AWARE Food Bank Breaks Ground on Reconstruction Site
Excerpts courtesy of: Marion Polk Food Share
For many people in the area, losing even a few days access to the food and services provided by the AWARE Food Bank would have been a serious hardship, as the downtown Woodburn facility provides a hub of activity where diverse clientele can go for not only food assistance, toiletries, and other household essentials, but also to access social services and a sense of community.
So when arson forced the food bank to close its doors in August 2021, they only missed one regular service day before resuming food distribution at the city-owned parking lot south of the facility. From there, they moved to a temporary location on Harrison St., (that was then owned by Chemeketa Community College) from late September 2021 through May 2022. Finally, they relocated to Hoodview Church of God on Mt. Hood Avenue, and opened on May 26, 2022.
August 2021 Fire Damage
With funding support from partners like the City of Woodburn, Marion County, Business Oregon, and the Oregon Legislature, Marion Polk Food Share have now successfully secured the funding needed to reconstruct the facility. On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, representatives from each of the above organizations gathered to celebrate the planned reconstruction and return of this important service to the region.
Speakers included:
- Courtney Knox Busch, Marion Polk Food Share Board Chair
- Rick Gaupo, Marion Polk Food Share President/CEO
- Gabriella Pena, former AWARE Food Bank Pantry Manager
- Scott Derickson, City of Woodburn Administrator
- Kevin Cameron, Marion County Commissioner
- Teresa Alonso Leon, Oregon State Representative for District 22
Rendering of new AWARE Food Bank - Credit: Anderson Shirley Architects
Construction is expected to begin in November 2022 with AWARE expected to be able to open their doors again in 2023. In the meantime, they will continue to serve and support persons in need out of the temporary facility on Mt. Hood Avenue. "It is so much more than a building," said Marion Polk Food Share President/CEO Rick Gaupo. "It is a place that will be inviting and inclusive, a place where people who need a bit of help can get nutritious food and other household essentials for their families, or find connections to other vital resources like healthcare, education and transportation. It is a refuge and a home to all who need it. It is a gathering place for the community. It is a place where all our neighbors will be welcomed with open arms, and we look forward to welcoming all of you into our new home next year.”
