October 29, 2025 3:20 a.m.
The FISH of Roseburg is sounding the alarm about a rapidly intensifying hunger crisis, as more families in Douglas County are turning to emergency food support while the overall food supply continues to shrink.
FISH Executive Director Jenn Reida said, “Food should be a right, not a privilege”. Reida said, “Hunger isn’t someone else’s problem – it’s here in our neighborhoods, schools and workplaces. It’s affecting the people we know and care about:
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A release from FISH said in the past week, the FISH of Roseburg served 823 families – the highest weekly total in its more than 50-year history. The pantry typically serves between 1,000 and 1,200 families in an entire month. 150 families were first time visitors. 123 families returned after months – some nearly a year – without needing assistance. Reida said, “These numbers tell us that people who believed they were financially stable are suddenly struggling again”.
At the same time, food banks in Oregon are receiving less food due to reductions in federal USDA commodity programs – and partners like The FISH are directly impacted.
Across the state, many food pantries are struggling to keep up, placing additional strain on those that continue to operate at full capacity. Redia said more than one in six Oregonians depends on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits – that is more than 750,000 residents.
The FISH Board President Nis Jessen said, “Our mission doesn’t stop when the situation gets tough – that’s when it matters most”. Jessen said, “We are committed to showing up for this community, finding creative solutions, and ensuring our neighbors have access to food. Hunger will not have the last word in Douglas County”.
For those who are needing food, current pantry hours are Mondays and Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and on the fourth Saturday of the month from 10:00 am. to 1:00 p.m.
For more information on The FISH of Roseburg, go to: https://fishofroseburg.org/