Newport Avenue Market and Oliver Lemon’s customers and colleagues have raised $75,015.67 to help alleviate hunger in Central Oregon. The money raised, as a result of the markets’ Food for February fundraiser, will be used to purchase groceries at cost for Family Kitchen of Bend, Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, and Meals on Wheels of Central Oregon.

Newport Avenue Market and Oliver Lemon’s shoppers donated throughout the month of December, and the employee-owned markets matched the funds for a combined total of $75,015.67. This program was designed to make the most of donation dollars, with Newport Avenue Market and Oliver Lemon’s working closely with their wholesalers to purchase thousands of pounds of food, including fresh produce and meat, from the shopping lists of Family Kitchen, Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, and Meals on Wheels of Central Oregon.

February is one of the hardest-hitting months for hungry families in Central Oregon. Money is tight after the holidays, donations dwindle, and food pantries are depleted. Since 2011, Food for February has raised over $345,000 for hungry families in Central Oregon, including $159,000 in matching funds from Newport Avenue Market and Oliver Lemon’s.

“We are humbled by the generosity of our customers, and absolutely could not do what we do without them. Thank you for making sure our neighbors have nutritious meals, especially during such difficult times,” said Lauren G.R. Johnson, CEO of Rudy’s Markets Inc.