Rivermark and Sunshine Division: Feeding Portland Together
Sunshine Division is a Portland nonprofit that has provided free, immediate food relief to local families and individuals since 1923. Rivermark Community Credit Union has partnered with Sunshine Division for decades, and we're now in year two of a $150,000, three-year investment to bring Thanksgiving meals to families across the Portland area. Fighting hunger is one of our three community giving priorities, and Sunshine Division is one of the ways we put that priority into action alongside our neighbors.
When money gets tight, groceries are often the first thing a family tries to stretch. Sunshine Division steps in so neighbors can put food on the table with dignity, and so holidays can still feel like holidays.
Who is Sunshine Division?
Sunshine Division is a Portland metro nonprofit that provides free food to families and individuals in need. The mission began more than 100 years ago in Southwest Portland's Goose Hollow neighborhood, when Portland Police Reserve officers delivered meal baskets to families during the holidays.
Today, that simple idea has grown into a year-round network of programs:
- Free Food Markets- Neighbors can "shop" for free groceries at two locations, one in Southeast Portland and a new one in Northwest Portland that opened in June 2026.
- Home Delivery Program- More than 500 households each week receive a free food box at their door, including people who are homebound, have physical limitations, or lack reliable transportation.
- Holiday meal distribution- Every holiday season, Sunshine Division distributes thousands of food boxes and turkey meal kits, delivered by volunteers and through more than 40 community partners.
- Food boxes in police precincts- Boxes are available in every Portland Police precinct, so families in crisis can get food 24 hours a day.
- Community partnerships. Sunshine Division shares free food with more than 100 partner organizations, including social service agencies and school districts.
It all runs on neighbors helping neighbors. More than 4,000 volunteers help Sunshine Division each year.
Why does their work matter?
Food insecurity means not having reliable access to enough nutritious food, and it can touch any household in our community. Sunshine Division meets that need quickly and respectfully.
There are a few things we admire about how they do it:
- Help is immediate- Their mission is free, immediate food relief, so families get groceries when they need them.
- Choice and dignity- The market-style Free Food Markets let neighbors choose their own groceries, much like a trip to the store.
- Food that fits the family- Sunshine Division is committed to delivering services in a culturally sensitive way and providing foods that are culturally appropriate.
- Reach- Home delivery and community partners bring food to people who can't easily visit a pantry in person.
For many families, a food box is also a way to feel included in a moment that can otherwise feel out of reach, like a holiday meal around the table.
How does Rivermark support Sunshine Division?
Rivermark is investing $150,000 over three years to support Sunshine Division's annual Thanksgiving Meal Delivery. The investment began in 2025, which makes this year the second of three.
Our work with Sunshine Division goes back decades. It's part of our long history of uplifting the communities where we live and work, and it's a direct reflection of one of Rivermark's three community giving priorities: combating hunger.
What does the investment make possible?
Sunshine Division launched the Thanksgiving Meal Delivery program in 2024, delivering holiday food boxes to more than 2,700 families in need across the Portland area. Our investment helps them:
- Expand the program's reach to more households
- Increase availability of culturally specific foods
- Elevate food quality
How can you help Sunshine Division?
You can help Sunshine Division by donating, volunteering, or hosting a food drive. Any of the three keeps free groceries moving to neighbors who need them.
- Donate- A monetary gift is a direct way to make sure neighbors facing food insecurity don't go hungry. Make a donation to Sunshine Division.
- Volunteer- Help sort donations, build food boxes, stock shelves, or assist guests at a Free Food Market. Individuals, small groups, and students are all welcome. Sign up to volunteer.
- Host a food drive- Collect nutritious, non-perishable food with your team, school, or neighborhood. Get started with a food drive.
What if you need food assistance?
If your family could use some help, Sunshine Division is here for you. You can visit a Free Food Market or request a food box.
To learn more about Sunshine Division, its programs, and all the ways to get involved, visit sunshinedivision.org.
At Rivermark, we believe a strong community is one where neighbors look out for each other. We're grateful to stand alongside Sunshine Division, and we hope you'll join us.