VERNONIA CARES FOOD BANK
Serving Columbia County and Timber/Buxton in Washington County
Hours of Operation:
Open 10:00am to 2:00pm
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Physical Address:
627 Adams Avenue (Map)
Vernonia, Oregon 97064
Mailing Address:
PO Box 126
Vernonia, Oregon 97064
Web Address: www.VernoniaCares.org         Telephone: (503)429-1414

To view a slideshow showing the "Vernonia Cares"
flood recovery, please CLICK HERE!
(viewable with Internet Explorer only)

For the latest updates about Vernonia's flood recovery, please visit http://www.vernoniaflood.com
What is the GOAL of the
Vernonia Cares Food Bank?

To provide three days worth of emergency groceries, once a month, to needy households in and around the Vernonia area.

Vernonia Cares Board Members:
President: Jacqueline Ramsay
Vice President: Gail Snethen
Treasurer: Jim Tierney
Member: Josette Mitchell
Member: Terry Grosnick
Member: Carolyn Velasco
Member: Andrew Nebergall
Member: Tammy Tankersley
Member: Julie Farmer
Director: Sandy Welch
In 2006 we served an average of:
• 81 households per month
• 213 people per month,
33% of whom were children and
11% of whom were senior citizens
• Used 319 hours of volunteer service
(22 people) per month


Non-discriminatory Statement:
Vernonia Cares Food Bank follows non-discrimination policies and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, familial status, age, source of income, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, and any other category protected by such laws.
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How to Utilize the Food Bank

Vernonia Cares Food Bank is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clients may come in anytime during those hours.

There is a one-page form to complete with basic household information. First-time clients must bring a proof of address for each person listed on the form who resides in the household. Food is given only for children for whom the parent or guardian has legal custody.

Once the form is completed, a few food questions are asked so the food order may be tailored for its recipients. Most orders are completed within fifteen minutes. Clients may use the time to choose bread or pastry products which are available for a small donation, if possible.
Who is eligible to receive grocery assistance?
Our target population is those households who fall within the 185% federal poverty level guidelines (similar to the food stamp program).

Our income guidelines are based on USDA commodity guidelines. To determine if you're eligible for USDA foods, use the chart on the right.
Income Limits
Household
Size
Gross Monthly
Income
(all household residents)
1
$1,574
2
$2,111
3
$2,647
4
$3,184
5
$3,720
6
$4,257
7
$4,793
8
$5,330
Additional
Add $537
per person
(As of February 2007)
What if my income is higher? Am I still eligible?
If your income is above the guideline income numbers on the chart, you may still be eligible for groceries from the food bank. Life sometimes has unexpected changes and the food bank will take that into consideration.

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How is the Vernonia Cares
Food Bank Supported?
  • Donations of food and/or money
    (501(c)3 tax deductible)
  • Purchases of food through the Oregon Food Bank
  • USDA foods
  • Fundraisers (see below)
  • Volunteers, like you!


How Can You Help?
  • Volunteer at the Food Bank
  • Help unload the monthly freight
  • Deliver boxes
  • Plan and run a fundraiser
  • Assist on the Cares Board,
    which meets monthly
  • Run a food drive
Will you join those who show, by their actions, that "Vernonia Cares"?

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- 2007 News, Events & Fundraisers -

June 16, 2007, Saturday - KUPL Fishing Derby - We will be selling Snow Cones and Popcorn at both the Vernonia Lake and Hawkins Park!
July 28, 2007, Saturday - BBQ Chicken Feed at the Senior Center, 446 Bridge Street, Vernonia, Oregon. Meal consists of Quarter BBQ chicken, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Roll, Cookies, & Beverage. Price $8. All meals served in "to go" containers but inside seating is available.
August 18, 2007, Saturday - Vernonia Bear Creek 10K/5K Run/Walk - Event starts and ends in Anderson Park, Vernonia, Oregon. Registration begins at 7:45 am in the Park. To register & for more event info go to: http://www.signmeup.com/56274

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- 2006 News, Events & Fundraisers -

April 8 - Soup for Half Marathon Runners - (co chairpersons: Marge Dunay & Rosie McCoy)
April 22 & June 24 - Texas Hold' Em Tournament - (co chairpersons: Josette Mitchell)
April 23 - Concessions for the Road Rally crews - (co chairpersons: Dave & Rosie McCoy)
May 20 - Fun Run - (chairperson, Julie Farmer)
June 17 - Fish Cleaning Booth during Fishing Derby - (Josette Mitchell)
July 29 - BBQ Chicken Feed - (co chairpersons Rosie McCoy & Sandy Welch)
August 19 - Bear Creek Run along the Linear Trail - (chairperson: Terry Grosnick)


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- 2005 News, Events & Fundraisers -

Christmas Holiday Boxes: On December 20, 2005, Cares gave out 138 grocery boxes which served 429 people. These boxes contained the basic food for a Christmas meal, including a turkey. Everything was donated or paid by donated money. What a great bunch of supporters Cares has!
October 1, 2005, Saturday - Salmon Shack booth was operated during the Salmon Festival in Hawkins Park. Salmon Bento meal (BBQ salmon on a bed of rice with a special sauce added).
September 16, 2005, Friday - Corn on the Cob Booth located by Grey Dawn Gallery near Madison Avenue and Bridge Street. Cares sold corn on the cob during the Cycle Oregon Event in town that day.
August 20, 2005, Saturday - 3rd Annual Vernonia Cares 5K Fun Run/Walk - Our Corporate sponsor this year was Tuality Healthcare and our two gold level sponsors were Holce Logging and Dennis Electric. Many other Vernonia businesses were also acting sponsors.
July 23, 2005, Saturday - 2nd Annual BBQ Chicken Feed was held at the Vernonia Senior Center from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Menu: Quarter BBQ Chicken, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Roll & Butter, Ice Cream and Beverages. Price: $7. "To Go" orders were available. Thanks for supporting Vernonia Cares Food Bank!
May 21, 2005, Saturday - The annual return of the Rose City Motorcycle Club with a van full of donated items. This group has been bringing food since the flood of 1996.
May 8, 2005, Sunday - Vernonia Cares served a Mother's Day Luncheon at the Vernonia Senior Center. Menu was meatloaf, potatoes, gravy, veggie, roll and strawberry shortcake.
April 24, 2005, Sunday - Dave and Rosie McCoy ran a concession stand for the public and the Oregon Trail Rally Club. It was in the Washington Grade School parking lot and ran from 10:30am through 3:00pm. Menu was Krispie Kremes donuts, cookies, hot dogs, homemade chili, pop, juice and coffee.
April 23, 2005, Saturday - During the Vernonia River Fest, Josette sold Krispie Kreme donuts and coffee in front of the Legion Hall/Vernonia Cares building. Started at 7:30am and went until she sold out.
April 09, 2005, Saturday - Oregon Road Runners Club Vernonia Half Marathon - Charity lunch at Anderson Park. Served soup and snacks to participants of the run.
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- Education / Links -

AmericanHeart.org - Healthy Food Choices
KidsHealth.org - Food Guide Pyramid
Oregon Food Bank... because no one should be hungry.
USDA - Food Safety Education

http://vernonia-or.gov - Official City of Vernonia Site

Vernonia Cares Inc. - All rights reserved.
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