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

  • English
  • Español
  • Partner Agency Login
  • Volunteer
  • Give
feeding-america
    • English
    • Español
    • Home
    • Get Food
      • Find Food in My City
      • CalFresh
        • CalFresh for Seniors
        • ABAWD
          • ABAWD Assessment
          • Request An ABAWD Training
        • CalFresh Inquiry
      • Pantries & Soup Kitchens
      • Summer Food for Kids
      • Nutrition & Recipes
      • Share Your Story
    • How to Help
      • COVID-19 Response
      • Donate
        • Donate Food
        • Nourish 365
        • Company Matching Gifts
        • Virtual Food Drive
        • Planned Giving
        • Give Stock or Other Securities
      • Volunteer
      • Food Drives
      • Advocate
        • Speaker Series
    • News & Events
      • Events & Promotions
      • Ongoing Promotions
      • Blog
      • Media Center
        • In the News
        • Press Releases
        • Newsletter Archive
        • Food Bank Logos
      • Host a Food Bank Event/Promotion
        • Guidelines for Hosting a Food Bank Event/Promotion
    • About
      • History
      • What We Do
      • Who We Serve
        • Children
        • Seniors
        • Individuals
        • Hunger Study 2018
      • Who We Are
        • Staff
        • Board of Directors
      • Our Programs
      • Financials
      • Education & Resources
        • Request a Food Bank Speaker
      • For Partner Agencies
        • Become a Partner Agency
      • Careers
      • Holiday Sponsors
    • Contact
    • Partner Agency Login
    • Volunteer
    • Give

    Category:

    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

    Children Making Change

    October 8, 2020 By Jasmina Breen

    If you don’t think kids can make a difference, let us introduce you to Austin Brannan. The inspirational eleven-year-old from Alamo was motivated to take action after being introduced to a “21 Days of Kindness” program at school. The program was designed by the volunteer organization, KindSpring, to teach kids how daily acts of kindness have the potential to change the world. 

    After learning about the importance of kindness, Austin brainstormed small ways to make a big difference in his hometown. Austin sent KindSpring a message outlining his mission to spread kindness by purchasing groceries for the elderly. In return KindSpring sent back a $100 check to help launch his plan. Austin decided to put the dollars to good use by supporting the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

    In addition to raising funds via an online Virtual Food Drive, he also held a Food Drive in his neighborhood. Over 1,500 pounds of food and $1,000 later it’s safe to say Austin’s small act of kindness blossomed into a much larger deed. Austin and members of his community ended up  contributing over 2,000 meals to their neighbors in need!

    We are thankful to our supporters of all ages who are finding a way to make an impact on their community!

    Kick-off your own kindness challenge by organizing a virtual food drive in your community (every dollar donated helps provide 2 meals!). Visit foodbankccs.org/virtualfooddrive to get started.

    Task Force takes on Senior Hunger

    July 9, 2020 By Rachel

    When shelter in place took effect, we received a number of calls from seniors who were afraid to leave the house to come to our programs. Our services are set up for large central distributions to efficiently serve as many people as possible, while also supplying partner agencies with food to support diverse groups of people. We quickly looked for ways to help our more vulnerable neighbors with food by offering drive-thru distributions. Without leaving their cars nearly 12,000 individuals since March have picked up emergency boxes of shelf-stable food and a bag of produce at sites around Contra Costa and Solano counties. With more people in need than ever, we knew there was more to be done.

    Enter the County Proactive Outreach Task Force who identified seniors and immune-compromised people to receive our emergency food boxes. The Task Force includes members from Contra Costa Health Services, and community partners like Seneca Family of Agencies and Choice in Aging. More than 100 boxes were delivered on the first trip using County Connection buses and helpers like Choice in Aging Board Member, and PG&E employee, Vic Baker. 

    One recipient said of the deliveries, “I received my two boxes and the process has been so simple and wonderful. The food lasts me around 4 days to a week…The canned vegetables and meat has been fantastic. Tell everyone in the program I say thanks!”

    “This food really helps.”

    May 4, 2020 By Jenny

    There are a million different reasons why people are turning to the Food Bank right now…

    “My husband just had an operation, so we do not have an income right now. I am his full-time caregiver and we are really grateful for the food.”

    “This is my first time at a Food Bank distribution. I am a full-time nursing student here at LMC. I am looking for work, but it is hard to find anything right now. My brother, who helped support our household, was laid off, so this food really helps.”

    “I work as a special needs paraprofessional for my local school district. I have not yet received the stimulus check, nor my unemployment like so many others in CA.”

    And these are just a few of the people currently needing your help.

    YES I CAN HELP!

    We’re going to be honest, we’ve never been in this position before. Having the need grow dramatically, while simultaneously having to cancel scheduled fundraisers (including our annual Nourish Gala) is really challenging to say the least.

    Thankfully you Facebook fundraisers out there, you stimulus check “pay-it-forwarders,” you virtual food drive team leaders…you’re all coming to the rescue! Every dollar you are donating and every minute you are volunteering is making a difference.

    To us and the people we serve–you are all heroes.

    Here’s the thing though–our work is just beginning. The financial impact of this health crisis isn’t going away anytime soon.

    We are in this recovery for the long haul, but we can’t do it without you. If you can help, please act now.

    It’s your generosity and willingness to help that keeps us going both literally and figuratively.

    GIVE NOW

    Together we will nourish our community through these uncertain times.

     

    Kim Castaneda
    Development Director
    Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

    Update on our COVID-19 response

    April 28, 2020 By Jenny

    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.

    DONATE

    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.”

    DONATE

    For more photos of our COVID-19 response, check out our Facebook album. You do not need an account to view photos.

    Behind the Scenes of our COVID-19 Response

    April 10, 2020 By Jenny

    In the past two weeks, we have seen a dramatic increase in the demand for our services. We anticipate that need will grow exponentially as schools remain closed and paychecks disappear. As a supporter of the Food Bank, we wanted to give you an inside look at what it’s like to lead in a crisis and adapt our services to the ever-changing new normal.

    READ INTERVIEWS FROM SOME OF OUR LEADERS DURING THIS CRISIS:

    • Nora Nicholson – Program Director
    • Hisham Hamdy – Operations Director
    • Kim Castaneda – Development Director
    • Joel Sjostrom – President and CEO
    • Lisa Sherrill – Communications Director

    Behind the Scenes – Programs

    April 10, 2020 By Jenny

    Leading the new fight on hunger

    In the past two weeks we have seen a dramatic increase in the demand for our services. We anticipate that need will grow exponentially as schools remain closed and paychecks disappear. As a supporter of the Food Bank, we wanted to give you an inside look at what it’s like to lead in a crisis and adapt our services to the ever-changing new normal.

    What have been your biggest obstacles in getting food out to the people who need it? Initially, the biggest obstacle we faced was the fact that many of our core volunteers are in a vulnerable age group and could no longer help. It has been incredible to see our calls to the community for more volunteers being answered. We also needed to implement new safety measures at hundreds of direct food distributions to make sure that staff, volunteers, and clients are maintaining social distancing. One way we achieved this was by developing drive-thru food pickups! Additionally, we continue to work closely with our vast network of partner agencies to help them stay open in order to maximize our collective outreach.

    You started your new role as Programs Director on March 2nd. Two weeks into your job, our community was in a shelter in place. What has that been like?
    It has been quite an onboarding for sure as COVID-19 presents unique challenges! Thankfully, my background in nonprofit leadership taught me to be resourceful and flexible when navigating whatever needs and obstacles arise. I also want to say I have felt so supported by everyone coming onboard in the midst of this crisis. The staff and volunteers here are so driven by the mission to serve others that they are willing to really go the extra mile to help out.

    What might our supporters find surprising about the people attending our food distributions?
    I remember meeting a woman at one of our Community Produce Program distributions who had just come from work as a cashier at a high-end specialty grocery store. She shared with me that she had just spent the day helping customers who were able to fill up their carts with food, but having fallen on hard times, she couldn’t afford to do the same. She was used to being a donor, not a recipient of Food Bank services. Her experience really resonated with me in how everyone’s situations are so fragile and with some bad luck or a layoff, anyone could be in a situation without enough food to eat. Sadly, more and more people are finding themselves in this woman’s shoes because of the economic impact of COVID-19.

    Read more interviews from some of our leaders during this crisis:

    • Hisham Hamdy – Operations Director
    • Kim Castaneda – Development Director
    • Joel Sjostrom – President and CEO
    • Lisa Sherrill – Communications Director

    Behind the Scenes – Operations

    April 10, 2020 By Jenny

    Leading the new fight on hunger

    In the past two weeks we have seen a dramatic increase in the demand for our services. We anticipate that need will grow exponentially as schools remain closed and paychecks disappear. As a supporter of the Food Bank, we wanted to give you an inside look at what it’s like to lead in a crisis and adapt our services to the ever-changing new normal.

    What keeps you going during these uncertain times?
    Things have been very stressful, but what motivates me is simply thinking about people going to bed hungry–especially children because I am a father. Being at a food distribution and seeing how excited some kids get over the opportunity to eat fruit–as though it’s Christmas–just makes me want to do more. Ensuring our staff and clients are safe also really drives me.

    How have the last seven years at the Food Bank prepared you for something of this scale?
    I have been in food banking for 20 years and honestly, nothing can fully prepare you for this. I’d say having prior strategies in place on how to best reach our hardest-hit communities is helpful and utilizing our established partnerships in the community is key!

    You wear a lot of hats, from being in charge of warehouse operations in both Concord and Fairfield, to managing the technology needs of the organization, what have some of your challenges been?
    Due to supply and demand, we’re running into many shipping delays for the food we are ordering. On the technology side–to keep our employees as safe as possible, we’re allowing those who can do their job from home to do so. That has required purchasing additional equipment and investing time getting those staff members up and running so we can continue our services.

    Read more interviews from some of our leaders during this crisis:

    • Nora Nicholson – Program Director
    • Kim Castaneda – Development Director
    • Joel Sjostrom – President and CEO
    • Lisa Sherrill – Communications Director

    Behind the Scenes – Development

    April 10, 2020 By Jenny

    Leading the new fight on hunger

    In the past two weeks we have seen a dramatic increase in the demand for our services. We anticipate that need will grow exponentially as schools remain closed and paychecks disappear. As a supporter of the Food Bank, we wanted to give you an inside look at what it’s like to lead in a crisis and adapt our services to the ever-changing new normal.

    The biggest fundraiser of the year, the Nourish Gala, had to be canceled this year due to the pandemic. How can our supporters help make up for that loss?
    We are working on doing something special in May to fill that $200,000 gap in funding that we would normally raise at the gala, but we don’t have all the details yet. In the meantime, supporters can help by sponsoring boxes of emergency food for $20 each. This is the most effective and safest streamlined way for us to get groceries out into the community to handle the increase in demand due to COVID-19.

    You’re in charge of both fundraising and our volunteers, describe what it feels like when those volunteer shifts fill up and donations come in.
    I get to see beautiful things happen daily; people giving of themselves to help others is always uplifting and strengthens my faith in humanity. Our volunteers and donors make a real impact not only on our community but on me personally.

    What keeps you up at night?
    I think one of my biggest worries is what could happen in the next year or two. When the pandemic is no longer on people’s minds, will they forget about the need? I do believe our community and our organization can come out of this better and stronger, just based on what I have witnessed in the last several weeks.

    Read more interviews from some of our leaders during this crisis:

    • Nora Nicholson – Program Director
    • Hisham Hamdy – Operations Director
    • Joel Sjostrom – President and CEO
    • Lisa Sherrill – Communications Director

    COVID-19 Behind the Scenes – President and CEO

    April 10, 2020 By Jenny

    Leading the new fight on hunger

    In the past two weeks we have seen a dramatic increase in the demand for our services. We anticipate that need will grow exponentially as schools remain closed and paychecks disappear. As a supporter of the Food Bank, we wanted to give you an inside look at what it’s like to lead in a crisis and adapt our services to the ever-changing new normal.

    How would you describe the mood at the Food Bank right now?
    I think the overall mood is one of determination. There certainly remains concerns and even anxiety as we all face the dangerous challenges COVID-19 presents. With that said, I am grateful and proud to be part of this moment and I think I speak on behalf of our staff and volunteers when I say we are honored to be a beacon of hope during these tough times.

    What kind of disaster planning was in place prior to COVID-19?
    The Bay Area food banks have an Emergency Disaster Plan in place, but it was created more with earthquakes and wildfires in mind. In those situations, usually some food banks are functioning at normal capacity and could step in to help, and in fact, this Mutual Aid Agreement has been successfully activated in the past few years.  With COVID-19, we are all in the trenches and can’t help each other out physically, but we’re all sharing helpful information and strategies to best handle the new influx of clients.

    Who else have you been working with to best meet the needs of our neighbors during this crisis?
    The list is long, which is good, because we’re going to need all hands on deck for quite some time! Currently the National Guard has been helping box food in our Fairfield facility, the Mayor of Concord is helping us secure additional needed storage space, the California Association of Food Banks has rapidly increased availability on produce purchasing and Feeding America is expanding our ability to purchase and distribute more food. I am especially grateful for my partnerships with many other CEO’s in California with whom I Zoom regularly in sharing best practices and encouragement.

    Read more updates from some of our leaders during this crisis:

    • Nora Nicholson – Program Director
    • Hisham Hamdy – Operations Director
    • Kim Castaneda – Development Director
    • Lisa Sherrill – Communications Director

    COVID-19 Behind the Scenes: Communications

    April 10, 2020 By Jenny

    Leading the new fight on hunger

    In the past two weeks we have seen a dramatic increase in the demand for our services. We anticipate that need will grow exponentially as schools remain closed and paychecks disappear. As a supporter of the Food Bank, we wanted to give you an inside look at what it’s like to lead in a crisis and adapt our services to the ever-changing new normal.

    What are some challenges your department faces?
    Our biggest challenge has been keeping our supporters, clients, and partners updated with the most accurate information in a timely manner. We have to make sure the message they get from us is current and clear with things changing by the minute at times.

    How does COVID-19 relief compare to other disasters the Food Bank has faced?
    I’d say this one is most comparable to the Great Recession. In both cases, the need instantly increased. Many people would be surprised to know that it took 10 years AFTER the 2007 housing market crash for the need at the Food Bank to level off. Sadly, it’s predicted the COVID-19 recovery will also take years.

    Working from home right now is for the greater good, but as millions of Americans are learning, it can be quite “different”. Describe your experience.
    It takes extra effort to compartmentalize your work life from your personal life, but we’re all having to because it takes focus and teamwork to get food out the door. Yes, it can be challenging when your family members are at home with you (including my 5-year old son and two dogs running around), but if our local Bay Area broadcasters can get the news out from their living rooms, so can we!

    Read more interviews from some of our leaders during this crisis:

    • Nora Nicholson – Program Director
    • Hisham Hamdy – Operations Director
    • Kim Castaneda – Development Director
    • Joel Sjostrom – President and CEO

    Good news in tough times

    April 6, 2020 By Guest

    Dear Food Bank Friends,

    We are grateful to be part of such a dedicated community. As partners, our goal is to keep you informed of both the successes and challenges of finding new ways to feed our community in a safe manner during this now-extended shelter in place. Life is feeling overwhelming for many of us right now, so we thought we’d share some uplifting news with you.

    Thanks to the help of more than 100 volunteers who pre-packed emergency boxes, our first drive-thru food distribution was a success! Over 500 cars smoothly moved through the line around the parking lot at Los Medanos College. Another team of awesome volunteers were on hand to load the supplemental boxes of shelf-stable food, as well as pre-bagged produce into the back of cars. People expressed their sincere gratitude for the pantry staples and the fresh mandarin oranges, potatoes, onions, and apples.

    Program Administrator, Matthew, shares about our first successful drive-thru distribution.

    Your financial donations and selfless volunteerism are really coming to the rescue!

    Just this week alone we’re expected to give out 2,500 of these emergency boxes of food at community sites throughout Solano and Contra Costa counties. This is in addition to our normal distributions that serve our existing 178,000 clients per month.

    Yes – times are challenging, but with your steadfast help, we’ll continue to rise up and adapt our services to keep our neighbors fed and safe.

    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. You can find the answers to some recent frequently asked questions.

    READ FAQ

    Thank you for being on the front lines with us,


    Kim Castaneda
    Development Director
    Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

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

    Each emergency box includes 19 items including:

    canned chicken | canned corn | green beans | peaches | peanut butter | rice | spaghetti

    beans | tomato paste | tomato sauce | tuna | cereal | shelf-stable milk

    SPONSOR A BOX
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3
    • …
    • 5
    • Next Page »

    News & Events

    • Events & Promotions
    • Holiday Food Fight
    • Ongoing Promotions
    • Food from the Bar
    • Blog
    • Media Center
    • Host a Food Bank Event/Promotion
    • Blog home page

    Three Main Buttons

    • give-icon Give
    • volunteer-icon Volunteer
    • apple-white-2 Get Help

    Stay Connected

    FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYoutube

    Recent Posts

    • 5 ways to a happier 2021
    • A New Year’s Message from our CEO
    • The impact of your kindness
    • What’s best: Traditional or Virtual Food Drives?
    • Volunteers are Essential

    Topics

    • Advocacy
    • COVID-19
    • Donations
    • Education
    • Events
    • Featured
    • HungerChallenge
    • News
    • Programs and Services
    • Recipes
    • Take Action
    • Uncategorized
    • Volunteer

    Archives

    open all | close all
    fbccs-white-logo

    [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

    Stay Connected

    FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYoutube

    Join our E-News list

    Careers | Site Map | Privacy Policy

    © Copyright 2021 Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. All Rights Reserved.
    Federal Tax ID# 94-2418054
    Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

    Website design and development by MIGHTYminnow