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City of Corvallis sets up food drop sites after federal cuts
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Published in Business and Finance on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 18:42 GMT by KEZI- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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I will try to retrieve content.The City of Corvallis has responded to recent federal budget cuts in food‑assistance programs by launching a series of community food‑drop sites throughout the city. The initiative was announced by the city’s mayor and the Department of Community Development on Saturday, with the first sites opening in downtown Corvallis and the university district the following morning. The effort is a direct reaction to the abrupt reduction in federal funding for programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (PEBT) system, which previously helped to stabilize food security for low‑income residents.
According to the city’s press release, the new drop sites will operate for a 12‑week pilot period, during which residents can leave or pick up fresh produce, canned goods, and non‑perishable food items. The drop sites are located at the intersection of Main Street and the old post office building, a corner of the Oregon State University (OSU) campus near the campus center, and a former auto‑parts warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Each location will be staffed by a mix of city employees and volunteers from local nonprofits, including the Corvallis Food Bank and the Oregon Food Bank. Residents can bring in donated food or simply receive a “take‑away” package if they do not have a vehicle.
“We’re stepping in to fill the gap left by federal cuts,” Mayor Sarah McNair said during the opening ceremony. “It’s a community‑based solution that allows us to keep a hand on the pulse of our residents’ needs and to mobilize our city’s volunteer network.” The mayor also highlighted that the initiative is built on a partnership framework: the city will provide the physical space and logistical support, while the food banks will manage distribution and inventory. The city’s Department of Community Development confirmed that a $5,000 budget has been earmarked for the first year of operation, covering transportation, signage, and administrative costs.
The federal cuts that triggered the city’s response were part of the federal government’s decision to reduce funding for food‑assistance programs, affecting communities across Oregon. The state’s Food and Nutrition Assistance Agency (FNAA) reports that, as a result, many low‑income families in the Corvallis area have faced increased food insecurity. The Corvallis Food Bank, a local affiliate of the Oregon Food Bank, has seen a 23% rise in demand for food assistance in the past year. “We’ve seen more families call in for help. The city’s proactive approach gives us a structured way to help those in crisis,” said Jennifer Lopez, Executive Director of the Corvallis Food Bank.
The Oregon Food Bank, headquartered in Portland, has been a longstanding partner in the region. Its mission is to “ensure that all Oregon families have access to the food and nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives.” The organization provides a network of distribution sites, emergency food pantries, and nutrition education programs. It also works with local farms and grocery retailers to divert surplus produce to those in need. The Oregon Food Bank’s website (https://www.oregonfoodbank.org) offers resources for volunteers, donors, and those seeking assistance. It also details the various nutrition programs the state runs, including the School Nutrition Program and the Healthy Kids Meals Initiative, which aim to reduce childhood obesity and improve school meal quality.
One of the key elements of Corvallis’s drop‑site model is the emphasis on fresh produce. The city has partnered with local farms, such as “Westside Harvest,” to donate surplus vegetables and fruits. Each drop site features a separate “produce box” that is replenished daily by volunteers. Residents who pick up produce are encouraged to sign up for a weekly “Fresh Food” subscription that allows them to receive a curated selection of seasonal produce for an additional $15 per month. The program is designed to encourage healthier eating habits while providing a predictable source of fresh food for low‑income families.
The city also announced plans to host a “Food Equity Forum” in October, where city officials, nonprofit leaders, and residents will discuss the long‑term strategy for addressing food insecurity. The forum will explore ways to sustain and expand the drop‑site model, including potential partnerships with local grocery chains and the development of a mobile food truck that can serve underserved neighborhoods. Mayor McNair emphasized that while the drop sites are a temporary solution, they could serve as a foundation for a more robust, city‑wide food‑security infrastructure.
In addition to the logistical aspects, the initiative has a strong focus on community engagement. Volunteers are recruited through a partnership with the local high school, which has launched a “Community Service Club” that places students at the drop sites. The city has also partnered with the Corvallis‑Sisters of the Holy Cross to provide nutrition counseling and cooking classes at the drop sites, ensuring that residents receive not only food but also the knowledge to use it effectively.
The Corvallis City Council has approved a resolution to continue funding the drop‑site program for the next fiscal year, contingent on its success metrics, including the number of families served and the reduction in local food‑bank requests. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback through the city’s online portal (https://corvalliscity.gov/food-drop-sites) and to attend the upcoming Food Equity Forum. The city’s proactive approach to federal cuts in food‑assistance programs underscores a commitment to ensuring that no Corvallis resident goes hungry, and that the city remains resilient in the face of shifting national policies.
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