THE GIVING PLATE

THE GIVING PLATE, INC. (TGP) IS A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO PROVIDING HUNGER RELIEF WITH COMPASSION AND HOSPITALITY TO FOOD-INSECURE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ACROSS CENTRAL OREGON. IN 2024, TGP CONTINUED TO REIMAGINE FOOD ASSISTANCE BY CREATING DIGNIFIED, WELCOMING SPACES THAT NOURISH BOTH BODY AND SPIRIT.THIS YEAR, WE DISTRIBUTED 986,365 POUNDS OF FOOD TO 94,562 INDIVIDUALS THROUGH ALL FOUR OF OUR HUNGER-RELIEF PROGRAMS, WITH 60% OF THOSE SERVED BEING CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18. THROUGH OUR GROCERY PROGRAM, WE SUPPORTED 18,350 HOUSEHOLDS, PROVIDING ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOOD IN A MARKET-STYLE ENVIRONMENT DESIGNED TO UPHOLD DIGNITY AND CHOICE. OUR KID'S KORNER PROGRAM PROVIDED 11,877 BAGS OF FOOD TO CHILDREN, GIVING THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOP FOR THEIR OWN FOOD IN A SPACE DESIGNED JUST FOR THEM. THE BACKPACKS FOR BEND PROGRAM DELIVERED 24,967 WEEKEND FOOD BAGS TO APPROXIMATELY 750 K12 STUDENTS, ENSURING THEY HAD ENOUGH TO EAT WHEN SCHOOL WAS NOT IN SESSION.IN ADDITION TO FOOD SUPPORT, TGP EXTENDED HOPE IN TANGIBLE WAYS. WE DISTRIBUTED 479 GAS/PROPANE CARDS VALUED AT $30 EACH TO INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING CRISIS AND HARDSHIP. WE ALSO BROUGHT JOY TO OUR YOUNGEST GUESTS THROUGH SEASONAL OUTREACH: 514 EASTER BASKETS WERE GIFTED TO CHILDREN AGES 112, AND OUR ANNUAL JINGLE STORE WELCOMED 871 CHILDREN FROM LOW-TO-MODERATE INCOME FAMILIES. AT THIS FREE HOLIDAY EVENT, CHILDREN MET SANTA, BUDDY THE ELF, PRINCESSES, AND MORE WHILE SHOPPING WITH $10 IN JINGLE BUCKS TO PICK OUT MEANINGFUL GIFTS FOR LOVED ONES.AS WE REFLECT ON 2024, THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS HIGHLIGHT OUR DEEP COMMITMENT TO NOT ONLY FIGHTING HUNGER BUT ALSO FEEDING HOPE, RESTORING DIGNITY, AND STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY WITH LOVE AND CARE.