Hood River County School District shares food resource information for community

HRCSD is working with local help groups and state offices to give clear information and connect people to the help they need.

The school district wants to confirm the operational status of the primary nutrition programs serving our community:

• School meals remain guaranteed for all students:

• The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) confirms continued funding for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP).

• HRCSD will continue to provide breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost every school day, without any interruption. 

• Visit this HRCSD webpage for more information. 

• Existing EBT card balances are functional:

• Any funds loaded onto an Oregon Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card in previous months remain available for grocery purchases.

• State benefit changes notice:

• Families who receive state food assistance should be aware of a potential delay in the issuance of November benefits. The state encourages checking the official state human services website for the most current information regarding disbursement schedules.

Any household in need of immediate food assistance can connect with community partners right away. These resources are available to the public and typically do not require identification or documentation of income for emergency food:

• Local food pantries for emergency support:

• FISH Food Bank: Locations across Hood River County, including Hood River, Parkdale, and Cascade Locks, are prepared to provide emergency food boxes and groceries.

• Please check the Hood River County Prevention website for current hours and locations. 

• Oregon Food Finder:

• Use the Oregon Food Bank Food Finder to quickly locate nearby pantries, meal sites, and free food markets: https://foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org/

• Comprehensive social service referrals:

• For help connecting with food, housing, utility assistance, and other social services, please contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1 or texting your local ZIP code to 898-211. You can also visit the 2-1-1 information website.

• Official state updates:

• Families should regularly check the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) website for official announcements regarding benefits and assistance programs.

The school district recognizes the vital role community-supported organizations play during periods of increased need. For those in a position to assist, supporting our local partners is crucial, as they serve more families in Hood River County.

How to contribute locally (FISH Food Bank):

• Financial Donations: The most impactful way to help. Donations can be made online via the FISH website or by mailing a check. Visit the FISH Food Bank donations webpage for details.

• Food and essential items: FISH welcomes donations of canned goods, non-perishable products, fresh garden-grown produce, and personal hygiene items.

Statewide giving:

• To support hunger relief efforts across Oregon, donate to the Oregon Food Bank by visiting this webpage.

"Our commitment to our students extends far beyond the classroom,” said Superintendent Bill Newton. “By leaning on the incredible network of support provided by our local food banks and service agencies, we can navigate these challenges together. We urge every family in need to use the resources we have shared, knowing that the school district is here to support them, starting with a free meal at school."

The school district will continue to disseminate updated information through school communications channels as it becomes available.