Feed Newberg 5k Raises Money for Community Kitchen

On Sunday, a collection of at least 150 community members will lace up to take part in the first Feed Newberg 5k, a 3.1-mile race raising money for the Northside Community Church commercial kitchen project that feeds those in need.

“We loved the opportunity to have fun,” said Stephany Coblentz, Northside Community Church Administrative Pastor. “It’s good for our bodies to move, and it invites the community to participate.”

Since last year, Northside Community Church says their partnership with the Community Wellness Collective (CWC) has provided 40 to 70 meals daily (approximately 2,130 monthly meals) to 105 unique individuals who arrive at the shelter monthly. These hot meals are generally crock pot meals, casseroles, pasta, barbecue, and more. The meals, Coblentz said, are made by volunteers ranging from community members to Rosmarino chefs.

Those meals have all been served out of the church’s kitchen, which was not equipped for that volume or usage. The funds from the race will go toward commercial grade appliances to help serve larger groups of people. For example: a gas range with hoods, refrigerators, freezers, and cupboards.

According to Northside, the new kitchen renovations will cost approximately $232,000. The church is providing $50,000, while fundraising efforts have gathered $34,000. The church estimates they’ll be able to raise an additional $50,000, which leaves $98,000 to fully fund the project.

“It has been nothing short of eye opening to the need for more support,” Coblentz said. “We have been so blessed over the last year to be able to offer this option and we look forward to Yamhill County Action Partnership (YCAP) taking over the lodging portion while we continue to remain a consistent location where healthy food and food services are offered to those in Newberg who need it.”

The Northside Community Church offered their location as an emergency shelter while updates were made to YCAP’s permanent location. A grant provided to the CWC provided trained staff to operate the Northside shelter, but the grant’s funding runs out on June 30. CWC will continue to operate out of downtown Newberg’s 2nd Street Community Church drop-in center, which provides recovery services and day time meals.

YCAP is in the process of creating a permanent overnight shelter with services, but the process has been delayed.

Registration for the Feed Newberg 5k is open until day of the race and costs $25 for anyone over 10 years old; anyone younger is free to attend. The race starts at 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2024 and runs around the neighborhood surrounding the church. Anyone interested can register at the Run Sign Up page.

Outside of the race, community members can donate directly to the project to help meet fundraising goals. The church is also seeking physical donations for the kitchen, like a warming rack, serving rack, some shelving, and five induction or electric portable cooktops.

Visit Northside Community Church’s website or email stephany@northsidenewberg.org for more information.