Food Bank of Contra Costa and SolanoFood Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

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    A New Year’s Message from our CEO

    January 4, 2021 By Joel Sjostrom

    Most of us are happy to have 2020 in our rearview mirror, but honestly, many of its challenges, as they relate to hunger, are going to continue to be a part of the narrative for 2021. One good thing about the year-that-shall-not-be-named is that the long-standing issue of hunger in America is now in the national spotlight. Hunger is often highlighted during the holidays, but it’s actually a year-round national crisis. Now that hunger is in the headlines, we must help fill the immediate need, while also creating long-lasting changes.

    There isn’t a vaccine for hunger, so it will take us all working together to make this a better year for our food-insecure neighbors. When it comes to fighting hunger, don’t forget that YOU ARE ESSENTIAL.

    We can’t be sure of how everything will play out in 2021, but we are certain of a few things:

    • Unemployment and underemployment will remain.
    • Inequities in food access will still exist.
    • We will have to contend with another fire season.
    • People will continue to turn to the Food Bank for help.
    • The Food Bank WILL be there for our community, just like it has been for the past 45 years.

    As we move forward, let’s bring with us the biggest lesson learned last year: we can achieve incredible feats when we work together! You answered our call for help time and time again and it’s this unwavering support that keeps us going.

    As opportunities to be a part of the solution present themselves this year, we encourage you to act upon them because there is still a lot left to do.

    What do you say? Let’s roll up those sleeves, pull up those bootstraps and get to work!

    Joel Sjostrom
    President and CEO
    Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

    Coronavirus defense at the Food Bank

    March 6, 2020 By Joel Sjostrom

    We understand the spread of Coronavirus (also known as COVD-19) is concerning and you may be wondering how this affects the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. As you are probably aware, this respiratory illness does not currently have a large number of reported cases in the U.S., but now is in California, including local counties. The COVID-19 strain presents with pneumonia-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

    The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano is in contact with other Bay Area food banks, our partner agencies and county officials with the priority of ensuring a consistent food supply for all of our clients. Currently, all Food Bank direct distribution programs remain open.

    We couldn’t accomplish all that we do without our valued volunteers and staff. We appreciate solid work ethics, but we need to do our part to stop the spread of COVD-19. That’s why we have reached out to staff members and volunteers to let them know we want them to stay home if they are feeling ill–especially if they have a fever, cough or flu-like symptoms. Volunteers and employees displaying symptoms will be asked to go home for the safety of our employees, our volunteers, and the people we serve.

    Here are some things YOU can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses:

    • Stay home if you are feeling ill.
    • Wash your hands thoroughly throughout the day with soap and water. This is the most effective way of preventing illness. The Center for Disease Control recommends lathering soap onto the backs of your hands, in between your fingers and under your nails for 20 Corona Virus to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
    • Use hand sanitizers, it’s not as effective as washing your hands with soap and water, but it is helpful.
    • Turn away from others when sneezing and coughing and do so into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!
    • Avoid touching your nose and/or mouth (We touch our nose/mouth 90X/day without knowing it!). This is the only way this virus can infect you – it is lung-specific.
    • Avoid handshaking! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.
    • Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches, printer buttons, etc.
    • Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and commercial doors.

    It’s important for all of us to be informed and have reliable sources of information. Below we’ve listed some reputable official websites you can reference to stay updated.

    • Contra Costa Health Services: https://cchealth.org/coronavirus/
    • Solano County Public Health: http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/ph/ncov.asp
    • Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html

    We will be keeping you updated as news develops as it applies to the Food Bank. As always, thank you for your support.

     

    Remembering Board Member Bill Bodnar

    January 14, 2020 By Joel Sjostrom

    It is with great sadness that we share the news that our Board Member, Bill Bodnar, unexpectedly passed away on January 12, 2020.

    Bill, a retired Vice President at Tesoro, served on the Board most recently since 2017 but has been a supporter and past board member for many years. He was an avid supporter of our organization, and regularly attended advocacy events, galas, and Refinery Runs. He was a very kind and generous man and will truly be missed.

    On a personal note, I’d like to say it was a pleasure to get to know Bill albeit for a short while. Bill was on the selection committee that ultimately offered me this opportunity. I was struck by Bill’s enthusiasm for the organization and knowing that he had volunteered to be the next Board Chair, I was looking forward to working with him. He will be greatly missed.

    Below is the link to Bill’s obituary:

    https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/eastbaytimes/obituary.aspx?n=william-bodnar-bill&pid=195131253

     

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