Dear Food Bank Family,
We understand it’s more important than ever to stay connected in these uncertain times. The number one thing we want people to know is that as an essential service, we are working hard to continue giving out food through our regular programs. Our generous community is constantly checking in with us to see how things are going at the Food Bank and we really appreciate it, so here’s a brief summary of what’s currently happening:
Programs update: Meeting demand with emergency boxes of food
Though we’re hosting some drive-thru distributions now, like the one held at Los Medanos College this week, distributing emergency boxes of food through existing partnerships is proving to be also very effective at meeting the need. Some of our partnering nonprofit agencies are reporting a 180-200% increase in attendance.
Volunteer update: All volunteers are required to wear face coverings
To comply with the Contra Costa Health Office mask mandate, employees and volunteers are now required to use face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. At this time we are not able to provide masks for our volunteers; all volunteers must bring their own face coverings. Click here for the CDC’s DIY tutorial on making masks.
Operations Update: The National Guard is still helping in Fairfield
We don’t know how long we will have the assistance, but for right now, the National Guard is still working out of our Fairfield warehouse. The incredibly streamlined effort is resulting in 1,000 emergency boxes of food being put together and 10,000 pounds of produce being bagged each day–five days a week! Watch KRON coverage of Bay Area Food Banks (our video is at the end).
CalFresh Update: CalFresh applications increase
Our CalFresh Outreach team helped 25% more people apply for the federal anti-hunger program. In April and May, some recipients will also receive an emergency allotment of extra funds.
Starting April 28, 2020, CalFresh recipients can now use their EBT card to purchase groceries online at Walmart and Amazon. This is great news for at-risk populations to continue getting healthy food without leaving home.
Advocacy Update: Evolving advocacy during COVID-19
Due to the precedence that COVID-19 has taken in our communities, our 2020 advocacy activities have been fully revised to predominantly focus on legislation and government funding that relates to the current pandemic.
Development Update: Gift matching more important than ever
The recently announced Lesher Foundation’s match still has not been met. To take advantage of this offer, you must use this link or mail a check to the Food Bank and write LESHER MATCH in the memo section.
Did you know that thousands of companies match donations made by their employees to organizations like ours? Find out if your employer has a matching gift program.
During these ever-changing days, we are more grateful than ever for your steadfast support!
Best,
Lisa Sherrill
Communications Director
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
Top: A drive-thru distribution participant picking up for his family of four.
Bottom: Volunteers bagging produce for school lunch sites. (Picture taken pre-mask requirement.)
Top: Program Director, Nora, keeping the drive-thru distribution running smoothly.
Bottom: A Community Produce Program volunteer who wants you to know “I’m smiling under here.”
For more photos of our COVID-19 response, check out our Facebook album. You do not need an account to view photos.
