November 14, 2025 3:20 a.m.

With the holiday season approaching and local food pantries experiencing record demand following the recent federal government shutdown, Aviva Health, the United Community Action Network and FISH Food Pantry are partnering to host the Umpqua Valley Food Rally on Thursday, November 20th.

The event takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Aviva Health parking lot on the Jerry Bruce Community Campus, on Northeast Kenneth Ford Drive in Roseburg.

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Community members are invited to participate through a fast, easy drive-thru donation drop-off, accepting both food and monetary contributions. All donations will directly support food pantries across Douglas County.

A release from the partners said the pre-holiday event carries heightened urgency. While the federal government shutdown has ended, its effects continue to ripple across rural Oregon. During the shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits were delayed for thousands of Oregonians statewide. Many households received benefits late or in irregular distribution cycles, disrupting food budgets and forcing families to turn to community food pantries for emergency support.

As a result of the shutdown:

*Families who rely on SNAP entered November short of food and funds

*Local food pantries reported significant spikes to walk-ins

*Rural counties like Douglas – where food insecurity rates consistently rank among the highest in Oregon – saw increased strain on limited pantry supplies

*The holiday season historically brings greater need, and this year pantries are entering it already depleted

The Umpqua Valley Food Rally is designed to make giving simple and accessible. Donors can remain in their vehicles while volunteers unload contributions. Cash and credit card donations will be accepted onside and used to purchase high-need items for area food banks.