Since mid-March, Metro’s visitor venues have been closed from doing business. The halt to events and food and beverage services left an abundance of food, beverages and snacks that could not be utilized in a timely manner.
“In the spirit of transferring abundant resources for the greatest public benefit, our venues’ food and beverage partner was able to provide tremendous community benefit by donating perishables to address food scarcity,” said Scott Cruickshank, general manager of Metro visitor venues.
Oregon Convention Center food donations supported Stone Soup, the organization that is feeding the residents at the OCC temporary shelter and supports other partners in the community. Executive Director Craig Gerard and Chef Instructor Scott Dolich were thrilled to receive individually packaged snacks.
Donations from Expo and Portland’5 supported the Union Gospel Mission. “The three donations that we received from OCC, Expo and Portland’5 Center for the Arts have helped in providing 11,549 meals to our houseless guests here at the mission and for our search and rescue program,” said Lori Quinney, Union Gospel Mission food service director.
“While these are obviously very difficult times, we are glad to be able to support the valuable work being done by these organizations to help people in need,” said Dave Woodman, Aramark general manager.