Our Story
Working Towards a Better Tomorrow
The FISH Food Bank of Hood River was established in 1969 after a group of concerned citizens recognized that some of their neighbors, and others passing through the town, needed food, clothing, and other assistance.
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Today, FISH is a 501(C)(3) organization with locations in Hood River, Cascade Locks, and Parkdale. The letters in FISH stand for Friendly, Instant, Sympathetic Help - which is what you'll find at our three locations. Our 2022 Newsletter shares some of our work and challenges.
FISH serves people in need of food assistance in Hood River County and Mosier. We are a partner agency of the Oregon Food Bank. Donations made to FISH help us purchase food supplies from the Oregon Food Bank, which acquires food through donations from the food industry, individuals, local institutions and national partners of Feeding America, as well as federal allocations of USDA commodities.
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We distribute fresh produce grown in the garden behind our facility and benefit from the generous donations of local orchardists and farmers, who supply apples, pears, peaches, cherries, walnuts blueberries, and other fresh food. Businesses and schools organize food drives to help as well. Please see our Donors page for the full listing of generous benefactors.
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Food Assistance in the Community
We share here the history of FISH's involvement in the Hood River County community since 1969. We also present some client stories produced by the Oregon Food Bank. In partnership with the Oregon Food Bank, we work to end hunger in Oregon.
Volunteers at FISH Food Bank
50 Years of History
Partner Agency Info
Oregon Food Bank Partner
We're a partner with the Oregon Food Bank. The Oregon Food Bank collects food from farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, individuals and government sources. We distribute that food through a Statewide Network of 21 Regional Food Banks and approximately 1,200 food assistance sites serving all of Oregon and Clark County, Washington.
United Way of the Columbia Gorge Partner and Recipient
We're grateful for the support of the United Way. Their help allows FISH to serve people in need of food assistance in Hood River County.
USDA Policies
"In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA."
FISH Food Bank Welcomes You
Because no one should be hungry!
The FISH Food Bank mission is to help alleviate hunger by distributing food regularly and on an emergency basis, regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation and in a friendly, instant, sympathetic, helpful, nonjudgmental and confidential manner.
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Our mission is to provide emergency food once per month or about 12 times per year to those in Hood River County and Mosier. In addition to food supplies, we have personal hygiene supplies too.
Anyone who lives in Hood River County or Mosier needing food assistance can receive help from FISH. Volunteers will help you when you arrive - please stay in your car. IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE FOOD BANK, just let a volunteer know. You do not need to present an ID. We are here to help.
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Other resources to help those in need include: SNAP (Food Stamp Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance). Info on unemployment benefits in Oregon.
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If you are experiencing homelessness and do not have a permanent address but need food aid, please come by - we can help!