OCCU Foundation puts out call to community with in-branch Feeding Families campaign

Eugene, Oregon – It’s estimated that between 13% and 25% of households in OCCU’s home of Lane County, Oregon, are food insecure, compared to about 11% for the state as a whole. That means anywhere from an eighth to a fourth of families in the area are struggling to feed themselves, surpassing national averages.

That’s thousands of households, including kids, that go hungry every day.

Thankfully, local nonprofits are at the forefront of this struggle, providing nutritious food to our neighbors. And their commitment is why OCCU Foundation has a special Feeding Families Fund, which specifically aids these organizations in their tireless battle against hunger.

Recipients of the Feeding Families Fund include:

• Local food banks, like FOOD for Lane County.
• Food preparation and delivery nonprofits, like Positive Community Kitchen, which distributes meals to community members with terminal illnesses.
• School resource pantries that provide necessities to students and their families, like those run by the Bethel Education Foundation.
• Snack packs for children at Cornerstone Community Housing locations during the summer, when school lunch programs aren’t active.
• After-school programs where snacks are provided, including Creswell Club House and Boys and Girls Club of Emerald Valley.

Now, OCCU Foundation invites the community to join the credit union and be a force for good.

Through June 15, both OCCU members and non-members can contribute to OCCU Foundation’s Feeding Families Fund. Donors at OCCU’s 13 branches will be invited to write their names on green paper diamonds to be displayed on teller row, joining others in the fight against hunger. Donations are also welcome through OCCU Foundation’s online portal.

The Feeding Families Fund has been a critical part of OCCU Foundation’s giving. Over the past two years, the Feeding Families Fund has given more than $200,000 to promote nutrition in the Pacific Northwest. Part of the fund is covered by OCCU Foundation’s annual Golf Classic, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

Those interested in participating in the campaign can find OCCU branch locations here, or donate online here.

About OCCU

OCCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $3.4 billion in assets. The credit union was founded in Eugene, OR, in 1956, and has an expanding network of branches and web tools to provide its more than 260,000 member-owners with a full suite of financial services. Membership is open to anyone living or working in 28 Oregon counties or anywhere in Washington. Learn more at MyOCCU.org.

About OCCU Foundation

OCCU Foundation is the philanthropic arm of OCCU. It provides wellness support and community response to the neighborhoods OCCU serves. OCCU Foundation was founded to further extend the credit union’s vision to Enrich Lives. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation is funded by OCCU, businesses, families and individuals. More than $3 million has been granted to build happier and healthier communities since its start in 2018. Learn more at MyOCCU.org/Foundation.

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