In the shadow of Central Oregon’s wealth and picturesque landscapes lies a stark and often overlooked reality: thousands of families struggle with food insecurity. While Bend and Redmond are known for thriving real estate markets, many of the region’s residents, including children, seniors, and working families, face tough choices between groceries, utilities, and housing costs.
NeighborImpact, a nonprofit serving Central Oregon for 40 years, has long been at the forefront of addressing this hidden crisis. Its food assistance programs, including a robust network of pantries, mobile markets, and meal sites, serve Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. But with demand at unprecedented levels, the organization has had to find new ways to keep up.
A Warehouse to Change the Landscape of Hunger Relief
The centerpiece of NeighborImpact’s response is its new 10,000-square-foot warehouse in Redmond, which is set to open soon. The state-of-the-art facility triples the size of its previous space, allowing the organization to store and distribute food more efficiently.
“When our new food bank warehouse opens, it will be a significant milestone in our efforts to reduce food insecurity and strengthen our community,” said Carly Auten, Food Program Director. The new facility boasts several dedicated loading docks, streamlined food sorting areas, and a 1,000-square-foot cooler—three times larger than the cooler in the old building.
“We outgrew our current warehouse years ago,” said Chelsea Schwab, NeighborImpact’s Food Bank Coordinator. “With this state-of-the-art building, we’ll be able to accept more donations, move larger shipments, and get food out faster to meet the increasing need.”
This efficiency is vital as NeighborImpact has scaled its operations significantly. The organization now distributes over 4 million pounds of food annually—a remarkable 150% increase compared to six years ago. Each month, it supports approximately 75,000 individuals through its food bank and an additional 4,000 people via its mobile pantry, ensuring that more families have access to essential nutrition.
Partnering for Progress
Recognizing the scale of the challenge, Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, Central Oregon’s largest and top-performing brokerage, will be engaging their real estate advisors and clients with a year-round food drive.
The food drive is designed to make giving simple and consistent. Custom tote bags featuring a checklist of essential food items will be distributed to real estate agents, clients, and community members. “The idea is simple yet powerful,” said Lia Powers, a Cascade Hasson marketing team member. “You grab a bag, fill it with groceries, and drop it off at one of our offices in Bend, Sunriver, Sisters, or Redmond.”
This approach reflects a shift in how food drives are conducted. “We’re moving toward models where people contribute over time, rather than one-time events,” Reeher explained. “It helps keep supplies steady and ensures we can meet demand year-round.”
Engaging Advisors and Clients
The partnership goes beyond financial contributions. Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s is encouraging its real estate advisors to volunteer at NeighborImpact’s new warehouse and mobile pantry operations. These hands-on opportunities not only support NeighborImpact’s efforts but also foster a deeper connection between the company and the community it serves.
“Volunteering helps break the misconception that hunger isn’t an issue in Central Oregon,” said Reeher. “The people we serve aren’t strangers—they’re our neighbors, colleagues, and sometimes even friends.”
The mobile pantry, which serves about 3,000 individuals monthly, plays a key role in reaching underserved areas. Volunteers are critical to its success. “The work is constant, but the reward is knowing you’ve made a real difference in someone’s life,” said Reeher.
Raising Awareness and Taking Action
Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s plans to use its influence within Central Oregon’s affluent circles to raise awareness and inspire action. “Many of our clients are new to the area or own second homes and want to give back but don’t often know where to start,” said Gary Nolan, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer. “In 2025 and beyond we plan to pursue tangible ways to help, whether it’s through food donations, volunteering, or financial support.
“This is just the beginning,” said Brandon Cook, a Redmond-based real estate advisor with Cascade Hasson. “Together, we’re not just filling plates—we’re filling hearts and building a stronger community.”
By tackling food insecurity head-on, NeighborImpact and Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s are demonstrating that solutions start with collective action and a commitment to care.
Every Meal Matters and Every Donation Makes a Difference
As food insecurity continues to rise in Central Oregon, NeighborImpact is stepping up to serve more families than ever—but we can’t do it alone. With the opening of our new 10,000-square-foot warehouse, we have the space to store and distribute more food, but we need your help to fill it. Your donation today can provide essential meals for children, seniors, and families in need.
Visit NeighborImpact.org/donate-online to give now. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. 💙
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment
didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all
that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say wonderful blog!