Burrito Brigade, a Eugene-based nonprofit that distributes free burritos to the unhoused and operates a food rescue program, has purchased the former CAT building at 455 W. First Street. The organization aims to renovate the space into a permanent home for its growing operations.
The group relies on dozens of volunteers to operate two major programs: vegan burrito distribution and Waste to Taste, which rescues 30,000 to 40,000 pounds of food each month from local grocery stores, farms, and restaurants. Burrito Brigade serves hundreds of families weekly through the weekend burrito program and around 800 families per month through Waste to Taste.
Board President Kathy Calise said, “It’s good that we’re growing, but it’s sad that we’re growing because our services are needed more and more.” The organization is embarking on a fundraising campaign to raise between $300,000 and $450,000 to convert the building. Fundraisers have already raised $60,000 for roof repairs.
Burrito Brigade began in 2014 as a response to a need for nutritious food for the unhoused on weekends when other services weren’t available. The organization plans to launch a canned food drive in October and seek local businesses to host donation barrels. A third annual community Thanksgiving dinner is also planned, serving over 200 people last year.
The new building will provide office space, meeting rooms, and a more efficient kitchen layout, which the current location lacks due to previous renovations for a cannabis dispensary. The organization hopes to complete renovations within two years before fully moving out of its current building.
Source: https://lookouteugene-springfield.com/story/food-dining/2025/09/26/burrito-brigade-buys-building-as-it-grows-its-effort-to-fight-hunger