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 2020 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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InSitu Garden Volunteers
Volunteer Nick
FISH building in Hood River
Volunteers sort food drive donations
Culturally appropriate food supports a diverse client base
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Hood River Rotary Volunteers
High School Food Drive
Volunteers Packing Food Bags
JVC Volunteer Marly
Ann L sets up for food distribution
Jacquie B Presents Tomato Starts
Serving Clients at their Cars
Produce Bags Ready
Rotary Club Volunteers Wheeling Out the Food
 

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.

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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.

 
Kids in Vegetable Farm

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."