Forward Tab Forward Tab

Yamhill County pilot, 2026

A meal at a neighborhood restaurant, already paid for.

Forward Tab is an Oregon nonprofit that funds prepaid meals at independent local restaurants. Donations from the community and sponsorships from local businesses pay for the meals. Anyone who needs one can take a ticket from the board at the counter. There are no forms to fill out and no questions asked.

We are preparing our first pilot in Yamhill County and are not yet accepting donations.

Our mission

No one in our community should go without a meal.

Many people who are short on food never use the help that exists, because asking for it means paperwork, eligibility checks, or being seen in line. Forward Tab removes those steps. A prepaid meal ticket works like any other order at the counter.

The same model keeps money in the local economy. Every meal is bought from an independent restaurant at its full menu price, so supporting neighbors also supports the small businesses that serve them.

How it works

Three parties, one ticket.

  1. The community funds meals

    Individuals give small amounts and local businesses sponsor meals. Meal funds are held in a dedicated nonprofit escrow account and used only to pay for meals.

  2. Restaurants post tickets

    Participating restaurants display prepaid meal tickets on a board at the counter. Anyone can take one and order, with no proof of need required.

  3. Restaurants are paid in full

    When a ticket is redeemed, Forward Tab pays the restaurant the full menu price by direct bank transfer. Donors receive a receipt for their records.

Our commitments

What we hold ourselves to.

  • Dignity first

    No intake forms, no qualifying questions, and nothing that marks a meal as charity.

  • Donations go to meals

    Donated funds are kept separate from operating funds and are spent only on meals served.

  • Fair pay for restaurants

    Restaurants receive full menu price for every meal, not a discounted rate.

  • Open books

    We will publish our financial filings once they are available.

Yamhill County pilot

Help us launch in 2026.

Our first program will run in Yamhill County, Oregon. We are looking for partners to take part from the start.

Restaurants

Independent restaurants in Yamhill County interested in hosting a meal ticket board.

Business sponsors

Local employers and businesses who want to fund meals in the communities they serve.

Community partners

Food banks, churches, schools, and service groups who can help us reach neighbors.

Contact

Get in touch.

General inquiries
info@forwardtab.org
Restaurants and sponsors
Write to info@forwardtab.org with "Pilot partnership" in the subject line.
Mailing address
5441 S Macadam Ave, Ste R
Portland, OR 97239