As federal food assistance programs face major reductions heading into the holiday season, food pantries and community organizations across Josephine County and neighboring regions are preparing for an unprecedented surge in need. Rising grocery prices, fixed incomes, and an uncertain economy have left thousands of residents struggling to keep food on the table. Two local organizations — the Josephine County Food Bank and The ROC Pantry — are working tirelessly to fill the gap and ensure that no one in Southern Oregon goes hungry.
The ROC Pantry, located in Grants Pass, serves as the county’s largest community food distribution center. Often referred to as the “boots on the ground” for the Josephine County Food Bank, The ROC provides essential groceries and fresh foods to those most in need. Each month, it assists nearly 6,000 people, including about 1,700 children. The organization operates two weekly distributions and relies heavily on donations from local residents and businesses to sustain its services.
“Our patrons come from all walks of life,” said a ROC representative. “They could be seniors on fixed incomes, cancer patients choosing between treatment and meals, or college students living in their cars between terms. The need has no boundaries.” With food costs continuing to climb faster than income, many residents are finding it impossible to bridge the financial gap, particularly with federal cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) looming.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the ROC Pantry is calling on the community to step up. Donations of frozen turkeys or hams, stuffing, gravy packets, canned goods, milk, and fresh produce like potatoes and carrots are urgently needed. Financial contributions are also encouraged, allowing the pantry greater purchasing power to secure bulk food supplies. “A fed community is a healthy one,” the organization emphasized. “Now more than ever, we need to come together to care for our neighbors.”
While The ROC operates on the local level, the Josephine County Food Bank serves a broader role as a regional distribution hub. Based in Grants Pass, the Food Bank supplies local pantries across Josephine County — including The ROC, the Salvation Army, Dorcas Community Center, and B Street Food Pantry — but does not distribute food directly to individuals except through its mobile food pantries in Wolf Creek, Williams, and Merlin.
“The distinction between food banks and food pantries often causes confusion,” said a Food Bank spokesperson. “We want people to know that the Josephine County Food Bank supports the pantries, but it’s the pantries that distribute food directly to the public.” The organization works closely with Feeding America and the Oregon Food Bank to receive and allocate resources countywide, including operating Raptor Creek Farm, which provides locally grown produce to partner pantries.
For residents outside Josephine County, the Oregon Food Bank’s “Food Finder” tool is a valuable resource. The tool, available online at Oregon Food Finder, helps users locate free groceries, fresh produce, and prepared meals in their local area. It connects individuals to the nearest available resources based on ZIP code and ensures that those in rural or remote areas can still access essential food support.
Both the Josephine County Food Bank and The ROC Pantry continue to remind residents that even small donations can make a large impact. Shelf-stable pantry goods such as canned meats, soups, beans, pasta, and milk alternatives are always in high demand. With shelves running low and demand climbing, community generosity is the single most powerful force keeping families nourished.
Those wishing to support or learn more about local food programs can visit jocofoodbank.org or contact The ROC Pantry directly for donation and volunteer information. As the economic strain deepens and federal assistance wanes, Josephine County’s network of food banks and pantries stands as a testament to local resilience — neighbors feeding neighbors, united by compassion and community strength.