Across Oregon, the need for food assistance continues to grow. In 2024, visits to food assistance sites increased by 31%, according to the Oregon Food Bank Network. Here in Yamhill County, that need is deeply felt and being met through compassion, commitment, and a powerful partnership.
The Dayton Community Food Pantry, founded in 2002 and currently operating out of the Dayton First Baptist Church, has become a vital resource for families in the area. Thanks to a transformative partnership with Yamhill Community Care (YCCO) through the Supporting Health for All Through Reinvestment (SHARE) initiative, the pantry is now preparing to expand its impact.
With funding from the SHARE grant, the pantry is nearing completion of a new 3,000-square-foot facility, with a planned ribbon-cutting ceremony set for September 27, 2025. This new space will allow the pantry to serve more people, offer expanded services, and provide a more welcoming environment for all who walk through its doors.
This partnerships is more than funding; it’s about shared purpose. YCCO and the Dayton Community Food Pantry work closely together to better understand and respond to the needs of the community. Together, they’re building not just a building, but a stronger, more resilient network of support.
In addition to food, the pantry provides clothing, resources, and cooking classes through collaborations with the Oregon Health and Science University’s Nutrition Oregon Campaign and Oregon State University SNAP-Ed Program. These efforts help community members use what they receive in practical, empowering ways.
As demand rises, the Dayton Community Food Pantry and YCCO are standing side by side, ensuring that no neighbor faces hunger alone, and that everyone has a place to turn for nourishment, dignity, and hope. Learn more by visiting daytonfoodpantry.com.