10/18/2026
Subject: Help the Keizer Community Food Bank Expand to Serve More Neighbors
Hello everyone,
My name is Jim Johnson, and I’m the Chair of KCFB. I’ve had the privilege of serving in this role for nine years.
KCFB has operated as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization since about 2005. Its roots go back to around 1988, when John Knox Presbyterian Church (JKPC) began operating a food bank as part of its local mission. By about 2000, the program had reached its capacity at JKPC. In response, JKPC joined with four other churches—Clear Lake Methodist, Keizer Church of Christ, St. Edward Catholic, and Faith Lutheran—to establish KCFB. The food bank moved to Faith Lutheran Church, where it could serve more people.
KCFB is staffed entirely by volunteers. Donations help us purchase additional food beyond what we receive through our pantry partnerships with Marion-Polk Food Share (MPFS) and Oregon Food Bank (OFB). We operate in accordance with USDA guidelines.
Our mission is to provide food boxes to people experiencing food insecurity in Marion and Polk Counties. Eligibility is based on USDA income guidelines. We review eligibility during registration, and no documentation is required.
The need for food assistance continues to grow. In 2017, we were limited to serving no more than 30 clients per distribution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we changed our distribution methods and increased our capacity to about 85 clients. Since then, the number of clients has continued to rise, and we have adapted to serve more people. In September 2026, we averaged 170 clients per distribution. On October 15, we provided 225 food boxes—and could have served more if we had enough food.
In 2024, Faith Lutheran sold its church facilities to Crossroads Fellowship, which generously agreed to let KCFB continue operating in our existing space. As Crossroads’ ministry grows, however, it needs the space we currently occupy. To help meet both organizations’ needs, Crossroads suggested modifying the garage so KCFB can move its operations there.
The proposed project would expand the building from 24 by 24 feet to 24 by 54 feet, creating a dedicated food-handling space with full heating and air conditioning. It would also include a walk-in cooler and freezer to increase food-storage capacity, as well as a storage container for nonfood supplies. We conservatively estimate that the expanded facility would allow us to serve more than 300 clients per distribution.
The project is estimated to cost $350,000. In January 2025, Faith Lutheran provided an incredible $195,000 in seed funding. We are deeply grateful for this generous contribution. We now need to raise approximately $155,000 to complete the project. Our goal is to finish construction by June 2027.
We’re asking the communities we serve to help make this expansion possible. Your support will help KCFB continue providing food to our neighbors who need it. We would also be glad to partner with you to organize special fundraising events.
How to donate
Mail a check to the food bank.
Cash donations can be accepted at the food bank on Mondays and Wednesdays around noon.
Donate online through the GiveBox connected to our Facebook account.
Please note “BUILDING FUND” with your donation.
Food distributions
Mondays: 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Setup and pallet deliveries
Mondays: 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Volunteers are welcome during any of the times listed above.
Address:
4505 River Rd N
Keizer, OR 97303
Phone: 503-931-7612
Thank you for your generous support. We could not carry out our mission without you. If you have questions, please contact us by email or phone, or visit our facility.
With sincere thanks,
Jim Johnson
Chair, KCFB
