MLK Day Free Food Boxes at Kaiser Permanente Headquarters

For the third consecutive year, Kaiser Permanente is partnering with Sunshine Division to distribute food boxes to 3,000 families and individuals in need across the Portland metro area in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023.  

Kaiser Permanente volunteers packed all 3,000 food boxes, and will help Sunshine Division distribute them to some homes, and to those who drive up to receive the food boxes on Monday, Jan. 16 at Kaiser Permanente Building parking structure, located at 500 N.E. Multnomah St.  

This event, which began in 2021, is made possible through Kaiser Permanente’s $90,000 grant, which will provide 90,000 meals. That equates to 1,000 food boxes delivered to Portland families through Sunshine Division’s home delivery program with the help of nearly 200 volunteers. Another 1,000 bulk food deliveries will be made by partner agencies and organizations in Cowlitz, Clark, Washington, Clackamas, and Marion counties. Plus, another 1,000 drive-up food boxes will be made available to families and individuals at the Kaiser Permanente Building parking structure. 

“As our community faces increased hunger due to inflation and the effects of the pandemic, we are proud to partner with Sunshine Division to provide nutritious food for families and individuals in need,” said Camille Applin-Jones, Vice President of Ambulatory Care for Kaiser Permanente’s Northwest region. “This is how we are continuing our tradition of honoring Dr. King’s legacy of service in this challenging time.

"Providing these meals is a tangible way we can come together and make a difference for community neighbors in need.” 

In the Northwest, nearly 550 Kaiser Permanente employees — plus family members and friends — are participating in community service activities to benefit those in need at more than 40 service sites throughout our region — from Longview to Eugene, Hillsboro to Gresham. Additionally, Kaiser Permanente clinicians and dentists are working at community-based free clinics to provide medical, dental and vision care to community members throughout our service area. 

“Sunshine Division and Kaiser Permanente both know how essential nutritious food is in fostering vibrant, healthy communities,"  said Kyle Camberg, Executive Director of Sunshine Division. We are grateful to partner with them again this year to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and serve our community in this enormous way.”  

Food Boxes: Families and individuals in need are invited to come to the Kaiser Permanente parking structure (500 N.E. Multnomah St. Portland, Ore.) on Monday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to receive a free food box; no questions asked. The home deliveries and bulk food deliveries have already been claimed.  

Interview opportunities: Media are invited to attend the MLK, Jr. Day Food Box Distribution from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, at the Kaiser Permanente Parking Structure (500 N.E. Multnomah St. Portland, Ore.) Camille Applin-Jones, RN, Vice President of Ambulatory Care for Kaiser Permanente Northwest, will be packing food boxes and available for interviews.