Local food access programs receive grant funding

By Michael LeCompte
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Volunteers of the Stanfield Community Center and board members of the Greater Hermiston Community Foundation pose for a photo in the kitchen of the Stanfield Community Center on June 17, 2026. Photo courtesy of GHCF

HERMISTON, Ore.-The Greater Hermiston Community Foundation (GHCF) has awarded over $90,000 in grants to six different organizations striving to improve food access and nutrition across the Greater Hermiston area.

GHCF oversaw the distribution of the grants, which were funded by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and designed to support local food programs.

According to GHCF, the recent grants are part of the Foundation’s ongoing mission to connect charitable giving with community needs throughout Hermiston, Umatilla, Stanfield, Echo, and Irrigon.

Seniors are served lunch at the Stanfield Community Center on June 17, 2026. Grant funds from Greater Hermiston Community Foundation were used to make emergency refrigerator repairs and replace cabinets and counters at the Community Center. Photo courtesy of GHCF

“These are the kinds of projects where you can see the impact almost immediately,” said Pam Stocker, a Greater Hermiston Community Foundation board member. “We’ve had the opportunity to visit these programs and see firsthand how they are making a difference in the lives of everyday people throughout the Greater Hermiston area. We’re grateful to AWS for trusting our Foundation to invest these funds where they can do the most good.”

2026 grant recipients

  • Stanfield Food Basket: Funding went toward replacement of refrigeration equipment at the food pantry, helping preserve food and expand the pantry’s ability to serve local families
  • Stanfield Community Center: Grant funded emergency refrigerator repair and replacement of cabinets and counters
  • Hermiston Senior Center: Grant funding used to provide food for senior lunches at the Harkenrider Center
  • Oasis Vineyard Church: Grant funded kitchen improvements in support of food security program
  • Umatilla Active Living Alliance: Grant funding will provide meals and activities for area seniors
  • PNW Veterans’ Alliance: Funding will expand food assistance throughout the region, ensuring veterans have access to meals
Marcia Flemmer, executive director of the Stanfield Community Center, shows the refrigerator unit that was repaired using funds from the Greater Hermiston Community Foundation. Photo courtesy of GHCF

The Greater Hermiston Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Hermiston and the surrounding areas. By providing grants and support to local organizations, the Foundation hopes to foster a thriving community for all residents.

Information about donating to the Greater Hermiston Community Foundation can be found at www.greaterhermiston.com. More information on future GHCF grants and the application process is also available online.