Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

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A New Year’s Message from our CEO

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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

We need volunteers!

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There is no denying the holidays will look different this year. 

Volunteering can be a wonderful way to restore hope for ourselves and for others. At a time when much of what is happening in the world feels outside of our control, we can lean in to the small acts that make a big difference. 

We rely on the support of more than 1,000 dedicated volunteers each month to sustain the fight against hunger. The gifts born from acts of service are priceless, just ask Maggie Petersen, who is one of the Food Bank’s loyal volunteers. 

“If you are thinking about volunteering somewhere, and the issue of hunger touches your heart, consider the Food Bank. This is a place where it truly does take a village of volunteers and staff working together everyday to address food insecurity. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities.”

Maggie joined the Food Bank’s “Wednesday Regulars” in 2006 and now performs several functions, including an ongoing role on the “Boxing Team” and Tuesday stints dedicated to sorting and packaging donated baby food.

Maggie chooses to donate her time to the Food Bank because the mission appeals to her and the work is rewarding. “There is so much food insecurity in the communities we serve. I feel good knowing that our efforts directly affect people’s quality of life. I’ve met some really neat people, and enjoy interacting with my fellow volunteers and Food Bank staff. Plus, for me, it’s fun!”

She and other volunteers spend each shift packaging anywhere between 400-1,200 boxes. “The food that goes into these boxes is purchased by the Food Bank, generally weighs about 30 pounds each, and contains staples such as cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, tomato products, pasta, beans, etc.,” explains Maggie.

COVID-19 has caused a dramatic spike in demand, with the number of individuals we serve each month skyrocketing from 178,000 to 270,000. That’s why we need volunteers now more than ever. If you’re looking for a way to help heal your community, fill time, and feed families this holiday season, visit foodbankccs.org/volunteer for a breakdown of available opportunities and to learn about our COVID-19 Volunteer Safety Protocols.

Registration is required; you can sign up for one shift or become a regular volunteer. No training is necessary, just a kind heart and giving spirit!

Community Produce Program Goes Mobile

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As part of our COVID-19 response efforts, we’re now giving away boxes of shelf-stable food at 25 of our Community Produce Program distributions. This program normally focuses on fresh produce, but supplemental boxes have been added temporarily in an effort to address the pandemic’s impact on struggling families.

Of these 25 sites, eight have been converted to twice-monthly drive-thru distributions. The pandemic, heatwaves and poor air quality have made leaving home more difficult, but the need for food still exists. Our drive-thru pop-ups make delivering food to our neighbors in need simpler and safer than ever!

Anyone needing assistance can drive up to any of our eight mobile sites throughout the Bay Area to receive free groceries. Families receive 20-30lbs of mixed fruits and vegetables, a box of shelf-stable items (i.e. pasta, peanut butter, canned foods) and a box of fresh foods (i.e. milk, cheese, eggs). 

The food boxes were incorporated in October and include food supplied by the USDA as part of the government’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The USDA purchases over $300 million per month of nutritious items directly from farmers. The boxes are then dispatched to food banks and other nonprofit aid organizations for dispersal. The emergency response program supports farmers while also helping address the growing need for food in our communities.

Participants have expressed their gratitude for the ability to receive much-needed support without ever leaving the safety of their car. Thanks to this new format and the work of our incredible volunteers, we are successfully serving 60% more families within a one-hour window!

Check for upcoming program dates and times at foodbankccs.org/getfood.

Partner agencies shower blessings in a crisis

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Above: Anna is grateful for the food she receives from our partner agency, Shower of Blessings.

For 45 years our partner agencies have been fighting hunger alongside us with a common goal of nourishing our neighbors in need.

In early March, with COVID-19 spreading and businesses closing, we quickly realized the Food Bank would be called upon to meet a new and growing need. Our objective was safely scaling our operation in the face of many unpredictable and changing circumstances.

As first responders in this crisis, we needed all hands on deck. Leveraging our existing network of 240 nonprofit partners to distribute additional emergency food boxes and produce quickly became a top priority. Shower of Blessings in Antioch is one of those partners who stepped up during this very chaotic time. Their pantry has doubled the number of people they are serving. They now serve 100-200 families during the three days a week they are open.

Kindness and gratitude radiate from everyone at the agency and even a mask can’t hide Pastor Sylva’s smile as he shares how Shower of Blessings has been able help. “It is wonderful that we are here and the Food Bank is here to serve the community.” Sylva points out, “Sometimes we come across people who don’t appear to need help, when really they are living in their car.”

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We don’t look down until we can pick you up. This can happen to anyone.” -Pastor Sylva

When asked how they are meeting the increased need, Pastor Sylva credits dedicated volunteers–many who came from the line–and the partnership with the Food Bank. Every week volunteers from the organization pick up food at an agency distribution which includes produce and emergency food boxes. Other volunteers safely conduct prearranged grocery recovery pickups from retailers like Costco, Target and Safeway, saving the perfectly edible food from being discarded.

The group thoughtfully assembles food boxes with a variety of produce and meat, so families can make complete meals from the offerings. As a volunteer named Beverly tells us, “There is always enough food for everyone.” Paula, another volunteer, adds she recently was told, “This is a blessing for me today because we didn’t have any food and now I can feed my family.”

As we navigate this new COVID-19 world, we will continue to foster these critical partnerships to serve the most at-risk communities including families experiencing hunger for the first time.

Neighborhood produce stand builds a sense of community

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From our supporter, Karl Gross:

“We live in a wonderful and blessed neighborhood. Many of our neighbors, like us have vegetable gardens that provide us with good food, physical work, and much joy. My neighbor mentioned to me that they bring their excess fruits and veggies to the Food Bank. I really liked that idea, but was challenged by the time to do this and whether what we brought would be enough to be helpful. Then an idea….. Together with my son Daniel, we built a Fruit and Veggie Stand that is in front of our house. 

It is for everyone in the neighborhood to not only take but also to give their own extra fruits and veggies. We all benefit.  What is put in the stand is free for all. However, there is a donation box in the stand for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. A note explains where the donations go, or how to donate online. My personal commitment has been to match whatever is put in the donation box when we pass the donations on to you.

It has been a wonderful experience, bringing our neighborhood together, preventing any waste from our gardens, providing for others…. I am always amazed by what neighbors bring to the stand and how it is always gone by the next day.

I believe this has been a very beneficial effort and would like to find ways to encourage other neighborhoods and communities to do similar activities.”

Frontline Q&A – Program Updates from Staff

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As our COVID-19 response continues, we took a few moments to check in with staff members who manage and coordinate some of our various food programs. They interact with our neighbors of our community who need our services and witness firsthand the impact your generosity makes.

Read interviews from some of our frontline Program staff

Frontline Q&A – Produce Programs

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Nick Clark – Community Produce Program Administrator

What are clients saying?
People are sincerely grateful for the produce they get through the Community Produce Program. We have seen more need, and we are working hard to meet it. There is so much gratitude; I hear “thank you” a hundred times a day! Many more people now simply can’t afford fresh fruit and vegetables. If they didn’t get it through us, they simply would go without. 

What is the Community Produce Program?
The Community Produce Program gives out fresh fruits and vegetables at 140 distributions a month. Each person ends up taking home about 20 pounds of produce. It’s more essential than ever right now that people have access to healthy food so they have money for their other basic expenses. 

What do you want people to know?
We’re always going to be here when we’re needed! With regard to safety, we keep the line moving smoothly to accommodate social distancing by letting people know how things work in both English and Spanish. There’s been an added bonus–we found that our new table layout actually is getting clients through the line faster, so we plan on keeping this new system! 

Rumor has it, you add a little “flair” to your distributions?
Yes, I try to lighten spirits by playing music through my personal portable speaker. I find both our regular volunteers and the clients react positively when I put on something like the Earth Wind and Fire Pandora station. 

For information about our food programs, please visit foodbankccs.org/getfood or call 855-309-FOOD.

Read other interviews from some of our frontline Program staff

Frontline Q&A – Senior Programs

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Matt Harray – Direct Service Program Manager

How do we help seniors?
Senior Food Program distributions take place twice a month and are held at churches, senior centers and senior housing facilities. Seniors are able to get two bags of groceries which typically consist of items such as bread, pasta, canned goods, cheese and produce. We have 3500 households participating at 33 sites. It’s an incredible network.

What challenges are you facing in trying to feed seniors in this COVID-19 age?
We understand the concerns that seniors might have about leaving their homes to get food at a Senior Food Program distribution, and our response to that is we believe our sites are a safer alternative to going to a grocery store. Our distributions are held in large spaces and have fewer people. We control the supply chain and we control who is onsite volunteering. We understand we are serving a very vulnerable population, so we have put many safety protocols in place.

Who is eligible to participate in the Senior Food Program?
Anyone 55 or older who meets the income guidelines can come sign-up for the free program in their city or nearby city if they bring the following items with them:

  • Valid government ID
  • Proof they reside in Contra Costa County or Solano County (example: phone bill or PG&E bill)
  • Two reusable bags (encouraged)

For distribution times, dates and locations, please visit foodbankccs.org/getfood or call 855-309-3663 (FOOD).

Usually we bring a little extra food for walk-ups, so there is a good chance seniors could be given groceries the same day they register for the program. 

What else should seniors know?
Adults qualifying for the Senior Food Program can also participate in the Food Assistance Program and our Community Produce Program. We want seniors to get enough proper nutrition to keep themselves as healthy as possible. Also, don’t forget that as of last year, seniors receiving SSI can also apply for CalFresh. 

Read other interviews from some of our frontline Program staff

Frontline Q&A – Child Programs

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Anna Gorman – Child Programs and Extra Helpings Administrator

How do we nourish kids?
We’re continuing to partner with school districts in Contra Costa and Solano counties through our Farm 2 Kids program. Thankfully, all local school districts are stepping up and holding free lunch distributions for students during the school closures, and we’re providing them with weekly deliveries of supplemental food boxes and produce bags.

How have things changed because of the early school closures?
 It was crazy the first two weeks after schools closed. Trying to quickly make a new plan in unprecedented circumstances with eight different school districts was definitely a challenge. Now that the initial logistical work has been done, it’s eased up a little. Our school programs have been established for a long time and usually run like a well-oiled machine. Things are a lot more fluid now; I’m constantly communicating with our district contacts and warehouse managers because sometimes we have to make changes with very short notice.

What about your job is most rewarding?
I get to leave work every day and think, “Well, that mattered.” I have gotten to know many of our clients, and when they tell me how much the food we give them makes a difference in their lives, or how excited they are about the new produce I picked for the month, it’s the best feeling!

What are your biggest challenges?
I struggle with knowing that even though food banks are meant to be a short-term emergency resource, many people are forced to use them as a long-term solution to the systemic problem of hunger. That’s why I love hearing about the great work Cassidie and Mary Ann (our advocacy team) are doing to fight for our community in the higher echelons of government.

Read other interviews from some of our frontline Program staff

Your COVID-19 Service FAQs Answered!

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Understandably, many questions are coming in and we’re doing our best during this evolving situation to keep everyone informed about how they can best support the Food Bank and our neighbors. Here are the answers to some recent frequently asked questions.

Volunteering

I heard the National Guard is helping food banks, do you still need me to volunteer?
Yes, we currently have open shifts in our Concord warehouse and we definitely can use the help giving out food at distributions. 

Do you have gloves I can wear while volunteering?
Yes. We provide gloves while volunteers work in both warehouses and while serving food at distributions. 

Do you have masks I can wear while volunteering?
No, we do not provide masks for volunteers, however, you are welcome – and encouraged – to bring your own. 

What about social distancing?
We’re doing the best that we can to accommodate social distancing where possible.  Volunteers in our sorting rooms/warehouses will be grouped into 10 people or fewer.

Donations

Would you rather receive food donations or money donations?
Though we greatly appreciate food donations, the majority of food we are giving out right now is in the form of emergency boxes with specific items that we are purchasing. Due to our volume, we are able to purchase food at a significant discount compared to retail pricing and your donation dollars go further. So financial donations are best at this time.

Getting Food

Are your programs open?
All Food Bank programs are still running with the exception of a couple Senior Food Program sites. For up to date info on Food Bank programs, please visit our website at foodbankccs.org/getfood. Most partner agencies are still open; to confirm you can call them directly or call the Food Bank at 1-855-309-FOOD. 

Can I go to the Food Bank to pick up food?
We don’t give out food directly from the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Food is handed out at hundreds of sites throughout the community. To find a distribution near you, visit foodbankccs.org/getfood or call 1-855-309-FOOD.

How do I know the food you’re distributing is safe?
As a Feeding America member food bank, we are already held to the highest standards of food safety. To help stop the spread of COVID-19, we have implemented the use of gloves to handle even nonperishable food and we are now pre-bagging produce before it leaves our warehouses.

How are pantries/soup kitchens you partner with changing their food distributions to make them safer for clients?
The Food Bank is in close communication with our partner pantries and soup kitchens and offers regular guidance on best practices such as not allowing unwell volunteers to attend distribution, requiring volunteers to frequently wash hands and use gloves, offering pre-bagged food items, limiting the number of guests allowed inside at one time, using signage and floor markers to facilitate 6 ft. social distancing, and utilizing new methods such as drive-through distributions.

Can you deliver food?
Unfortunately, no. In order to reach a large number of people at one time, we have distributions where we require food to be picked up. We do not have the capability to do individual deliveries. We recommend you reach out to Meals on Wheels or visit 211.org for assistance with home delivery requests.

Know someone in need?

Can you help people file for food benefits?
Yes, we have employees who can help people file for CalFresh (nationally known as SNAP). Please note we are not able to help people file for unemployment. For help with CalFresh visit foodbankccs.org/calfresh.

Do you know of any other local resources to help during this time?
Call 211 or visit 211.org to find local services.can call 211 (their staff can assist in a variety of languages) or visit 211.org. 211 is a call center that has access to a large database of all social services resources. 

Stay Updated

As the needs of the community change during this health and financial crisis, stay informed at foodbankccs.org/covid19.

You made 2018 a powerful year for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

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What you helped us achieve in 2018

You embodied the spirit of community by pitching in with our fire-relief efforts in Mendocino and Butte counties. Our increased work in Butte County continues indefinitely as we deliver food each week to people getting back on their feet.

Your support fueled the Community Produce Program 7 days a week at 69 sites. This critical program nourishes over 26,000 households each month that might not have access to produce otherwise.

After a long struggle between Hunger Fighters and the State SSI recipients can finally qualify for CalFresh which will pull many seniors and persons with disabilities out of poverty.

Grocery recovery has been at the core of our work since 1975 and never stopped growing. In 2018 we recovered 4 million pounds of still-great food like meat, produce and dairy from local grocery stores including new partners in 2018 – Costco and Raley’s.

You gave yourself! With well over 100,000 volunteer hours we couldn’t operate a day without you.

Goals we will achieve together in 2019

Hunger has a detrimental effect on health. A large number of our clients report having diabetes, high blood pressure and depression/anxiety. In 2019 we will expand partnerships with health clinics and doctors to prescribe nutritious food and improve the health of our community.

We will continue to advocate for job training and workforce development instead of harmful cuts to safety net programs like CalFresh for job seekers and low-wage workers.

We are working with partners to grow our Grocery Recovery Program to exceed 130 stores including new food rescue from Trader Joe’s.

Find out how you can give monthly to change lives daily at foodbankccs.org/Nourish365

 

Liz’s hope for the holidays

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Liz was struggling to make ends meet for her family after a difficult divorce drained her savings and an injury prevented her from working.

At Christmas time, despair turned to hope when she learned of a Holiday Food Basket distribution at a Food Bank Partner agency.

Liz and her children were grateful for all the food they received including the turkey, canned veggies and baking items.

You can bring hope and celebration to your neighbors like Liz during the holidays.

We need your help to meet our 3 million dollar goal. Your support allows us to continue providing food for daily needs as well as 30,000 extra bags of food for local households that need a little help to make a special holiday meal.

Every gift provides hope. Please give today at www.foodbankccs.org/holidays.

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[email protected]

Concord Location
P: 925-676-7543
F: 925-671-7933

Fairfield Location
P: 707-421-9777
F: 707-421-0205

DONATE FOOD
Concord Warehouse
4010 Nelson Ave., Concord, CA 94520
Monday - Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday:  8:00 am - 3:30 pm

Fairfield Warehouse
2339 Courage Dr, Ste F, Fairfield, CA 94533
Monday through Friday: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
Saturdays by appointment

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