Over the course of just one month, Lookout readers turned their engagement with local journalism into something tangible: putting food on tables across Lane County.

In December, Lookout Eugene-Springfield launched a month-long membership drive in support of Food for Lane County, aimed at addressing hunger in our region while expanding access to independent reporting. Thanks to community support, the results are inspiring. 

In 32 days, the membership drive — amplified by Food for Lane County’s matching donor — generated $6,056, providing the equivalent of 12,112 meals for our neighbors. That matters in a county where roughly 15% of residents experience food insecurity, as Lookout contributor Lauren Kessler explores in Lookout’s three-part food-insecurity series. Together, Lauren’s reporting and the giveback effort created a bridge between understanding an issue and helping to address it.

For Food for Lane County, the collaboration went beyond the donation itself. Carolyn Stein, Executive Director of Food for Lane County, shared:

“We are so grateful for Lookout Eugene-Springfield. From their in-depth and humane coverage of hunger in our community to their generous donation from new Lookout subscriptions, the paper has already been an amazing partner and contributed significantly to both our efforts and their readers’ knowledge of food insecurity.”

Food for Lane County distributes more than eight million pounds of food each year through a wide network of pantries, partners, and direct-service programs. Its work is essential, ongoing, and community-powered, and we are honored to support it in a tangible way.

Thank you to everyone who became a Lookout member, shared the series, or supported this partnership. 

FOOD INSECURITY SPECIAL REPORT