We are honored to work with amazing Food Bank partners to share fresh organic fruit and vegetables that, together with our customers, are donated to the food insecure throughout California. This week we had the opportunity to visit and have conversation with Yolo Food Bank, serving the same county in which the Barsotti-Barnes family’s farm was founded back in 1976.
Yolo Food Bank has a diverse sourcing program, receiving food from a variety of donor groups, with grocery stores and local farms together making up about 20% of donated product. This year, it was particularly challenging for YFB to obtain enough fresh fruit and vegetables, due in part to the delayed growing season farmers experienced from the winter rains. Thus, contributions from Farm Fresh To You customers to allow us to deliver fresh produce each week were more valuable than ever. And people love the tasty nutritious produce! From apples and squash to fennel, chard and garlic, recipients are eager to cook with and eat fresh whole foods.
YFB serves more than 22,400 households per month, on average, with programs that reach across the county. There are distribution events at over 20 sites where individuals can come pick up food. YFB hosts Student Farmers Markets at 15 schools, providing students with fresh produce they can take home as well as nutrition education to help them make healthy choices. YFB also contributes to the UC Davis food pantry and delivers groceries directly to low-income seniors and those with mobility restrictions. An additional 80+ partners come to the food bank warehouse, from healthcare groups to faith-based organizations, choosing items that meet their clients’ needs.
All this work would not be possible without the 1,800 dedicated volunteers that work with the Yolo Food Bank during the year. From receiving pallets of food and unpacking, sorting and putting them away, to setting up and handing out food at distribution sites, much of the work of moving over 10 million pounds of food per year in and out of the YFB is done by volunteers.
Monetary gifts are also critical to the operation of the food bank, whether to build facilities, buy equipment and supplies, fund key staff positions or purchase food when donated items aren’t enough. Regarding nonperishable food donations, we are all familiar with sell by or use by dates on our groceries. Did you know that these are not expiration dates? Often, the food is still safe and good to use far beyond the dates on the can or package that were intended for use by stores to rotate inventory. In fact, there is no federal regulation requiring product dating on food, except for infant formula. In order to help reduce food waste and get nutrition to those who need it, please consider donating foods that have been properly handled and are not exhibiting signs of spoilage. According to the USDA, such food “should be wholesome and may be sold, purchased, donated and consumed beyond the labeled ‘Best if Used By’ date.”
Thank you so very much to the caring hard-working staff and volunteers of the Yolo Food Bank and to all who have contributed to our Holiday Food Drive and throughout the year. Though our collaborative efforts are making an 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.
