Neighborhood Missions, in partnership with the Oregon Food Bank and the
Hoodland Senior Center, has offered a Free Food Market on the last Monday of
each month for a couple years. Their efforts to help those in need in the
community have continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, including
providing food box to up to 75 households (approximately 180 people) last
month.

Steve Carlson, who facilitates the market, noted that despite the onset of the
pandemic, numbers of people receiving boxes have not surged.
“Not as many as I would have anticipated, which has been surprising to me,”
Carlson said, noting that other factors, such as stimulus checks and
unemployment. “As this goes on longer, we may see an increase more than
we have.”

The market, which is open from 9-10 a.m. at the Hoodland Senior Center
(65000 E. Hwy. 26 in Welches), has seen a good number of monetary
donations, which Carlson said could be used to help other programs on the
Mountain that help those with food insecurity, such as Meals on Wheels and
the summer lunch program.

“We’re looking at some ways we can utilize those contributions in a little wider
way,” he said. “We are feeling like that could be an area where we could have
a substantial impact.”

The market has taken steps to adhere to social distancing, including boxing
food for people as they wait in their cars (normally the market allows people
to select items from a table). Neighborhood Missions also offers assistance
with rent, utilities, prescription drug costs and gasoline, although Carlson
noted they have not had a lot of recent requests. To request aid, call 503-
622-9213 and leave a message. Somebody will call back within 24 hours.

Carlson also added that volunteers are welcome to help at the food market
and that Neighborhood Missions has a committee to help with planning and
organizing the effort. The committee meets the second Monday of every
month at 2 p.m. at Hoodland Lutheran Church, 59159 E. Hwy. 26,.
“We always welcome more voices, more ideas to serve the needy in our
community,” Carlson said.

Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office also has a program to help seniors impacted
by COVID-19, the Community Care Initiative. It offers food, medicine and
household supplies, along with delivery. Those in need can email
CCIrequests@clackamas.us or call 503-794-8008.