OUR PROGRAMS

Food Empowerment Program

Nourishing Communities, Reducing Waste

At Feed the Mass, our commitment to combating food insecurity and reducing food waste remains unwavering. Our Food Empowerment (FED) program is vital to this mission and a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing our neighbors and the planet. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact, one meal at a time.

Empowering Through Food

The FED program is our food empowerment initiative, dedicated to addressing the root causes of food insecurity while nourishing both bodies and spirits in our community. Our objective is clear: to combat food insecurity at its source and to make healthy, satisfying, and delectable meals accessible to our neighbors in need.

Sourcing From Abundance

In the spirit of community collaboration, each of our meals sources some ingredients from excess food supplies generously donated by our many community partners. This reduces food waste and ensures that surplus resources go directly to those who can benefit from them the most.

Impactful Milestones

In our inaugural year, the FED program has made remarkable strides. We take pride in having served an astonishing 500,000 meals to our neighbors in Portland. Moreover, our efforts have rescued an impressive 500,000 pounds of food from going to waste. These achievements exemplify our steadfast commitment to fighting food insecurity and food waste at their source.

Strengthening the Community Fabric

As levels of food insecurity in Portland reach unprecedented heights, and as some traditional funding sources have dwindled, Feed the Mass exists to stand in the gap. We bridge the divide by directly channeling surplus food resources to those most need it. Every meal prepared by our dedicated team is crafted with care, delivering nourishment and a sense of community and connection.

Our Partners

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  • Logo for Mudbone Grown, featuring a green and brown field over the word

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  • Black and white logo: Two birds with flowers flank a plow scene and people planting, with

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  • OHSU Health logo: stylized flame with yellow, blue, and green swirls over gray text.

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  • Portland Metro Chamber logo featuring a rose and a bridge. Text reads

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  • Boys & Girls Clubs of America logo: two hands clasped in blue lines, with text below.

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  • Logo for Black Food Sovereignty Coalition. Includes icons & text.

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  • Logo of the Black Advisory Business Council, with a red, black, green, and white design. Text says

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Serve With US

Donate your time and skills to help Feed The Mass increase food security in our communities across Portland.

Volunteer
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Partner With Us

We're always open to partnerships that can multiply our positive impact. Reach out today if you have a potential partner opportunity!

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FED CATERING

FED Catering is all about providing high-quality meals to the customers, which in turn helps the community.  For every order purchased, we provide a minimum of 38 meals to our food insecure neighbors. Be FED by our team at your next event.

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ORder Delicious MeaLs

Catering Menu
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Cater Your Next Event

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Salad with cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, and dressing.

Mixed Green Salad

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Beef and broccoli stir-fry with rice, served in a black takeout container, garnished with green onions.

Asian Stir Fry

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Pasta dish with creamy sauce, chicken, and cilantro garnish in a black container.
Chickpea curry over white rice, garnished with cilantro and green peppers.

Chickpea Curry

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Salmon fillet with roasted asparagus and potatoes in a black container.
Pita sandwich with tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in a box with potato chips.
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Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich

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  • What is FED Catering?

    Rack of lamb with sides, including mac and cheese, broccoli, and a lobster tail.

    FED Catering is a subprogram of the FED program that helps generates funding for the work we do for the community.

  • How does it help the Community?

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    The FED Catering helps the community by taking the proceeds and giving back to those in need. It also helps create sustainable jobs for our employees and the creation of new jobs ing the future.

  • Do You Deliver?

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    We do deliver! We ask to give us a 30-minute window to deliver to ensure ample time to park and get to you.

  • What if I have Dietary Restrictions?

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    We understand all dietary restrictions and we do our best to accomdate or modify our menu to best of our ability.

EDUCATION PROGRAM

Empowering Through Knowledge

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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.

A Holistic approach to learning

Our education program covers diverse topics to provide a comprehensive set of skills to our students and community. These topics include:

  • Cooking and Nutrition: Building competency in creating dishes that provide a balanced blend of essential nutrients.
  • Urban Agriculture: Fostering an understanding of where our food comes from and how to access healthier foods.
  • Financial Literacy: Teaching the basics of budgeting and financial planning.
  • Business Basics: Empowering students to plan and grow their ideas into a more prosperous future.
  • Fitness and Wellness: Providing a holistic approach to overall health and well-being.
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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.

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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.

Learn About Corporate Team Building Opportunities

JOB TRAINING

Culinary Skills for Life

The FED program, a food empowerment initiative by Feed The Mass, offers valuable hands-on experience and training to individuals seeking to enter the culinary industry. Our mission is to combat food insecurity while providing opportunities for skill development and real-world experience. We prioritize training youth and young adults, equipping them with essential skills needed to thrive in any kitchen environment.

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
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Complete at least 30 days of volunteer work within 6 months, gaining proficiency while serving Portland's unhoused communities.

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Structure

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

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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!

Ask About Our Job Training

A Deep Dive on our Job Training Program

DISCLAIMER: 
Feed the Mass cannot guarantee employment at any location or to the organization itself. You will volunteer your time at your own risk, and Feed the Mass is not liable for any injuries that may happen in the process of schooling. As a core aspect of your training, you will be taught effective safety measures for a culinary environment, and will be closely supervised to prevent accidents or injuries.