stronger Together

Building Trust, Hope, Self-Help and Self-Resilience

Bethel Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit 501-C3 organization improving the economic, social, spiritual and educational level of low-income persons in North and Northeast Portland.

Our Programs

Food Pantry

EDC operates a food pantry out of Bethel AME Church. Guests can shop for food on Fridays & Sundays.

Garden

EDC has two lots that we grown food on to support our community education &food pantry.

Housing

We own land earmarked for affordable housing. Currently we are building a edible raised bed garden on the site to supplement our food program.

Education

Our development vision includes education programs. Our 2025 focus has been on bridging the educational disparities faced by foster youth,

Bethel EDC Calendar


Bethel EDC Board Meetings

EDC Board Meetings are online on the final Tuesday of the month at 7pm.

e-mail Sister Hall for link:

deborah.hall@gmail.com


Office Hours

EDC President’s office hours on Tuesdays. But feel free to reach out to us any time via our contact page. Our volunteer Sister Tanya March is happy to assist on Fridays and on other days by appointment.

tanyamarch@betheledc.org


FoOD Pantry Hours

Fridays 9am-Noon

Sundays 1pm-2pm

2026 Garden Party BBQ TBD.


Bethel EDC Annual MeEting & Volunteer Appreciation

Annual Meetings are in February each year.


Holiday Baskets

Thanksgiving and Christmas Boxes Distribution at Bethel AME Church typically the Monday of Thanksgiving Week and Third Monday of December.

We have a limited number of Turkey Dinners to give away on Saturday November 21, 2026.

To be added to the reservation list text:

971-302-3926


Holiday Wreaths

Wreaths orders for 2026 are live. Order by November 15, 2026. We pick-up wreaths from local farm and distribute on November 20, 2026 before Thanksgiving weekend.

Link to our online shop.

Scroll down for more information.


Popcorn Fundraiser

Online Popcorn Fundraiser Every December. Partnering with Double Good.


Holiday Food Boxes and Toys

Thanks Giving we teamed up with First AME Zion to give out 115 Turkeys with all the fixings. December 2024 Holiday food boxes and toys for 50+ families were distributed. We need your donations and help with 2025.

We have a number of Holliday Wreaths for sale from approx. 10″ to 28.

Orders are Due November 13, 2026.

Pick up at Bethel AME Church Friday November 20, 2026.

Free delivery to businesses in N & NE Portland.

Link to our online shop.

“You’re looking at a professional hustler. And I have to be. Now the hustle is tougher, and the hunger is greater. I know I’ve made an impact.”

Clara Peoples, 1987

Food Program Founder