In early 2024, local volunteers with Crook County Sustainable Food Solutions saw a growing challenge: food pantries across our community were struggling to meet rising demand. Nearly half of local students qualified for free or reduced‑price lunches, and many working families still couldn’t afford basic needs. Crook County Green Bags was created to offer a simple, neighbor‑driven solution. Every other month, residents fill a reusable green bag with nonperishable food, which neighborhood coordinators collect and deliver for distribution to local organizations. In less than two years, our community has provided more than 26,500 pounds of food and each month our donor list grows.
Supported by volunteers, donors, and a multi‑year grant from the Central Oregon Health Council, Crook County Green Bags is building a sustainable, community‑powered response to food insecurity.
Our Story
Crook County Green Bags is special because it reflects who we are. Crook County is a community who show up for each other, no matter what’s happening in the rest of the world. Big national issues can feel overwhelming, but here at home, we’ve proven that small, consistent acts of kindness still make a real difference. Crook County Green Bags is built on genuine relationships: neighbors checking in on neighbors, volunteers who know the families on their route, and donors who want their support to stay right here in Crook County.
In our rural town, where resources are limited and distances long, this kind of local, personal approach matters. Every green bag filled, every porch pickup, every pound of food sorted strengthens our own community.
Our Impact
Crook County Green Bags serves community members who, for any reason, find themselves facing food insecurity. From working families struggling to afford basics, seniors on fixed incomes, and students who rely on school meals. All donations stay in Crook County, where our partner agencies distribute the food directly to those who need it most. By working together, we provide reliable, dignified support to neighbors who simply need a little extra help.
Most Needed Items
- Peanut butter
- Jelly or jam (no glass)
- Ready‑to‑heat meals like soups, stews, chili, or pasta dishes for quick, filling nutrition.
- Pop‑top canned fruits and vegetables. Easy‑open options ideal for seniors or anyone with limited hand strength.
- Shelf‑stable proteins such as canned chicken, and tuna
Get Involved
What we do matters because no one in Crook County should face food insecurity alone. Crook County Green Bags gives our community a simple, meaningful way to support neighbors who are struggling, whether it’s a family working hard to make ends meet or a senior stretching a fixed income.
There are so many ways to get involved. You can fill a Green Bag every other month, volunteer on pickup days, or become a Neighborhood Coordinator and help connect your neighbors to the program. Folks can also help by spreading the word or supporting partner agencies that distribute donations. Every role, big or small, strengthens our community and ensures we take care of our own.