Feeding Families Foundation Expands Parent Plate Program Nationwide to Support Families at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital

Feeding Families Foundation Expands Parent Plate Program



The Feeding Families Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating food insecurity for parents of hospitalized children, has made a significant expansion into Portland, Oregon. The foundation's Parent Plate Program was officially introduced at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital in February 2025 and has quickly begun to transform the lives of families navigating the difficult realities of having a child in medical care.

A Mission Rooted in Experience


The foundation was inspired by personal experience when one of its co-founders faced the emotional turmoil of having a daughter treated for leukemia. This heartfelt journey led to the creation of the foundation aimed at ensuring that parents can remain close to their hospitalized children without the added stress of food insecurity. By delivering meals directly to caregivers in hospitals, the Parent Plate Program alleviates financial burdens and allows parents to stay near their children during critical times.

Immediate Impact at OHSU


Since the launch at OHSU, the program has successfully provided 1,774 complimentary meals to families, averaging 51 meals served each month within the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant unit. The reception among OHSU staff and families has been overwhelmingly positive. Laurel Barnes, a social worker at OHSU, shared, "When Feeding Families became available, I set them up with this new resource. Having access to food in the hospital cut down on their expenses and generally reduced their stress. They couldn't have been more grateful for this small, but meaningful gesture of support in the middle of the most stressful time of their lives."

A parent of an oncology patient echoed this sentiment, stating, "It's been amazing! Especially because we are in quarantine, it's so helpful. It makes it so easy to order food."

The positive changes extend beyond just families. Staff members have also reported feeling encouraged by the program's ability to ease the burdens of caregivers. An employee from OHSU's Food and Nutrition call center noted the gratitude expressed by parents, emphasizing the profound emotional support generated by a simple meal.

A Nationwide Challenge


The launch of the Parent Plate Program at OHSU represents a larger commitment to tackle hospital food insecurity, an issue that varies in severity across different regions of the country. "Feeding Families Foundation's mission is simple: to nourish the parents caring for their critically ill child in the hospital so they can focus on what matters most – their child," explained Jeff Dorman, Co-Founder and Chair of the foundation. He continued, "Today, we are proud to announce that our mission now reaches across the country, because hospital food insecurity is not just local—it's national."

The foundation originally began its work in Connecticut, supporting families at Yale Children's Hospital and Connecticut Children's Hospital. This expansion into Oregon is part of a broader vision to scale their impact nationwide, reflecting the shared challenges of families faced with the weight of caregiving in hospitals.

Join the Effort


By providing comforting meals during stressful moments, the Parent Plate Program seeks to nurture both the physical and emotional well-being of parents during their child's healthcare journey. Families can receive meals without the barrier of applications or eligibility as the program partners with existing hospital food service operations to ensure that help is accessible.

For those wanting to learn more about Feeding Families Foundation and the Parent Plate Program or to contribute to this vital cause, visit feedingfamiliesfoundation.org. Together, we can work toward eliminating food insecurity in hospitals, one meal at a time.

Media Contact: [email protected] | Phone: 203.208.8543

About Feeding Families Foundation: Founded in Connecticut, Feeding Families Foundation is committed to ending food insecurity for parents of hospitalized children. The foundation ensures that every family has access to nutritious meals, allowing parents to remain alongside their children at a time when they need them most.

Topics Health)

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