One in eight people living in Yamhill County do not have enough food. When food is limited, health can suffer, people feel more stress, and kids may struggle to learn. These challenges affect the whole community.
The Yamhill Food Project brings neighbors together to support local food pantries. Neighborhood groups collect non‑perishable food every other month to be donated to all food pantries in Yamhill County. This regular schedule creates a steady flow of food throughout the year. With this support, our goal is that food pantries are better able to meet the growing need and continue their critical work of keeping our neighbors fed.
The Yamhill Food Project is built on the strength of community. When many people give a little on a regular basis, it adds up. Together, we can help make sure everyone in Yamhill County has access to food.
Our Story
The Yamhill Food Project is implemented by the Nutrition Oregon Campaign (NOC) Yamhill Hub. The Hub has a number of work groups that meet to plan projects and initiatives to improve the health and wellness of the community through nutrition. One of these groups focuses on Food Access.
In 2023, the group met with Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP) to hear firsthand what the current food banking landscape looks like. YCAP communicated that decreased food supply coupled with increased food demand had led to a real issue keeping pantries stocked. The group felt a call to work closely with YCAP and explore ways to sustainably increase their food supply.
Through a lot of research and conversations, we came across the Neighborhood Food Project, and we fell in love with the simplicity of the program and the opportunity it provided to build community between “neighbors” in Yamhill County. Whether your “neighborhood” is made up of physical neighbors, coworkers, a local business, church groups, sports team, or school groups, the Yamhill Food Project is an opportunity to come together and make a real, lasting positive impact on families right here in our community.
Food Bank Partner
The Yamhill Food Project partners with Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP), our county’s food bank, to make sure donated food reaches all 17 affiliated food pantries across Yamhill County. Together, these pantries provide fresh and shelf‑stable groceries to families and individuals who need them most. Launched in 2026, we’ve already held our first collection day, and this is just the beginning. With continued community support, we’re excited to grow the program and help keep pantry shelves stocked all year long.
Most Needed Items:
- Foods high in protein – canned meats like tuna, chicken or salmon and canned or dried beans.
- Canned fruits and vegetables – preferably with reduced sodium and reduced sugar.
- Whole grain foods – brown rice, whole grain cereal, and whole wheat or whole grain pasta, masa.
- Shelf-stable milk
- Hearty soups and stews with pull-top lids
Get Involved
Are you ready to make a difference close to home? Whether you have a few neighbors, a group of coworkers or friends, a club, or a faith community, there’s a place for you in this project.
Neighborhood Coordinator volunteers are at the heart of the project. Coordinators organize a group of food donors, their “neighborhood,” and help keep the donation cycle moving. Every donation helps. As a coordinator, you collect filled food bags from your neighborhood every other month and drop them at a collection site. The time commitment is small, but the impact is meaningful.
To be a Neighborhood Coordinator volunteer, you don’t need special skills, just an interest in helping your community. Support and materials are provided by the Yamhill Food Project. You can also help by sharing this volunteer opportunity with others!
Ready to help meet local food needs by organizing your neighborhood? Contact us!