For Johnny Bourbon, a local Bend musician, seeing a growing need in the community sparked an idea that would make a meaningful impact for people experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon. Having experienced homelessness as a child — Johnny has carried a lifelong awareness of how critical support programs can be for families in need. When he learned that Shepherd’s House Ministries was facing a low pantry supply, he decided to act. Drawing on his punk rock roots, where benefit shows often collected coats and canned goods, Johnny set out to bring that same grassroots spirit to a larger scale. Over eight weeks, nine local businesses hosted donation bins, four venues donated their spaces for concerts, and sixteen bands — along with venue managers, sound techs, and volunteers — gave their time and talent to raise over 1,500 lbs of food. No one took a fee; everyone gave freely of their time and resources to make the project possible. What began as one person’s idea quickly grew into a powerful, community-driven movement.

These community efforts provided more than 1,000 nourishing meals to people in need. The donations included essential, nutritionally rich items like canned meats, ready-to-heat soups, fruits, and vegetables, ensuring at least one or two full meals for our unhoused brothers and sisters. Additionally, the cans provided much-needed supplementation to our shelter and program-served meals. Beyond meeting immediate hunger needs, the availability of these meals helped create spaces for connection, allowing outreach teams to engage in conversations about housing, resources, and support services. 

While these meals have made a real and immediate difference, the need in our community continues to grow. Our pantry shelves are once again being stretched to meet rising demand. As the colder months approach, we invite our community to step in once more — whether by donating shelf-stable foods, contributing financially, or rallying others to get involved. Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure that no one is left hungry this season.

A big thank you to all the sponsors that made this project possible: Local Businesses: Cuppa Yo, Auto Clinic of Bend, Ale Apothecary, Redemption Tattoo, Revival Vintage, UPP Liquids, Electric Light Barber Shop, Boneyard Pub, M & J Tavern, UPP Liquids, Domino Rooms, High Desert Event Rentals, ALLEY SCRAPERS C.C., Hold Fast Customs, Boone Metal Fab, 92.9 FM. Bands: Johnny Bourbon, Danger Gently, Erin Cole- Baker, Rustmouth, James G, Sam B. Newman, Them N' J, Rubbah Tree, Helga, Jackrat, It’s Chaos, Livid Kings, Non-Ether, Thoughtbox, Hobbyist, The Vanderwalls. Venue Managers: Tonya Cornett at UPP Liquids, Mike Martin & CJ Hitchcock at M&J Tavern, John Silveria at Bonyard Pub, James Dickey at Domino Rooms. Event Specialists: Ben Walker-Waltz, Cory Vanagas, Jonathan Theesen, and Brig Rockwell.