Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Extending a Hand — Marion County and Marion Polk Food Share
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Meet Community Partners Marion County and Marion Polk Food Share
In November 2025, thousands of families across our region experienced an unexpected disruption in federal benefits, creating immediate challenges for households that rely on food support each month. To reduce the impact, our community responded quickly, turning urgency into action and care.
Helping to Fill a Critical Gap
Marion County and Marion Polk Food Share stepped up to gather resources and organize the distribution of shelf-stable food boxes to more than 1,600 Salem-Keizer families. On November 7, volunteers worked side-by-side to hand out food boxes to families, thanks to support from the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center, which opened its doors to provide the space needed to carry out this large-scale effort.
“This was an incredibly stressful time for a lot of families,” said SKPS Operations Coordinator David Hughes. “We’re grateful for this partnership and the relief it offered for many households, especially during the holiday season.”
Community Support
In total, nearly 4,500 families across Marion County received food boxes during this period of need.
Salem-Keizer Public Schools is grateful to Marion County, Marion Polk Food Share and the Oregon State Fairgrounds for their collaboration and commitment to supporting our families and community.