Newsletters
From our Executive Director
Dear Friends of FISH,
At FISH, we often say that food is medicine. We see it every day in our pantry: nutritious food gives children the energy to learn, seniors the strength to remain independent, and families the stability they need to weather difficult times.
That belief is at the heart of an exciting new partnership we are proud to share with you.
FISH of Roseburg has been selected as a participating pantry in the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Food for Health Network. This innovative program was created through a partnership between OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, the Nourish Program, and community food pantries across Oregon.
The need for this program is significant. During a recent survey of families staying with children at Doernbecher, 59% of parents and caregivers reported not eating despite being hungry, and 66% said they reduced food intake or skipped meals during their child’s hospitalization. The stress of caring for a sick child, time away from work, travel costs, and extended hospital stays can quickly create food insecurity—even for families who have never experienced it before.
The Food for Health Network recognizes an important truth: healing does not end when a family leaves the hospital.
Through this program, families with children receiving care at Doernbecher can order groceries online through a multilingual, culturally responsive platform and choose either pantry pickup or home delivery. As one of the selected partner pantries, FISH will help ensure that families returning to Douglas County have access to healthy, nutritious food as they continue their child’s recovery at home.
This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to reduce hunger with compassion. We know that when basic needs are met, families can focus on what matters most: caring for one another and healing together.
We are honored that FISH was chosen to serve families in our region through this network. It is another example of how local partnerships can create lasting impact for rural communities that are often overlooked in statewide programs.
As food insecurity continues to rise across Oregon, partnerships like these remind us that community care extends beyond county lines. Together, we can ensure that no parent has to choose between staying at their child’s bedside and finding their next meal.
Thank you for standing beside FISH and making this work possible. Your support allows us to meet people where they are—whether they are facing a temporary crisis, recovering from illness, or simply needing a helping hand.
With gratitude,
Jenn Reida
Executive Director
FISH of Roseburg Food Pantry