Local Organizations Unite to Donate $20,000 to Columbia Gorge Food Bank

Dec 24

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Northern Wasco County PUD:

By Karen Heim

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 24, 2025 – Six local organizations joined together to donate $20,000 to the Columbia Gorge Food Bank to help address increased need in the community. Chenowith Water PUD, the City of The Dalles, Hood River Electric & Internet Co-op, Northern Wasco County People's Utility District, QLife, and Wasco Electric Cooperative presented the donation on Thursday, December 18.

“When we see our community facing challenges, it's our responsibility to step up together,” said Roger Kline, General Manager & CEO of Northern Wasco County People's Utility District. “This partnership represents what happens when organizations that serve our region come together with a common purpose – supporting the families and neighbors who need help most.”

The Columbia Gorge Food Bank serves more than 6,000 community members per month across Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman Counties through a network of over 45 local partner agencies. As a branch of Oregon Food Bank, the organization collaborates with healthcare providers, community organizations – including those led by the Latine and Native American communities – and local food producers to provide free, nutritious food and end hunger in the region. The $20,000 donation will help the food bank meet increased demand during a time of significant community need.

“Food insecurity aƯects families throughout the Columbia River Gorge, and we're grateful to be part of this collaborative effort to help," said Libby Calnon, General Manager of Hood River Electric & Internet Co-op. "When organizations come together like this, we can make a real diƯerence for our neighbors.”

Breen Goodwin, Executive Director of the Columbia Gorge Food Bank, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort. “This generous donation comes at a critical time for families in our community. We're deeply grateful to these organizations for recognizing the need and stepping up together to make a real difference. This support will help us provide nutritious food to hundreds of families throughout the Columbia Gorge who are struggling to make ends meet.”

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About Chenowith Water PUD

Chenowith Water started off as an irrigation cooperative in 1946, delivering irrigation water to the farmlands in the Chenowith Area. Since then, it developed into a People’s Utility District to supply quality well water to households and businesses in the Chenowith, Murray's Addition, and Columbia Crest areas. The Board of Directors and staff take pride in supplying a necessary utility for its customers at the lowest possible rate.

About the City of The Dalles

The City of The Dalles serves the Columbia River Gorge community by delivering essential services, maintaining infrastructure, and supporting the economic and civic vitality that make this a great place to live, work, and do business. Learn more at https://www.thedalles.org/.

About Hood River Electric & Internet Co-op

Hood River Electric & Internet Co-op provides electric and internet service to 3,600 members in the Hood River Valley. We’ve powered our community since 1945 and are proud to be known for our affordable rates and reliable, responsive service. Visit www.hoodriver.coop to learn more.

About Northern Wasco County PUD

Northern Wasco County Peoples Utility District (NWCPUD) is a customer-owned utility that provides nearly 25,000 people and businesses with utility services in Wasco County, Oregon. Formed in August 1939 and first delivering power in April 1949, NWCPUD’s mission is to be the leader in delivering reliable, affordable utility services guided by and accountable to the communities we serve. As our name implies, “people” are what we are all about. For more information, please visit: https://www.nwascopud.org/.

About QLife

QualityLife Intergovernmental Agency (QLife) delivers fast, reliable, and aƯordable internet to Wasco County. Established in 2002, QLife operates a 17-mile fiber optic network in The Dalles, Ore., to support local businesses, schools, public agencies, and families. With a goal to connect every household, school, and business in Wasco County to affordable, reliable internet service, QLife is helping residents thrive in a digital age. Learn more: qlife.net

About Wasco Electric Cooperative

Wasco Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to its members. Serving rural communities, the cooperative is committed to our members by improving the quality of life through dependable energy, strong local relationships, and a focus on community involvement. Guided by our cooperative principles, Wasco Electric Cooperative works to meet the continued needs of its members while supporting the long-term vitality of the areas it serves.