archdiocese of Portland Catholic Churches, other faith-based organizations, local food pantries, civic organizations and homeless shelters.

As the COVID-19 pandemic extends into the fall months, more and more Oregonians will continue to struggle  to meet their basic need of food security. Many others struggle with isolation and can't travel to their local grocery store. The USDA food box program ensures that lack of financial resources, transportation & isolation do not create a barrier to fresh food.
 
The USDA has partnered with Pacific Coast Fruit to provide 275,000 food boxes per month in our region. In order to make that happen, Pacific Coast Fruit has partnered with the Archdiocese of Portland to distribute boxes to the needy of our state through August 28, 2020. USDA may elect to extend the program depending upon program success and available remaining funds.    

Who may receive a free USDA Food Box?
There is no requirement to prove need. This USDA Food Box program ensures that lack of transportation, isolation and grocery store scarcity do not create a barrier to fresh food.

How long will this USDA Farmers to Families program run?
Because of a successful phase one, USDA has awarded a phase two extension that will allow food box distribution through August 28th. 
  
How do I arrange to pick up a Food Box for my family?
Simply find the closest Public Distribution location listed. No appointment necessary. Please arrive between the distribution times listed for each location. Quantities are limited, so arrive early. If you do not have transportation to a distribution site, please call the parish office.
 
What are the contents of the three different boxes?
The weight of each box is approximately 20–25 pounds. Dimensions are 16x12x10 and contain:
Produce – apples, oranges, strawberries, potatoes, onions, spinach or spring mix, baby carrots, celery, bell peppers or cucumbers, and zucchini.
Dairy– milk, Half-and-Half, butter, yogurt, cheese, and cottage cheese.
Combo – ham or chicken, butter, milk, cheese, potatoes, onions, and red/green leaf lettuce.

Do I have a choice in selecting a specific type of box?
Each of the three types of food boxes is randomly available and changes daily. Please note that all of this food is temperature controlled for safety, and must be kept out of the temperature danger zone.

Is it possible to pick up more than one box for seniors or neighbors?
Many families plan on identifying home-bound neighbors, friends in need & senior care facilities... and delivering boxes to their door. Please call the distribution site before arriving for pick-up to confirm this request. Some sites are limiting the number of boxes each family may take due to inventory or demand. 

What safety precautions are in place? 
Food Boxes are loaded into the trunk of most vehicles in parking lots to keep everyone safe. Drivers and volunteers are asked to maintain physical distancing while distributing vital food resources, in accordance with CDC best practices... all while wearing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). 

Have more questions than these answers?  
Please email us at dpm@archdpdx.org and we will contact you within one working day.

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