Coos County discusses, delays decision on $40,000 transfer to food pantries

Commissioner Rod proposed transferring $40,000 from the county’s economic development fund to support local food pantries after staff reported unusually depleted supplies linked to a recent federal shutdown. County staff identified Food Share as the primary distributor to county food banks and gave recent distribution figures: "Last year they averaged 141,000 per month," staff said, and noted 2020 had been a high year at about 2,400,000 units. Staff added that last month’s distribution was closer to 100,000 units and that an Oregon Food Bank shipment expected this week could improve supplies.

Board members said there was not an immediate, emergent need and agreed to monitor supplies rather than approve an immediate transfer. One commissioner suggested revisiting the matter in a month or two if shortages reappear. The discussion was recorded as a proposal and the board asked staff to follow up; no formal transfer vote was taken during the meeting.

Staff identified Food Share and Laura Hunter (who runs Food Share under ORCA, as referenced in the meeting) as distribution partners; the board did not adopt an exact list of recipient pantries during this meeting and did not record a formal vote authorizing the transfer. Commissioners asked staff to return with updated information if conditions change.