Prineville, OR – The Grocery Outlet Independence from Hunger campaign delivered $16,546 in donations during July, earmarked for the Family Access Network’s effort to combat food insecurity across Crook County. The money will be turned into Grocery Outlet gift cards and distributed to families throughout the year.
Local businesses partner to amplify impact
Store owners Rhonda and Lambert Bourgo coordinated with ten neighboring businesses that each matched customer checkout donations up to $500. Those matching contributions added $4,899 to the total, demonstrating a broad community commitment to helping families in need.
The participating matching partners included 7th Street Dental, Slater Chiropractic, The Lumberyard, Bigfoot Rentals, Williams Family Electric, Wild Ride Brewery, NW Graphicworks, Bayberry Lane, Sunrise Pool & Spa and St. Charles Health Systems.
Family Access Network’s role
Family Access Network employees, board members and volunteers visited the Prineville Grocery Outlet store to bag groceries and assist shoppers during the campaign. Board chair Tasha McFarland praised the generosity of both staff and customers, noting the event’s significance for local families.
Founded in 1993, the Family Access Network places advocates directly inside schools across Central Oregon. The organization now employs 28 advocates at 66 sites in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, serving more than 7,600 children and family members each year.
Impact on Crook County families
By converting the raised funds into gift cards, Grocery Outlet ensures that assistance reaches families quickly and discreetly, allowing them to purchase the foods they need without stigma. The ongoing distribution throughout the year aims to provide a steady safety net for families facing economic hardship.
Community leaders view the fundraiser as a model of how local businesses can collaborate with nonprofit partners to address pressing social needs. The fourth consecutive year that Grocery Outlet Prineville has selected the Family Access Network underscores a sustained commitment to the well‑being of Crook County’s children and families.
As the region continues to grapple with rising living costs, initiatives like this fundraiser highlight the importance of faith‑based and family‑focused charities working alongside local enterprises to uphold the values of self‑reliance, generosity, and community stewardship.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
