In 2022, Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS) and their partner agencies distributed 34.3 million pounds of food, 11.7 million pounds of which was produce. With over 300,000 people in Sacramento county facing food insecurity,-- the inability to access affordable, nutritious food—we are honored to partner with the SFBFS and our members to donate fresh organic fruit and vegetables to those in need.
According to Blake Young, President & CEO, the need has not diminished since the pandemic, and people are using the food bank more often these days, typically weekly rather than once a month. Blake attributes some of the repeat visits to the high quality food that they distribute. Far from the old perception that donated food is mostly canned goods, nearly 40% of what the food bank provides is fresh produce, with eggs, milk, meat, cheese and other quality staples rounding out the offering.
SFBFS works with more than 120 partner agencies, reaching 67,000 seniors every month, and providing food to all 7 school districts in the county. Their No Student Left Hungry program serves students of all ages, from kindergarten to college, to deliver nutritious food and provide education on healthy eating choices. Need is only expected to grow, with estimates that they will be asked to serve 5% more people every year for the coming 5 years. As Blake puts it, “We will not rest until all people [in Sacramento county] can lead a life of self-sufficiency.”
In order to keep up with the growing number of people served, SFBFS is expanding their facilities 3-fold in a project that is expected to be complete in June 2024. They are remodeling their warehouse space, installing additional industrial strength shelving and increasing the number of bays and storage. They have also adopted a modern system of bar codes and pallet labels so that they know where everything is and can access it quickly and accurately.
All this work to feed the community would not be possible without the 12,000 volunteers who give of their time throughout the year. From events like the popular Run To Feed The Hungry on Thanksgiving Day to helping at food distribution sites and packing boxes in the warehouse four days per week, volunteers are critical to the whole operation. We are so grateful for the dedicated staff and volunteers at SFBFS and all who contribute food, funds and time to helping provide nourishment and greater food security during the holidays and year round.
Though our collaborative efforts are making a positive impact, food banks remain desperate for healthy food donations ─ and you can help make a difference! As your thoughts turn to charitable giving, please consider our Donate-A-Box program as a “fresh way” to give to those in need. Anyone can join our farm's efforts to provide fresh, nutritious produce to to those facing hunger. It's quick and easy to donate online. Every box counts!
Not part of our farm family? Find out if we deliver to your neighborhood. You can even get your whole office in on the fun with our office snack packs. Find more information about our office deliveries here.
