Benton County, OR. — Benton County has launched a new countywide food drive, Noodles for Neighbors, in response to growing food insecurity and record demand for emergency food assistance. The effort runs through the end of December and invites community members to donate nonperishable foods and funds to help feed local families.
Collection bins are located in eight Benton County facilities. Priority items include dry pasta, boxed macaroni and cheese, canned pasta sauce, and ready-to-eat canned pasta meals with pop-tops such as ravioli and SpaghettiOs. Other unopened, non-expired nonperishables are also welcome.
While food donations are encouraged, county leaders emphasize that monetary contributions have the greatest impact. Linn Benton Food Share can provide the equivalent of five meals for every donated dollar. The organization supplies food to 29 member agencies across Benton County, including pantries, meal sites, senior food box programs, and distribution points in child care centers and group homes.
Earlier this year, the Benton County Board of Commissioners approved a $60,000 two-year grant to support Linn Benton Food Share. On Aug. 5, Program Director Ryan McCambridge reported that the organization distributed more than 1.6 million pounds of food countywide in the 2024–2025 fiscal year, including 21,785 emergency food boxes — the highest number ever recorded in Benton County and nearly a 13% increase from the previous year.
McCambridge noted that demand continues to rise, driven by both low-income households and a growing number of ALICE families — those who are employed and above the poverty line but unable to cover basic expenses. In 2023, an estimated 46% of Benton County households were below the ALICE threshold.
“Statistics about the federal poverty level only tell part of the story of people in need,” said County Administrator Rachel McEneny. “A much larger number of households are ALICE, with income above the poverty level, but not enough to afford basic expenses.”
McEneny added that rising costs are forcing families into difficult choices, such as choosing between food, utilities, prescriptions, and transportation.
The Noodles for Neighbors initiative grew out of an internal employee food drive organized by the County’s Benefits and Wellness Committee and AFSCME Local 2064. It is now part of a broader regional effort involving local governments, nonprofits, and community partners working to expand food access and connect residents with needed support.
A list of donation locations and food assistance resources is available on the Benton County website.
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