What is FED?

The FED Program is Feed the Mass’s core meal production and food access initiative, designed to deliver consistent, high-quality, culturally specific, ready-to-eat meals across the Portland Metro area. Operating from a commercial kitchen, our team produces scratch-made meals that are portioned, packaged, labeled for allergens, and distributed through trusted partnerships serving houseless individuals, children (including pre-K and school-age youth), families, and elders. The program is built to provide nourishment with dignity while strengthening community through volunteering, workforce development, and reliable meal systems that support both daily service and large-scale contract fulfillment.

Our Proactive approach

Our proactive approach centers on planning, preparedness, and accountability so we can meet community need before it becomes crisis. We use structured tracking systems for production, meals, and donations; rotate menus throughout the year to maintain variety and cultural relevance; and maintain strong partnerships with schools, shelters, and community organizations to forecast demand and coordinate distribution. We also source ingredients through gleaning, local farms, and vendors to keep costs sustainable, and we scale staffing and kitchen capacity to grow responsibly toward our goal of producing 10,000 meals per week—while remaining ready to activate emergency meal response during heat waves, snowstorms, and other disruptions.

Empowering Through Knowledge

PORTLAND'S CULINARY HAVEN

Portland is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, with food carts, farmers' markets, and award-winning restaurants at every corner. Yet, despite this culinary richness, many individuals and families in our city face the daily challenge of putting nutritious meals on the table due to systemic injustices and inequality.

EMPOWERING THROUGH EDUCATION

Feed the Mass (FTM) has partnered with community organizations to offer wellness classes to students during the school year and summer breaks to address these disparities. We've also extended our educational reach through free digital education on YouTube. Our ultimate goal is to empower our students and neighbors to feed and care for themselves by equipping them with the skills they need to cook simple yet nutritious meals and incorporate wellness practices into their daily lives.

service learning

The Feed the Mass (FTM) Service Learning program is designed to provide participants with hands-on kitchen experience, enabling them to nourish themselves and their communities with confidence. During this program, individuals and organizations receive training on creating food distribution services within their communities, organizations, schools, or churches, providing access to healthy food and balanced meals for those in need.

in-person workshop

Feed the Mass offers hands-on experiences for adults and families through our in-person workshops led by expert instructors. Each workshop is thoughtfully designed to highlight a specific topic, skill, or cuisine while emphasizing its significance.

Culinary Skills for Life

What to Expect from the Program

Through our program, participants will gain proficiency in:

• Knife skills
• Sanitation practices
• Food preparation techniques
• Proper use of kitchen equipment
• Professionalism and adaptability
• Recipe literacy
• Real-world experience and pressure testing

Choose flexible scheduling options based on your availability, with volunteer shifts open for your participation every day of the week.

Certification

Once you finish your 30 days of volunteer work, you'll receive a certificate celebrating your culinary progress and achievements.

Real Learning for Real Success

Our program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning and provides participants with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the culinary industry. Join us in making a difference in our community while gaining valuable experience for your future career!