The Great Madras Community Dine-Out, benefitting the Madras Community Food Pantry, is returning for its third year! On June 5 the greater Madras / Jefferson County community will be asked to eat out for breakfast, lunch or dinner at a participating restaurant. In turn, restaurants agree to return a portion of their extra business that day to the Pantry. Event Coordinator Les Weidner reported that last year their goal of $6,000 was reached. For 2025 the goal has been increased to $7,500.

“This year we hope to add restaurants in Crooked River Ranch to our list. Last year several restaurants in Terrebonne were added,” said Weidner.

Since the “Dine-Out” is being held on the same day as the “First Thursday” in downtown Madras, there should be an abundance of people to “Dine-Out” at a participating restaurant. A list will be published in the Pioneer and on the Pantry’s website at: madrascommunityfood pantry.com.

The Madras Community Food Pantry is an independent 501©3 non-profit currently operating out of the United Methodist Church at 49 NE 12th Street. We are a U.S. Department of Agriculture food distribution site and the only viable Food Pantry currently serving Jefferson County. MCFP addresses the needs of families experiencing food insecurity. Weidner added that in 2025 Pantry visits have increased 52% over the year before, and is facing the challenge of keeping shelves stocked.

The amount of food received weekly from the Oregon Food Bank (through NeighborImpact in Redmond) has been reduced by almost half due to cuts in federal grants OFB normally receives. The Pantry has been buying food from operational reserves but this cannot be sustained for much longer. However, for now no one is turned away, and everyone is treated with respect because we believe: “Food is a basic human right.”