Bethel EDC

Updated January 19, 2026

Bethel EDC Food Pantry

The food distribution program, established by Mrs. Clara Peoples in 1969 at Bethel AME Church, was reorganized under the direction of Bethel EDC in 2002. Food is donated by local vendors and grocers and is distributed to needy families. The EDC’s goal is to maximize the use of existing resources to serve families who need assistance and to help residents involve themselves in self-help programs as food distribution volunteers.

Open Hours

2026

EDC Food Pantry and Woman in Missionary clothing closet is open on Friday for two hours and after church on Sundays. Reach out to Sister Tanya by text (971) 302-3926 if you would like to shop during or after church or prefer a Friday AM or PM shopping experience.

Blog Post From December 2025 about the Food Pantry

Supplying School Food Pantries

Did you know that Portland schools have food pantries that help meet the needs of families who don’t have transportation available to drive to local food programs? Bethel EDC was providing 600-800 pounds of food every other month to George and Boise Eliot Schools 2022-2024 to help meet the needs of our community. That need has grown in 2025. First AME Zion and Bethel AME EDC continue to bring food and holiday meals to these PPS families. The drop in demand at our pantry has decreased the number of pounds we can give to PPS Pantries but we were able to give food and clothes to the SUN School Program at George MS in March 2026.

Our PartnerShip With Links

The Links, Incorporated is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations, established in 1946 by and for Black women. They have over 17,000 members focused on community service, national trends, and international trends. The local Links Chapter has been volunteering for the EDC Food Pantry and Women in Missionary Clothing Closet as well as bringing donations of low sugar and low salt canned goods since 2025. They offered the EDC a booth at their annual Black Health Fair.

Food Programs in Oregon

SNAP application help in Oregon Link

Ways to Use Your SNAP Benefits:

Double Up Food Bucks This program will match up to $20 of your SNAP benefits to purchase produce at participating Oregon CSA’s, farmer’s markets, farm stands, and grocery stores! (i.e., up to $20 of SNAP money can turn into $40 to use at vendor tables). While SNAP benefits can be used for many food items, Double Up Food Bucks can only purchase fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, beans, herbs, nuts, and veggie starts. The Lane County Farmers Market, among others, participates. Find participating locations near you!

Ordering Food Online You can now use SNAP benefits to order food online through Amazon and Walmart for home delivery across Oregon. Albertsons, Safeway, Whole Foods, and local stores also accept online SNAP payments.