Hello
A Food Pantry Committed to our Community
We are a nonprofit Food Pantry in Portland, TN, that has a passion for our people and community. Our goal is simple - reduce hunger and food insecurity in our community. Join us in making a difference today.
our challenge
1 in 4 TN Children Experience Food Insecurity
Nearly 20% of children (under 18) in Tennessee live in poverty and 1 in 4 children experience food insecurity (Feeding America, 2022).
10% of Adults (Sumner County) Experience Food Insecurities
At least 10% of adults (12,830) in Sumner County, TN, suffer from food insecurity. About 14% of adults in Portland, TN under the age of 65 are without health insurance and 12.4% of our residents live below the poverty line (Feeding America's 2018: Map the Meal Gap; U.S. Census, Quick Facts, 2023).
$24.9 Million in Additional Healthcare Costs in Sumner County
In 2018, almost 24.9 million and 1.2 billion dollars in additional healthcare costs are associated with Food Insecurity in Sumner County and the state of Tennessee, respectfully (Feeding America, 2022).
Food Insecurity is linked to Poverty, Increased Healthcare Costs
Food insecurity and the lack of access to affordable nutritious food are associated with increased risk for multiple chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart decease, and mental health disorders. Food security is also strongly linked with poverty as an average of 35.3% of U.S. households with income less than the federal poverty line are food insecure (NIH, 2023).
Our impact
250% Increase in the Number of Families being Helped
Since 2019, the average number of families receiving food boxes from PPIF's food pantry every other week has increased 250% from 150 to nearly 370.
Over 300,000 Pounds of Food Given Away in 2023
So far this year, our food pantry volunteers have given away over 300,000 lbs. of food ($530,000 plus) provided to us by our amazing partners: Second Harvest, Food Lion, Whole Foods, and others.
419 Families Received Food Boxes Over Thanksgiving
Food boxes were given to 419 families over Thanksgiving and to another 397 families this past week for Christmas.
100% Volunteer Led
All those that serve at Portland Pay It Forward, from the Board of Directors to the Executive Director to those that hand out food boxes are volunteers. This allows our food pantry to focus on our goals - to end hunger and food insecurity in our community.
help us make a difference
More people in our community are facing hunger and food insecurity issues. Would you partner with our food pantry and help us make a difference in our community?
NEWS and EVENTS
2023 Christmas Giveaway
2023 Fall Community Trick or Treat
2023 Thanksgiving Giveaway
397 families received food boxes during our food pantry's bi-weekly food giveaway leading up to Christmas. Even the GRINCH came out to help.
2023 Thanksgiving Giveaway
2023 Fall Community Trick or Treat
2023 Thanksgiving Giveaway
419 families received food boxes during our food pantry's bi-weekly food giveaway leading up to Thanksgiving 2023. A HUGE Thank You to all who helped provide Thanksgiving meals!!!!
2023 Fall Community Trick or Treat
2023 Fall Community Trick or Treat
2023 Fall Community Trick or Treat
Portland Pay It Forward enjoyed participating in the Portland TN 2023 Trick or Treat and providing goodies for kids of all ages.
New Community Book Box
Fresh Fruit from our Partners
2023 Fall Community Trick or Treat
A new community book box for children of all ages is now located in front of the Portland Pay it Forward's house. Take one. Read it. Bring it back and get another.
Fresh Fruit from our Partners
Fresh Fruit from our Partners
Fresh Fruit from our Partners
Thank you to all our partners who provide our food pantry with fresh fruit and vegetables and bread. We cannot thank you enough for your continued support toward ending hunger and food insecurity in our Portland, TN, community.
New Box Truck
Fresh Fruit from our Partners
Fresh Fruit from our Partners
Portland Pay It Forward was honored by an anonymous gift that allowed us to purchase a used box truck. Our weekly food pickups are now easier to make.
Proud member of the Portland Chamber of Commerce
Serving the community means being a part of the community.
Shopping, banking, eating, and working locally supports our businesses and the people who work there. We are proud to be part of the
Portland community!