What Sunshine Division does

Sunshine Division, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Portland, Oregon, founded in 1923 by Portland Police Reserve officers as 'George Baker's Sunshine Boys.' The organization provides free food assistance, clothing relief, and home-delivered food boxes to food-insecure households across the Portland metropolitan area and parts of five counties in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Its core programs include two Free Food Market pantry locations (NW and SE Portland) offering a shopping-style grocery experience, a weekly home-delivery program serving 500+ households per week (delivered via DoorDash), 24/7 emergency food box access through all Portland Police Bureau precincts, the Izzy's Kids 'Shop With A Cop' clothing program, and an annual Holiday Meal Distribution delivering 4,000+ boxes per season. The organization also functions as a regional food bank, distributing bulk food to 100+ partner social service agencies, schools, and government entities (including the Oregon National Guard and Portland Public Schools).

The organization operates without proprietary technology, relying instead on conventional SaaS tools (DonorPerfect for donations, SimplyBook for appointment booking, Better Impact for volunteer management) and a staff of approximately 25-30 personnel supplemented by a large volunteer workforce. Its new 20,000 sq ft headquarters at 2121 NW Front Ave, opened April 15, 2026, provides 140% more food storage capacity than the prior 97-year-old Thompson Street facility and 3X the cold storage (~100,000 lbs of fresh/frozen food). Sunshine Division's business model is entirely donation-funded: no revenue is earned from clients. Income sources include individual monetary donations, corporate sponsorships underwriting events like the SHINE Gala (~$330K in 2026), the Sunshine Classic Golf Tournament, and Winter Wonderland light show, in-kind food donations from grocers and distributors (Safeway, Sysco, Fred Meyer, Zupan's, Bob's Red Mill, Ventura Foods), retail round-up partnerships (Plaid Pantry's Project C.A.R.E.S., Dutch Bros Day of Giving), and grants (notably a $278,000 M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust grant). The organization maintains 12 consecutive 4-star Charity Navigator ratings and does not rely on federal food assistance funding.

Name

Sunshine Division

Legal name

Sunshine Division, Inc.

Website

https://sunshinedivision.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1923

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sunshine Division is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1923 that provides free food assistance, home-delivered food boxes, and clothing relief to food-insecure households across the Portland metro area, serving 15,600+ households annually through two pantries, home delivery, and 100+ partner organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Food Assistance and Hunger Relief Services

NAICS

Community Food Services (62421), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Community Food Services (624210)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Food Assistance & Nutrition Relief (Emergency Feeding) (BPAGAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Food & Nutrition Assistance Programs (BPAIAKAF), Child Nutrition & Meal Programs (CACFP/Snack Programs) (EDACAMAA), Food Assistance & Safety Nets (In-Kind, Vouchers, Cash Transfers) (BPADAJAA)

Keywords

• Food assistance services
• Hunger relief
• Food bank
• Emergency food distribution
• Community charity services

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Individual Monetary Donations: Individual donors contribute cash donations online, by mail, or through fundraising pages. The organization emphasizes that 'every dollar brings us closer' to campaign goals and that monetary contributions are 'the most direct and effective way' to support operations. Donations are tax-deductible; Tax ID: 93-0429354.
2. Corporate Sponsorships & Fundraising Events: Corporate partners sponsor major annual events including the SHINE Gala & Auction (raised ~$330,000 in 2026), Sunshine Classic Golf Tournament, Sunshine Under the Stars Benefit Reception, and the Hunger Doesn't Vacation campaign. Sponsors include BedMart Mattress Superstores, Les Schwab Tire Centers, Tempur-Sealy, Fred Meyer, Safeway Foundation, Rivermark Community Credit Union, and others.
3. Food Donations (In-Kind): The organization receives donated food from grocers, food brokers, distributors, and community food drives. Partners include Safeway, Sysco, Zupan's Market, Bob's Red Mill, Ventura Foods, Botsford & Goodfellow, Fred Meyer, and others. These in-kind donations form the primary supply for distribution programs and do not generate direct revenue but enable service delivery.
4. Grant Funding: Sunshine Division has received grant funding for specific initiatives, such as a $278,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust for the Winter Wonderland light show purchase and startup costs. Grant funding supports capital projects and program expansion.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Sunshine Division provides free food and clothing assistance to food-insecure households across the Portland metro area. Core programs include two Free Food Market pantry locations with shopping-style grocery distribution, a weekly home-delivery program delivering 25-30 lb food boxes via DoorDash, 24/7 emergency food box access through Portland Police Bureau precincts, an annual Holiday Meal Distribution (4,000+ boxes in December), the Izzy's Kids "Shop With A Cop" clothing program serving ~500 children per year, and bulk food redistribution to 100+ partner social service agencies and school districts.

Product overview

Sunshine Division is a nonprofit food assistance organization offering a portfolio of hunger relief programs. Core offerings include two Free Food Market pantry locations where clients shop for groceries, a Home Delivery Program for those unable to visit in person, emergency Food Boxes available 24/7 at police precincts, and seasonal Holiday Meal Distribution. Additional programs include the Izzy's Kids clothing program and Community Partnerships network of 100+ organizations. The organization operates from new headquarters at 2121 NW Front Ave in Portland, having moved from their North Thompson Street warehouse of 50+ years. Major fundraising events include the annual SHINE Gala and Sunshine Classic Golf Tournament.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Izzy's Kids: A program that provides a free clothing shopping experience for children in low-income households in partnership with the Portland Police Bureau and other first responders, commonly referred to as 'Shop With A Cop'.
• Free Food Markets
• Holiday Meal Distribution

Products and services

• Free Food Markets (Food Pantry Service) Sunshine Division operates two Free Food Market locations in SE and NW Portland where eligible households can shop for free groceries—fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and pantry staples—in a dignified, market-style setting. Open six days a week; appointments required; up to 16 visits per year per household. Free of charge.
• Home Delivery Program Weekly home delivery of 25-30 lb shelf-stable food boxes (delivered via DoorDash) to households within 10 miles of the pantry locations. Serves homebound, physically limited, and transportation-constrained individuals and families. Up to two deliveries per month per household. Free of charge; capacity scaled from 350 to 450 boxes per week in May 2025, with 500+ boxes currently delivered weekly.
• Food Boxes in Precincts Emergency food boxes (35-40 lbs of non-perishable food) stocked 24/7 at every Portland Police Bureau precinct. Officers carry boxes in patrol vehicles and can distribute them at their discretion during calls, wellness checks, and community engagement, and refer individuals to Sunshine Division services. Officers refer nearly 1,000 households annually and deliver over 26,000 pounds of food per year through this program.
• Izzy's Kids "Shop With A Cop" Program Annual free clothing shopping experience for approximately 500 children from low-income households annually, conducted in partnership with the Portland Police Bureau and other first responders (often referred to as "Shop With A Cop"). Provides new clothing to children from low-income families and supports positive interactions with law enforcement.
• Holiday Meal Distribution Annual holiday meal delivery program distributing over 4,000 food boxes and turkey meal kits each December. Approximately 2,500 are home-delivered by volunteers and first responders; 1,500 are distributed through 40+ community partners. The 2nd annual Thanksgiving Meal Delivery on November 22, 2025 served 2,750 households.
• Community Partnerships / Food Banking Bulk food redistribution to 100+ partner organizations across the Portland metro area and five counties in Oregon and Southwest Washington, including social service agencies, school districts, and other food-relief nonprofits. Includes the Summer Food Box Program (2,000 boxes to Portland Public Schools in June 2025) and weekly food bag provision to Community Transitional School (60-70 bags/week).

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Sysco, Zupan's Market, Bob's Red Mill, Ventura Foods, Botsford & Goodfellow, Inc., Fred MeyermajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 April 2026Grocery and food industry partners contributed over 20,000 pounds of shelf-stable food at the grand opening 'Fill the Warehouse' food drive on April 15, 2026. These partners help ensure the new headquarters opens fully stocked to serve the community.
• Dutch Bros / Dutch Bros FoundationmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 February 2026Dutch Bros and Dutch Bros Foundation partnered with Sunshine Division for Dutch Luv Day of Giving on February 13, 2026. Dutch Bros Foundation donated $1 from every drink sold at 12 participating Portland and Gresham locations. This community engagement event brings together local coffee customers to support hunger relief efforts.
• Fred MeyermajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Fred Meyer serves as the Presenting Sponsor for the SHINE Gala & Auction and is a sponsor of the Shop With A Cop / Izzy's Kids program, providing clothing shopping experiences for approximately 500 children annually. Fred Meyer also contributed food donations at the grand opening 'Fill the Warehouse' food drive.
• BedMart Mattress Superstores & Tempur-SealymajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026BedMart Mattress Superstores and Tempur-Sealy co-present the annual Sunshine Classic Golf Tournament and Sunshine Under the Stars Benefit Reception. BedMart has partnered with Sunshine Division since 2012 on the 'Hunger Doesn't Vacation' summer awareness campaign, raising funds and food donations for children who lose school meal access during summer months.
• Les Schwab Tire CentersmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Les Schwab Tire Centers co-presents the annual Sunshine Classic Golf Tournament alongside BedMart Mattress Superstores and Tempur-Sealy. Part of the major annual fundraising event series supporting Sunshine Division's hunger relief programs.
• Rivermark Community Credit UnioncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Rivermark Community Credit Union COO Keli Myers serves as Sunshine Division's Board Chair. Rivermark is also a Table Sponsor for the SHINE Gala and supports the organization's governance and fundraising leadership.
• Columbia Bank, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Zupan's Market, KOIN, R&H, King Estate, AnchorPointe, FMI/Greater Giving, Stand Together/Timbers, PAPE, Farmhouse Holdings, PPIminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Corporate sponsors for the SHINE Gala & Auction and/or Sunshine Classic Golf Tournament, providing table sponsorships, auction items, wine, printing, and other in-kind support for major annual fundraising events.
• Plaid PantrymajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2021Plaid Pantry customers round up donations at the register through Project C.A.R.E.S. (Community, Assistance, Resources, Engagement, and Service), supporting Sunshine Division and SOLVE. The fifth annual campaign in 2025 raised nearly $640,000 since launching in 2021. July 2024 alone generated $149,820 at 100+ locations. President and CEO Jonathan Polonsky leads the partnership.
• Safeway AlbertsonsmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020Since 2020, Safeway Albertsons provided a vacant grocery store space in Wilsonville as a temporary warehouse, allowing Sunshine Division to continue meeting growing food assistance needs during COVID-19. At the grand opening in April 2026, grocery partners including Safeway contributed over 20,000 pounds of shelf-stable food through the 'Fill the Warehouse' food drive. The Safeway Foundation is also a Gold Sponsor of the Sunshine Classic Golf Tournament.
• Oregon National GuardcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2013Sunshine Division supplies 60 Oregon National Guard families with a 45-pound food box each month. This addresses the high unemployment and underemployment rates facing returning Guard veterans (at or above 20%) and their families. The Oregon National Guard's 2-218th Field Artillery Battalion presented Sunshine Division with a Certificate of Appreciation in April 2013 for this ongoing support.
• Mt. Hood SkibowlminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 April 2013Mt. Hood Skibowl partnered with Sunshine Division for 25 years through the 'Ski for Sunshine' event, collecting food donations in exchange for free lift tickets during annual Customer Appreciation Day. Food barrel collections at the ski resort support Sunshine Division's food box programs.
• BurgervilleminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 October 2012Burgerville partnered with Sunshine Division on a benefit CD 'RISE & SHINE' featuring 40 local musicians, with proceeds supporting hunger relief. The partnership expanded into a live concert series, community nights, and a cereal drive. The CD was sold at all 39 Burgerville locations.
• Portland Police BureaucoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1923Sunshine Division was founded by the Portland Police Bureau in 1923 and maintains a deep, enduring partnership. Officers carry food boxes in patrol vehicles, refer individuals to services, and distribute food 24/7 through all local precincts. Officer Rashida Saunders serves as Bureau Liaison & Community Relations (appointed January 2023). The bureau helps home-deliver thousands of holiday meal boxes annually and participates in the annual Shop With A Cop program. This is the organization's foundational and most distinctive strategic partnership.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Oregon Food Bank: Oregon's largest regional food bank, also based in the Portland metro area, distributing food through a statewide network of partner agencies. Directly comparable as a hunger-relief nonprofit serving the same geography with a similar food-banking model, but operating at materially larger scale than Sunshine Division.
• Mid-Ohio Food Collective: Mid-Ohio regional food bank running choice-style pantries, partner-agency distribution, and direct programs for at-risk populations. Closely mirrors Sunshine Division's "shopping-style" Free Food Market dignity model alongside bulk partner distribution.
• St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance: Arizona's largest food bank, combining direct pantry services with partner-agency distribution. Comparable in mixing direct-service food distribution with downstream agency partnerships, though serving a much larger and hotter-climate geography.
• Food Lifeline: Seattle-based hunger-relief nonprofit affiliated with Feeding America that distributes food through a partner agency network and runs direct-service programs including home delivery. Closely mirrors Sunshine Division's combined pantry + partner-redistribution + home-delivery operating model in a different Pacific Northwest metro.
• Marion-Polk Food Share: Oregon-based regional food bank serving a broader rural/semi-urban geography with food pantry, mobile distribution, and partner-agency programs. Comparable in scope and operating model but extends into a different (non-Portland) Oregon sub-region.
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida: Large regional Feeding America food bank running food pantry, mobile pantry, and partner-agency distribution programs. Comparable in operating model (multi-channel distribution to food-insecure households through partner organizations) but at substantially larger regional scale.

Broad incumbents

• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: One of the largest regional food banks in the U.S., operating food pantry, partner-agency distribution, and direct-to-client programs. Comparable category and partner-network model; broader geographic footprint and significantly larger budget.
• Feeding America: The largest U.S. hunger-relief network of 200+ regional food banks including Oregon Food Bank. Operates as the umbrella incumbent in the same food-banking / community food services category, setting standards and capturing national-scale donor and corporate partnerships.
• Houston Food Bank: One of the largest food banks in the U.S., operating direct distribution, mobile pantries, and a partner-agency network. Comparable in category and multi-channel model; substantially larger scale and disaster-relief orientation.

Direct peers

• Salvation Army Portland Metro: National faith-based nonprofit operating a Portland-area food pantry, holiday meal programs, and emergency assistance including a strong family-services component. Comparable as a same-city, multi-program (food + seasonal + emergency) human services provider.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SUNSHINE_DIV
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@sunshinedivisionpdx
• Facebookfacebook.com/sunshinedivision
• Instagraminstagram.com/sunshinedivision

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sunshine Division