Our programs exist to fight food insecurity and food waste at their source. We develop, cook and serve healthy meals to members of our community in need, utilizing excess food supply to prevent waste. We also empower Portland kids to feed themselves and others by teaching them to cook simple and inexpensive yet nutritious and delicious foods. To date our program has served 170 thousand meals to our Portland neighbors, and rescued 115 thousand pounds of food from being wasted. In 2021 our collaborations with Portland Public Schools and Level Up brought eight-week cooking class workshops to 104 local kids and their families.
Our holistic approach to food systems management and growing network of local collaborations has brought us to an exciting point in our ability to serve our community. As levels of food insecurity in Portland reach unprecedented heights and the funding sources that many have relied on to meet basic needs during the early stages of the pandemic disappear, the outpouring of practical and moral support from our neighbors continues to strengthen and inspire us. Our already powerful food sourcing network continues to expand, increasing the amount of ingredients we can access to create our meals. In addition to providing meals directly to individuals and families in need, we partner with a growing number of local mutual aid organizations to serve the people within their spectrum of care.
FED
Program
Nourishing Communities, Reducing Waste
At Feed the Mass, our commitment to combating food insecurity and reducing food waste remains unwavering. Our Food Empowerment (FED) program is vital to this mission, delivering nourishing solutions to our community.
Empowering Through Food
The FED program is our food empowerment initiative, dedicated to addressing the root causes of food insecurity while nourishing both bodies and spirits in our community. Our objective is clear: to combat food insecurity at its source and to make healthy, satisfying, and delectable meals accessible to our neighbors in need.
Sourcing from Abundance
In the spirit of community collaboration, each of our meals sources some ingredients from excess food supplies generously donated by our many community partners. This reduces food waste and ensures that surplus resources go directly to those who can benefit from them the most.
Strengthening the Community Fabric
As levels of food insecurity in Portland reach unprecedented heights, and as some traditional funding sources have dwindled, Feed the Mass endeavors to stand in the gap. We bridge the divide by directly channeling surplus food resources to those most need it. Every meal prepared by our dedicated team is crafted with care, delivering nourishment and a sense of community and connection.
At Feed the Mass, we believe that a well-fed community is resilient. The FED program is a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing our neighbors and planet. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact, one meal at a time.
EMPOWER
We empower our community with culinary education, teaching valuable skills that open doors to healthier, more fulfilling lives.
EDUCATE
Through our
educational
programs, we equip individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their nutrition.
FED
Program
Nourishing Communities, Reducing Waste
At Feed the Mass, our commitment to combating food insecurity and reducing food waste remains unwavering. Our Food Empowerment (FED) program is vital to this mission, delivering nourishing solutions to our community.
Empowering Through Food
The FED program is our food empowerment initiative, dedicated to addressing the root causes of food insecurity while nourishing both bodies and spirits in our community. Our objective is clear: to combat food insecurity at its source and to make healthy, satisfying, and delectable meals accessible to our neighbors in need.
Sourcing from Abundance
In the spirit of community collaboration, each of our meals sources some ingredients from excess food supplies generously donated by our many community partners. This reduces food waste and ensures that surplus resources go directly to those who can benefit from them the most.
Strengthening the Community Fabric
As levels of food insecurity in Portland reach unprecedented heights, and as some traditional funding sources have dwindled, Feed the Mass endeavors to stand in the gap. We bridge the divide by directly channeling surplus food resources to those most need it. Every meal prepared by our dedicated team is crafted with care, delivering nourishment and a sense of community and connection.
At Feed the Mass, we believe that a well-fed community is resilient. The FED program is a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing our neighbors and planet. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact, one meal at a time.
Job Training
The FED program, a food empowerment initiative by Feed The Mass, offers valuable hands-on experience and training to individuals seeking to enter the culinary industry. Our mission is to combat food insecurity while providing opportunities for skill development and real-world experience. We prioritize training youth and young adults, equipping them with essential skills needed to thrive in any kitchen environment.
Culinary Skills for Life
Through our program, participants will gain proficiency in:
- Knife skills
- Sanitation practices
- Food preparation techniques
- Proper use of kitchen equipment
- Professionalism and adaptability
- Recipe literacy
- Real-world experience and pressure testing
What to Expect from the Program
Complete at least 30 days of volunteer work within 6 months, gaining proficiency while serving Portland's unhoused communities.
Structure
Choose flexible scheduling options based on your availability, with volunteer shifts open for your participation every day of the week.
Certification
Once you finish your 30 days of volunteer work, you'll receive a certificate celebrating your culinary progress and achievements.
Real Learning for Real Success
Our program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning and provides participants with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the culinary industry. Join us in making a difference in our community while gaining valuable experience for your future career!
A Deep Dive on our Job Training Program
DISCLAIMER:
Feed the Mass cannot guarantee employment at any location or to the organization itself. You will volunteer your time at your own risk, and Feed the Mass is not liable for any injuries that may happen in the process of schooling. As a core aspect of your training, you will be taught effective safety measures for a culinary environment, and will be closely supervised to prevent accidents or injuries.
FED Program
Nourishing Communities, Reducing Waste
At Feed the Mass, our commitment to combating food insecurity and reducing food waste remains unwavering. Our Food Empowerment (FED) program is vital to this mission, delivering nourishing solutions to our community.
Our Partners
Sourcing From Abundance
In the spirit of community collaboration, each of our meals sources some ingredients from excess food supplies generously donated by our many community partners. This reduces food waste and ensures that surplus resources go directly to those who can benefit from them the most.
Impactful Milestones
In our inaugural year, the FED program has made remarkable strides. We take pride in having served an astonishing 250,000 meals to our neighbors in Portland. Moreover, our efforts have rescued an impressive 500,000 pounds of food from going to waste. These achievements exemplify our steadfast commitment to fighting food insecurity and food waste at their source.
A Holistic Approach
Our programs at Feed the Mass exist to address the multifaceted challenges of food insecurity and food waste. Our holistic approach to food systems management has resulted in a growing network of local collaborations, enabling us to serve our community better.
Strengthening the Community Fabric
As levels of food insecurity in Portland reach unprecedented heights, and as some traditional funding sources have dwindled, Feed the Mass exists to stand in the gap. We bridge the divide by directly channeling surplus food resources to those most need it. Every meal prepared by our dedicated team is crafted with care, delivering nourishment and a sense of community and connection.
SERVE WITH US
We've increased our volunteer capacity to 4 per shift, and we now have weekend volunteer opportunities available!
Join us and bring a friend to enjoy a rewarding (and tasty) volunteer experience!
Education Program
Education Program
Empowering Through Knowledge
At Feed the Mass, we believe that knowledge is a powerful tool for empowerment. While temporarily pausing our public education classes until 2024, we remain committed to educating and empowering our community. Our education program has been a cornerstone of our efforts to combat food insecurity and promote wellness.
Portland's culinary haven
Portland is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, with food carts, farmers' markets, and award-winning restaurants at every corner. Yet, despite this culinary richness, many individuals and families in our city face the daily challenge of putting nutritious meals on the table due to systemic injustices and inequality.
EMPOWERING THROUGH EDUCATION
Feed the Mass (FTM) has partnered with community organizations to offer wellness classes to students during the school year and summer breaks to address these disparities. We've also extended our educational reach through free digital education on YouTube. Our ultimate goal is to empower our students and neighbors to feed and care for themselves by equipping them with the skills they need to cook simple yet nutritious meals and incorporate wellness practices into their daily lives.
A Holistic approach to learning
Our education program covers diverse topics to provide a comprehensive set of skills to our students and community. These topics include:
- Cooking and Nutrition: Building competency in creating dishes that provide a balanced blend of essential nutrients.
- Urban Agriculture: Fostering an understanding of where our food comes from and how to access healthier foods.
- Financial Literacy: Teaching the basics of budgeting and financial planning.
- Business Basics: Empowering students to plan and grow their ideas into a more prosperous future.
- Fitness and Wellness: Providing a holistic approach to overall health and well-being.
in-person workshop
Feed the Mass offers hands-on experiences for adults and families through our in-person workshops led by expert instructors. Each workshop is thoughtfully designed to highlight a specific topic, skill, or cuisine while emphasizing its significance.
service learning
The Feed the Mass (FTM) Service Learning program is designed to provide participants with hands-on kitchen experience, enabling them to nourish themselves and their communities with confidence. During this program, individuals and organizations receive training on creating food distribution services within their communities, organizations, schools, or churches, providing access to healthy food and balanced meals for those in need.
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@2024 All Rights Reserved | Feed the Mass
Feed The Mass
Address: 80 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209
Email: info@feedthemass.com
Phone: (971) 350-8291
EIN: 81-1208403
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