When Hunger Fighters Oregon opened its food pantry in 2014, founder Michael Murray wasn't entirely sure what to expect.

 

For the first few weeks, nobody came.

 

Then one Saturday morning, three older women from a nearby apartment complex walked through the doors.

 

Living on fixed incomes, they were especially grateful for the fresh fruits and vegetables they otherwise couldn't afford. For Murray, it was confirmation that the need was real.

 

"Those three women—and the countless individuals who have visited the pantry in the years since—are proof that Hunger Fighters is meeting a real need in Lake Oswego," he says.

 

That need is larger than many people realize.

 

More people are feeling financially stretched than many realize, and a layoff, medical expense, car repair, or other unexpected setback can quickly make it difficult to cover basic necessities. In 2025, Hunger Fighters provided food assistance to more than 14,000 people—a 25 percent increase over the previous year. The organization expects that number to continue climbing.

 

The story of Hunger Fighters began long before the pantry opened. More than a decade ago, Murray, a then 8th grader, started the pantry as an after-school club at the former Lakeridge Middle School. Students, parents, and community members helped launch the effort, creating what would eventually become a nonprofit serving thousands of people each year.

 

Fortunately, community support showed up early. Murray credits the Rotary Club with helping Hunger Fighters get off the ground, from providing an early grant for pantry shelving to connecting the fledgling organization with volunteers and professional support. Two Rotarians even stepped forward to serve as the organization's first pantry manager and volunteer coordinator.

 

One thing that has remained unchanged is the belief that getting food should be straightforward.

 

Guests don't need appointments or proof of income. They simply come when they need help.

 

Inside the pantry, they're free to shop for themselves, choosing foods that fit their households and preferences. Volunteers are available to answer questions, help bag groceries, or carry items to vehicles.

 

It's a small detail, but an important one.

 

The organization puts a great deal of thought into creating a space that feels welcoming and respectful. There are benches outside, a children's area inside, and information available in multiple languages. The goal is for people to feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.

 

That spirit of community involvement continues today. Local schools, businesses, service organizations, faith communities, and volunteers support Hunger Fighters through food drives, fundraising efforts, food donations, and countless hours of service.

 

Today, volunteers stock shelves, sort donations, pick up food from local partners, and welcome guests during pantry hours.

 

For Murray, that first visit from three older women remains beautifully memorable.

 

Not because it marked the beginning of the pantry's success, but because it confirmed something the organization still sees every day: people sometimes need a little help, and they're grateful when it's there.

 

 Hunger Fighters relies on financial contributions, food donations, and volunteers to meet growing demand. Recurring monthly donations help provide a steady source of funding, while donated shelf-stable food and hygiene items are always appreciated.

 

If you’d like to show support, please save the date for their 10th anniversary celebration and donation event on Thursday, August 13 from 4pm - 7pm, celebrating 10 years of service to the community.

 
 To learn more, donate, volunteer, or view the pantry's current needs list, please visit hungerfightersoregon.org.