Feeding our neighbors and strengthening our community since 1950
Our Vision
A community where all people feel secure, valued and supported.
Our Mission
Improving lives by providing food, services and access to community resources.
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
Ken DeSantis, President
Melissa Briggs, Vice President
Kate Van Ummersen, Co-Treasurer
Joni Rothgery, Co-Treasurer
Jennifer Basile, Secretary
Desiree Arellano
Joel Autry
Scott Hamblin
Mark Hunter
Trudi Schmidt
Whitney Ulven
Laura Wanker
In Loving Memory
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.