Medford, Ore. — September 5, 2025 — ACCESS, Jackson County’s community action agency, hosted its annual Community Builders Celebration, recognizing the individuals and organizations whose support fuels the agency’s mission of providing food, housing, warmth, and other essential services to low-income children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
The event was a tribute to the power of community partnerships. Guests gathered for an evening filled with gratitude and inspiration, celebrating the collective impact made possible by volunteers and supporters across the Rogue Valley.
This year, special recognition was given to the United Rotary Clubs of Southern Oregon, representing all nine Rotary clubs in Jackson County.
Each Friday morning, more than 20 Rotarians gather at the ACCESS Food Bank warehouse to pack Rogue Powerpack bags—weekend food bags designed to support students who face food insecurity outside of school hours. The bags include nutritious meals and snacks to help children bridge the gap until school meal programs resume on Monday.
During the 2024–25 school year, the need for the program rose by 33 percent. In response, Rotarians stepped up to meet the challenge, packing more than 20,000 Powerpack bags for 847 students in 30 schools. Their efforts translated into more than 120,000 meals and snacks delivered to local children.
“Rotary embodies the spirit of community that ACCESS is built on,” said Grace Ann Michel, Food Programs Manager. “Their commitment ensures children in Jackson County don’t have to worry about where their next meal will come from when school is out. We’re proud to honor them for their leadership and compassion.”
Rotarians collectively contributed more than 800 volunteer hours annually to the Rogue Powerpack program. Organizers praised their dedication as a powerful example of service in action.
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