Tualatin Food Pantry reports rising demand, warns of Oregon Food Bank cuts

Danielle Schneider, executive director of the Tualatin Food Pantry, briefed the Tualatin City Council on April 28 about growing need in the service area and how a $5,000 city grant is being used to support operations.

Schneider said the pantry served 41,714 people in 2024 and already was serving about 4,000 people per month in the first quarter of 2025. "Food insecurity in our community is not lessening. The problem is frankly getting worse," Schneider said, describing pandemic-era declines in need that have since reversed.

She told councilors the Oregon Food Bank — the pantry’s largest single supplier — signaled an anticipated 17% reduction in pounds distributed to partner agencies for the next quarter. Schneider said reductions stem from federal-level changes, including canceled shipments of milk and other commodities, and broader commodity and produce program changes.

"We're going to do our best to close that gap," Schneider said, describing a planned hire for a volunteer and fundraising manager and outreach to local growers and community food drives. She listed high-need grocery items (peanut butter, mac and cheese, tuna, cold cereal) and said the pantry seeks two scheduled food drives per month and more year-round donations.

Councilors asked about tracking and abuse prevention; Schneider described the pantry’s use of the Oregon Food Bank’s Link2Feed database, which limits service to two visits per calendar month and flags repeat visits. Councilors expressed concern about the commodity reductions and offered help coordinating volunteers and outreach.

The council did not take formal action at the presentation; members thanked Schneider and encouraged community support.