July 2026 Community Cultivator: Oregon Tuna Classic

Oregon Food Bank is proud to recognize Oregon Tuna Classic as our July 2026 Community Cultivator

Twenty years ago, a group of compassionate anglers had an idea: to fight hunger with a fishing competition. The Oregon Tuna Classic (OTC) is the result of this idea. Every year, participants compete to catch the most tuna by weight, donating their catches to hunger relief organizations on the Oregon coast. After twenty years of experience, it is now a well-established charitable tournament and a premier offshore fishing competition.

Hunger impacts rural, urban and suburban communities throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, and the coast is no exception. Our fishing partners and coastal communities come together through the Oregon Tuna Classic to build connections and help end hunger.

In addition to providing local fresh-caught tuna to Oregon coastal communities and raising critical funds for statewide hunger relief, Oregon Tuna Classic also supports Ducks Unlimited, helping to conserve thousands of acres of wetlands and wildlife habitats. The environmental, economic and social benefits of the tournament are an incredible testament to what Oregonians can do when we work together!

The 2025 tournament marked the 20th year and presented Oregon Food Bank with a $36,000 donation and more than 14,000 pounds of tuna to alleviate hunger in coastal communities and statewide. This donation reflects the collective efforts of anglers, volunteers and supporters who deeply believe in giving back to our communities.

“We are honored to continue supporting Oregon Food Bank and the incredible work they do every day,” said Mike Susee, Co-Chair of the Oregon Tuna Classic.

“This event is about much more than fishing. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors. Seeing our community come together to provide both funding and fresh food to Oregon families is something that means a great deal to all of us involved.”

The Oregon Tuna Classic has a strong network of support, including their title sponsor Schooner Creek Boat Works, whose commitment to Oregon’s coastal and maritime communities helps make the tournament’s impact possible. “We’re proud to support an event that brings people together to strengthen our communities and help families in need,” said Pascal Le Guilly, General Manager of Schooner Creek Boat Works. Through its sponsorship, Schooner Creek Boat Works helps unite anglers, businesses and volunteers in the shared effort to end hunger across Oregon.

These gifts come at a crucial time as Oregon is facing an ongoing hunger crisis that isn’t slowing down.

Thank you, Oregon Tuna Classic, for your ongoing support and partnership!

Have questions about the Community Cultivator program or how your organization can get involved? Please don’t hesitate to reach out!