Shem Food Bank

Available Services During the Covid-19 Event

SHEM is much more than an emergency food pantry! Our numerous outreach community programs provide desperately needed services and resources to the most marginalized members of our community, as well as those who temporarily find themselves without basic needs due to job loss, fire, or household emergencies.
Emergency Food Box Program "Moves to Front Door Intercom System" Delivery as fall & Winter approaches

SHEM provides one emergency food box to each household per month, which contain enough food to provide each person in the household with three meals a day for three to five days. SHEM also encourages clients to return each week for fresh fruit, vegetables and bread. Currently, SHEM food pantry is offering a modified "Walk Up Intercom " method of distribution for clients, in accordance with Oregon State rulings on social gathering spaces.
Hours of Operation During Covid-19:

Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11:30. We cannot accept applications for food boxes or financial assistance after 11:30.

* Please note that in order for volunteers to complete services for clients before closing time at noon, applications for food boxes after 11:30 are not accepted.  Thank you for your understanding.

 
Manna Meals Program Offers "To-Go" Meals for Diners

Free hot meal served every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday served at 5:00 pm at the United Methodist Church at 6th Ave. & Ironwood in Sweet Home. This meal is open to everyone regardless of income, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status. During the Covid-19 event, all meals are packaged in "to-go" containers and diners collect them to consume off-site. For more information, please call 541-367-3073.

 
Carmens Closet: Clothing/Household Items During Covid-19

SHEM offers free clothing, shoes, household items and hygiene items supplied mainly through private donations and a small allowance from United Way. SHEM also helps with relocation necessities, as well as providing fire burnout victims with household items, blankets, furniture and clothing. Access to Closet resources is offered on a limited basis and is closely monitored by the Closet Manager. Posted signage indicates policy, such as mask wearing, hand-sanitizing and one person is allowed to browse the clothing rack for a limited time period.

 
Back to School Program

SHEM coordinates with community partners to provide backpacks and school supplies for school-aged children. Supplies are distributed the week before school begins in the fall. This program is fully funded through Salvation Army Bell Ringing Project, Carmens Closet and private donations.

 
Christmas Box Program

The Christmas Box Application is available for downloading on this website. SHEM coordinates the holiday basket program with local civic and community organizations, schools and churches in providing families with a special holiday food box. Applications for holiday food boxes are available beginning in October and accepted until the date posted on the form. Please plan on providing 2 working telephone numbers that you can be reached at. Box recipients are contatcted by and distributed by each participating organization.

 
Special Needs Clients

SHEM Special Needs area addresses certain dietary restrictions, such as diabetics, vegetarian, limited gluten-free items, and including pre-cooked, shelf-stable food items for the homeless. Hygiene packets are provided by Compassion in Action of Linn County. A limited supply of baby items and diapers are also available for families with infants.

 
Financial Assistance During Covid-19

SHEM has a limited amount of financial assistance available for clients, who may access this service three times in a lifetime, and once in a 12 month period. Assistance amount is capped at $100.

* For Utility Shut-Off Notices: necessary utilities only: water, electricity, heating fuel

* For Housing Eviction Notices: Restricted to one time only to provide temporary relief from eviction.

* Prescription Assistance: Antibiotics allowed, but no painkillers, or mood altering drugs.

* Gasoline vouchers provided only for verified out of town doctor appointments.

* Propane vouchers: $25.00 voucher for propane to be used at Sweet Home RV Center.