Contra Costa and Solano Counties Provide Over 218,000 Meals to Fight Hunger in Local Community
18th annual Counties Care Holiday Food Fight raises $109,000 for local residents
CONCORD, Calif. (April 26, 2022) – Officials from Contra Costa and Solano Counties recently hosted their annual “Counties Care Holiday Food Fight” dedicated to raising funds to provide nutritious food in local communities.
The annual Counties Care Holiday Food Fight is a friendly competition to raise money for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Spearheaded by individual county departments, the competition has raised a combined total of $2.6 million since 2003.
The results from this year’s Food Fight:
- Solano County raised more than $56,700, which will provide over 113,400 meals
- Contra Costa County raised $52,700, which will provide over 105,400 meals
- In total, both counties will help provide more than 218,000 meals to feed neighbors in need
Melinda Sandy, Holiday Food Fight Coordinator, comments: “The Food Bank works every day to support the people of Solano County, and this event is a wonderful opportunity to help them deliver food to those who need it most. The county employees are the real heart of this program. Our results are just another reminder that when we all work together we can make a huge impact in our community.”
Solano County earned its second consecutive and 11th overall championship – taking home the coveted ‘Big Apple Trophy’ once again. However, both counties have made a positive impact in serving the 1 in 6 community members who turn to the Food Bank for support.
Tammi Ackerman, Holiday Food Fight Assistance Coordinator comments: “Basics like food remain a high-priority need for many members of our community, and we are so thankful for the County employees who helped us raise funds to meet that need during this year’s event. We all share the same goal–building a brighter, stronger future for our local residents.”
Joel Sjostrom, Food Bank president and CEO, comments: “This year’s contest came at a crucial time. With the cost of living on the rise, especially the price of groceries, even more community members will turn to us for support. We are so grateful for this ongoing partnership with our two home counties. Their efforts truly make a difference.”
The Food Bank is serving an increased number of people–an average of 250,000 people each month–due to the lingering impacts of the pandemic and anticipates even more need as the cost of groceries continue to increase. When paired with rising gas and utility prices, putting food on the table is becoming nearly impossible for many, especially the most vulnerable members of our community.
For the months of April and May, The Behring Global Educational Foundation is matching each gift made to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to reach a goal of providing 2 million meals. To learn more or make a donation to the Food Bank, visit foodbankccs.org/2millionmealchallenge.
