Grant supports access summer meals for Oregon schoolchildren

Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon received a $48,000 grant from the Albertsons and Safeway Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Program. The grant was provided as part of the company’s O Organics “Fight Hunger, Serve Hope” cause program to combat hunger during the summer months when households with school-aged children face higher rates of food insecurity. According to Feeding America, during the summer months, as many as 22 million children lose access to the free or reduced meal programs they rely on during the school year. 

The grant awarded to Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon will support advocacy, education and outreach to expand access to free meals during the summer. 

“We know that access to enough nourishing food has a big impact on a child’s ability to grow, succeed academically, and connect with their peers,” says Jaz Bias, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon’s Co-Executive Director. “Increased access to breakfast and other meals improves educational, health, and economic outcomes.”

Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon works alongside those most impacted by hunger and poverty to advocate for systemic changes and better access to food. They influenced impactful public policy like the Student Success Act and Breakfast After the Bell, and connect over 100,000 Oregonians to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) every year. 

“We’re pleased to partner with Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon to address hunger issues in our community,” said Kelly Mullin, Portland Division President. “Nourishing Neighbors, together with partners like Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, are making our neighborhoods better for our most vulnerable community members.”

Nationwide, O Organics donated $7 million and the equivalent of 28 million meals through the “Fight Hunger, Serve Hope” cause program. For more details on this program, please see a full press release here.


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Nourishing Neighbors is a charitable program of Albertsons and Safeway Foundation. The program aims to eradicate hunger in America by keeping food banks stocked and supporting meal distribution programs at schools. In 2022, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed more than over $200 million in food and financial support, including over $40 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat.

At Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, we work alongside those most impacted by hunger and poverty to advocate for systemic changes and better access to food. We believe everyone has the right to be free from hunger. To bring that vision into reality, we raise awareness about hunger, connect people to nutrition programs, and advocate for systemic changes.

Media Contacts: 

Jacki Ward Kehrwald, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon
[email protected]

Nicky Nielsen, Albertsons
[email protected]

Jill McGinnis, Safeway 
[email protected]