January 8, 2025 3:30 a.m.

Sherm’s Thunderbird Market will donate a semi-truck load of food to Feeding Umpqua on Friday.

A release said Steve Olsrud, co-owner of Sherm’s Thunderbird and Food for Less Markets, will accompany one of their trucks at 11:00 a.m. as they continue their annual tradition. Last year’s trailer truck contained 29,864 pounds of food.

This year marks the 19th year that Sherm’s has donated to the program. Since that time, the company has donated over 530,000 pounds of food. Feeding Umpqua Manager Sarah McGregor said, “We are so grateful for the Olsrud family’s continued support and generosity. Sherm’s has been such an incredible partner in the fight against hunger”. McGregor said, “This incredible donation will support our continued work providing emergency food to our network of 16 emergency food pantries throughout Douglas County and the patrons they serve”.

The release said the donation could not have come at a better time, as more people are accessing food now than since Sherm’s started donating in 2006. McGregor said, “Together we are fighting hunger and feeding hope”.