Feeding our neighbors and strengthening our community since 1950

 
 
Image

Our Vision

A community where all people feel secure, valued and supported.

Image

Our Mission

Improving lives by providing food, services and access to community resources.

Image

Equity Statement

At the center of SACA's actions and decisions is our commitment to serve people lacking access to services and experiencing food and housing insecurity. We know people who experience repeat discrimination and systemic injustices are at higher risk of facing food and housing insecurity. At SACA we engage with our community to end hunger and its root causes. We maintain and foster an inclusive environment where people have equitable access to services and resources. Our goal is to meet the needs of each person, honoring the visible and invisible qualities that make them and their circumstances unique.

The work of uniting community to meet the needs of each person in the community is continual and dynamic. SACA commits to these continued efforts of equity in our community.

320,336

pounds of food donated
in 2023

7,593

visits to the food pantry
in 2023

$396,108

provided in financial assistance in 2023

A Long History of Service

Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA) found its beginnings in 1950 when Henry Vetter, a Railroad Station Agent, and M.R. Ford, Principal of Eugene Field Elementary School, recognized a growing need among low income families and began to organize aid and offer help. Under the banner of “United Good Citizens,” these gentlemen guided the aid efforts, which included a senior meals program served in the basement of Eugene Field School.

Through the 1950s, compassionate people in the Silverton area actively volunteered for the organization, then-named “Silverton Emergency Aid,” which provided food and other services for people in need. In June of 1984, the program was incorporated as “Silverton Area Community Aid, Inc.,” and a governing Board of Directors representing churches, civic organizations, and citizens was established. To this day, SACA is governed by a Board of Directors. Day-to-day operations are now overseen by a full-time Executive Director, a small team of part-time staff, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers.

Because our community cares so much and continues to be so generous, we are now able to provide food, financial aid, and other services to nearly 1,000 people in our community each month. Our food pantry is open 3 times a week—including two mornings and one evening – and offers fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, eggs, meat, bread and a variety of non-perishable foods. 

We cherish our volunteers and donors and know how vital your support is to our community.

SACA Services

Food Pantry

Our food pantry offers fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, eggs, meat, bread, personal care items, pet food, and a variety of non-perishable foods. The pantry is open Monday and Thursday mornings and Tuesday evenings.

Rent & Utilities

Need help paying your rent, mortgage, or utility bills? We may be able to help.

Transportation

We may be able to help with Cherriots bus tickets and vouchers for gas and propane, based on eligibility and availability. 

Classes

Learn how to cook an easy, low-cost meal or how to garden or how to budget for your household at one of our classes.

*Classes are currently on hiatus due to COVID-19.

Dental Care

Sign up for the mobile dental van clinic, if eligible and when available.

Resources/Connections

Get connected with other agencies that may be able to help beyond what SACA offers.

Board of Directors

Image

Ken DeSantis, President

Image

Melissa Briggs, Vice President

Image

Kate Van Ummersen, Co-Treasurer

Image

Joni Rothgery, Co-Treasurer

Image

Jennifer Basile, Secretary

Image

Desiree Arellano

Image

Joel Autry

Image

Scott Hamblin

Image

Mark Hunter

Image

Trudi Schmidt

Image

Whitney Ulven

Image

Laura Wanker


In Loving Memory

 
Image

Kathleen McCann

1952-2024


Kathleen spent many years serving SACA and our community as a former Executive Director, volunteer, and Board member. We will greatly miss her.