#United States #Portland #food insecurity #Full Pantry #Food Access Tool

Full Launches a Game-Changing Mobile Food Pantry Software

In a groundbreaking move, Oregon-based startup Full Pantry LLC has introduced its Food Access Tool, a revolutionary mobile-first platform explicitly designed to enhance food distribution for nonprofits. This launch comes at a critical time as food insecurity continues to rise across the United States, with approximately 14% of U.S. households affected by this issue in 2025.

Addressing Food Insecurity Challenges

Food relief organizations often struggle with outdated systems that hinder their effectiveness. Many operate using paper-based intake forms and walk-in-only policies that contribute to long wait times and inconsistent service. The newly launched Food Access Tool aims to rectify these issues by allowing users to interact with food pantries through a mobile device. Guests can easily locate nearby food pantries, check-in, and even schedule future service.

Aaron Brown, co-founder of Full and a pastor at Portland Open Bible Church, emphasizes the platform’s mission: “Full was built to address the challenges of hunger we see every day. When people know when they’ll be served and what to expect, it improves access and reduces strain on volunteers.” His church serves one of the Portland Metro area's most food-insecure neighborhoods and has firsthand experience with the challenges involved in operationalizing food assistance.

Features of the Food Access Tool

The platform replaces outdated manual workflows with a seamless mobile experience for both users and administrators. Its key functions include:

• - Mobile food assistance access: Guests can access food services from their mobile devices.
• - Multilingual, digital intake: This feature replaces complex paper forms, making it easier for pantries to serve diverse communities while decreasing the workload for volunteers.
• - Food preference selection: Users can choose their food preferences, enhancing the experience and dignity of food selection.
• - Automated reporting tools: These tools support compliance with nonprofit regulations and funding requirements, alleviating administrative burdens.

Full is also integrating its software within healthcare referral programs. Collaborating with the Oregon Health & Science University and Doernbecher Children's Hospital, they support the Food for Health Network, which connects patients to local food pantries at the point of hospital discharge. This program is set to expand throughout Oregon.

Providing accessibility and efficiency is at the heart of Full’s mission. Jesse Richardson, co-founder and CEO, notes, “Technology should be at the frontlines in the fight against hunger. Full was built to work for any pantry, regardless of size, staffing, or technical capacity.”

A National Network of Support

Full Pantry LLC actively runs a comprehensive National Food Finder that includes over 40,000 food pantries and community organizations across the nation. Before the official launch, the platform has already connected more than 175,000 individuals in Oregon to local resources, showcasing its efficacy in tackling food insecurity at the community level.

Many features offered by Full are available for free to pantries, with low-cost plans for organizations needing advanced features such as digital intake or reporting functionalities. This accessibility enables even the smallest food pantries to modernize their operations while serving their communities effectively.

Conclusion

Full Pantry LLC’s innovative mobile-first Food Access Tool brings a modern approach to food distribution, aiming to enhance both the efficiency of food pantries and the dignity of those seeking assistance. As organizations across the nation grapple with increasing food insecurity, technology solutions like Full’s platform could play a crucial role in addressing these pressing challenges and ensuring that no family goes hungry.