Jammin’ for the Hungry

Jammin' for the Hungry is an outreach program unique to the Corvallis FUMC. The program began as a way to provide an extra "treat" to food bank customers to go with the USDA peanut butter that is regularly provided. Twice each month, our volunteers make jams and jellies (sometimes fruit syrups or apple butter) for area food banks and Room at the Inn in our commercial kitchen. Volunteers are from the church, the larger Corvallis community and from OSU students in a class relating to sustainability. Fruit and all ingredients are provided by local donations. Since September 2008, we have produced almost 20,000 jars of jams, jellies and syrups. We are especially proud that our jams contain less sugar than many other jams, because of the special pectin (Pomona’s Universal Pectin) that we use.

After a four year hiatus, we started up again in July 2024. With retired leader Sara Power’s  notes, recipes, and support, former volunteers Jon Polansky and Corinne Butzin (church member) are leading this project.  We are sharing the FUMC Community Center Kitchen with Room at the Inn and FUMC. We are “jammin” two Thursdays each month from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Would you like to volunteer? No experience necessary! Volunteers learn the jam making and canning process, get free samples plus make new friends! For more information about volunteering or to sign up to volunteer for a session, please email jammin@corvallisfumc.org.

Donations of  new or used ½ pint canning jars (or funds for their purchase) are always much needed and appreciated. Monetary donations payable to Corvallis FUMC, (write in Jammin' on the memo line) will help with supply purchases, and an ongoing Oregon Department of Agriculture Food Processor’s license. 

Monetary and In-kind Donor List 2024-2025:

FUMC Church Members

City of Corvallis Empowerment Grant

Corvallis Community Thrift Shop Grant

Stahlbush Island Farms