Sisters, Ore. – Volunteers and neighbors are gearing up for the 2026 Feed Sisters food drive, a community effort to gather 5,000 pounds of non‑perishable food for the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank. The campaign runs Oct. 4 through Oct. 31.
How to participate
Starting Sep. 21, residents can pick up a free grocery bag at Makin’ it Local (281 W. Cascade Ave.). Each bag includes a checklist of high‑priority items such as peanut butter, jelly, corn flakes, canned chicken, tuna, beans, lentils, beef stew, ravioli, chili, and soups. Filled bags may be returned to the gallery any time in October.
Community support and matching funds
Makin’ it Local will match the first $500 in monetary donations, turning $500 of public contributions into $1,000 for the food bank. “Our role is simply to provide a place for the community to gather, give and help,” said Myrna Dow of Makin’ it Local. “Whether someone gives one can, fills an entire bag, or donates a few dollars, it all helps.”
Why the goal matters
Demand at the Kiwanis Food Bank has more than doubled recently. In 2025, the drive collected 2,410 pounds of food and $1,220 in cash. The new 5,000‑pound target represents more than double last year’s haul, reflecting the generosity of Sisters families, seniors, children and individuals facing food insecurity.
Quotes from organizers
“Feed Sisters is about neighbors taking care of neighbors,” Dow emphasized. “When an entire community does it together, those bags can fill a food bank.” Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank representatives Doug Wills and Jeff Taylor added, “The generosity of the Sisters community directly helps local families, children, seniors and individuals facing food insecurity.”
Incentives for donors
Participants may enter prize drawings for a $100 gift card to Makin’ it Local, a $100 gift card to a participating local restaurant, and a custom‑framed fine‑art print valued at $450. Details and progress updates are posted on the campaign website.
Free grocery bags and checklists will be available at Makin’ it Local beginning Sep. 21, and filled bags can be dropped off during regular business hours from Oct. 4 through Oct. 31.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
