Food Share of Lincoln County and Samaritan Health Services, specifically Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital (Lincoln City) and Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital (Newport) are pleased to announce a new food recovery partnership. Leftover prepared food items are frozen in labeled gallon freezer bags. Expired refrigerated and dry foods are also donated. In Lincoln City, the food is delivered to the pantry by hospital volunteers and distributed directly to its clients.

In Newport, the food is picked up by Food Share staff and distributed to other pantries and partner agencies in the county. Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital has been donating food since February 2016 and has contributed over 1,000 lbs. of food so far. A small commercial freezer was purchased by Food Share for placement at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport. The funds for the purchase were provided by Atonement Lutheran Church, Fred Meyer and Pacific Communities Health District Foundation Women’s Giving Circle. Food Share is grateful for the support received for this important project from these organizations.

“Our plan is to expand to other large institutions and restaurants in Lincoln County,” said Pati D’Eliseo, Food Share of Lincoln County Development Coordinator. “Millions of pounds of perfectly edible food are wasted every year. Food recovery is a win win for all. The food stays out of the landfills and goes to those in our community in need.” Food Share began picking up food from Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport on Tuesday, September 20, 2016. Food Share of Lincoln County distributes food to pantries located in Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Siletz and Toledo, and various partner agencies throughout the county.

For more information about Food Share of Lincoln County, call 541-265- 8578 or visit http:/www.foodsharelincolncounty.org/