Category:

Hunger sidelines higher education

August 30, 2019 By Jenny

Since 2017, the Food Bank has been partnering with local colleges to make sure students can worry more about exams than when they will eat again.

“I am able to get healthy food for me and my daughter while on campus which has really helped.” -College Pantry Participant

Although many people look back at their days of being a “poor college student” living on ramen noodles as some sort of rite of passage, hunger on college campuses today is a real problem affecting students from all walks of life.

Almost half of local college students struggle to afford food due to the increasing costs of housing, tuition, and books.

Though their ages span decades, all college students have the common desire to get a proper education and hunger should not get in their way. Some of these students are single parents, some are the first ones in their families to pursue higher education, and some are struggling to balance going to school with working a full-time job.

We hear their stories daily. David, who is now in his late 20’s, explained what it felt like to experience true hunger while he attended college, “To know that you can’t get that basic need of food met, which is a must-have for survival, was frightening.”

Another story we recently heard came from a young volunteer who was inspired to help at the Food Bank after what he saw his friend go through in college. His friend could no longer afford his apartment and he ended up living in his car for a while. “He wasn’t eating healthy and since he didn’t have access to a kitchen, he couldn’t cook. He wasn’t eating three meals a day, more like once a day and he ate as cheaply as possible. He became irritable and way more stressed.”

To combat this growing problem, the Food Bank partners with six local colleges through our College Pantry Program. Each college pantry operates with the help of a staff member and many student volunteers. Most pantries are open 5-days a week and enrolled students can pick up free nutritious groceries and ready-to-eat snacks at these mini-markets.
One student attending CSU East Bay shared with us, “I’m able to study more and worry less about what I’m going to eat.” This sentiment was the consensus when we recently surveyed junior college and 4-year university students participating in our college pantry programs. In fact, 97% reported being more focused in class since using their pantry.

When students have the necessary tools to succeed, such as proper nutrition, our entire community benefits. The College Pantry Program changes lives for those who are pursuing their education today, so they can better provide for themselves and their families tomorrow. We thank you for your support, because we simply couldn’t make this impact on our community without you.

YOUR GIFT TO END COLLEGE HUNGER WILL BE MATCHED

Right now you have the power to help college students focus on studying instead of worrying about being hungry. Give now to have your gift matched, dollar for dollar by John Muir Community Health Fund. Visit foodbankccs.org/collegematch to have your gift matched!

Helping local students from preschool to college

August 8, 2019 By Jenny

Hunger is isolating for anyone, but especially to young people trying to figure out the world around them. For kids living with hunger, going back to school can mean going back to shame and embarrassment. Many students have to skip breakfast and/or don’t have enough food in their cupboards to pack a lunch, nor do they have the money to purchase a meal at school. The federal free-reduced lunch program provides a lifeline to these kids, but it’s not enough.

“You’re not yourself when you’re hungry,” explains a local high school senior and school pantry volunteer. “It’s tough to make decisions.”

The Food Bank has programs to specifically provide students from preschool through college with supplemental food to ensure everyone has a chance to thrive:

Food for Children

Once a month 580 children, ages four through six years old, receive a 30-pound box of nutritious high-protein food. The national program, WIC (the Federal Women, Infants, and Children program), refers qualifying families to the Food for Children program. The Food Bank created the program to fill the gap that can exist between children served under WIC and children served with lunch programs at schools.

Farm 2 Kids

Every week during the school year 10,000 children receive a three to five pound bag of produce to take home. To help children establish healthy eating habits, we partner with after school programs at elementary schools in low-income areas in eligible school districts.

School Pantry Program

The School Pantry Program provides nutritious, nonperishable food to students attending qualified low-income schools. Located on school grounds, the pantries offer middle school and high school students monthly access to groceries on an as-needed basis. The students are able to take the food home with them. The goal is to ensure that these students get the fuel they need to succeed. The program currently serves 1,490 students and their families a month.

College Pantry Program

We provide food and support to food pantries at six local community college and one 4-year university campuses. Most are open 5-days a week and enrolled students with a school ID can pick up free groceries at these little mini-markets. Students are able to pick out what food they want according to their personal dietary restrictions or food preferences.

We thank you for your continued support of the Food Bank. Together we are fueling growing bodies and minds this back to school season.

Healthy summer meals for kids sees growth locally

July 25, 2019 By Jenny

Student enjoying fruit at summer lunch site. Photo by Angelina Bell Photography.

In a follow up to our blog post dated July 11th, 2019, we had the opportunity to learn more about a local school district serving free meals through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). We had an opportunity to talk with Kristin Nisen from Brentwood Unified School District. We wanted to learn a little more…

How many kids on average attend a Summer Lunch Program?

It varies, however, after relocating one of our sites to a large community park, the participation increased tremendously from an average of 17 kids a day to 170 kids a day! Our highest number of kids served in one day was 280! We also added activities for the kids to participate in each day. The parents are all so thankful for having a central area to get together with others and meet new families. Many bring their kids to play at the kid’s park, get lunch and then go to the nearby waterpark.

How do you feel this program makes a difference? During the school year in Brentwood, on an average day, we feed 1800 ‘free’ students that rely on the meals we are providing them and hopefully help relieve some worry and hardship on their parents. During the 7 weeks of summer break, these students either wouldn’t get the meals and/or it would create more hardship for their families to feed all their children. We are providing a hot meal with fresh fruits and vegetables and milk, as well as free activities for the kids to participate in. We are sending a positive message regarding the importance of nutrition and exercise.

How do kids find out about the free lunches? This year we reached out by digital flyers via schools, flyers at all school cafes and offices, sent information to principals to share, on district webpage, on social media groups, Food Bank website, No Kids Hungry, reached out to city council members, and had two articles in the Brentwood Press. Next year, I would like to reach out to more churches, apartment complexes, and nearby grocery stores.

What kind of feedback have you received? Parents are very grateful. I remember one mom came to me letting me know how thankful she was for having the program. She has six kids and money is always tight. I’m not sure if these kids eat with us during the year on the meal benefit program or receive any other assistance, but the overall gratitude was amazing.

Free summer meals and produce help fight child hunger this summer

July 11, 2019 By Jenny

We know behind every hungry child, there is a hungry family. Through our partnership with local qualifying school districts, kids receiving free lunches or breakfasts through the national Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) also get to take a bag of fresh produce to share with their family.

The SFSP is a nationwide program which gives critical food support to children 4-5 days a week during summer break. It helps fill the nutrition gap experienced by students who receive free or reduced-priced breakfasts and/or lunches during the school year, but the program is open to any child under the age of 18 needing a meal.

The harsh reality is that sometimes these kids can only count on these school meals for a steady source of fuel for their growing bodies. Without this program, there are kids who would be forced to skip daily meals in the summer.

Summer meals are served and produce is given out at schools and other central locations such as libraries and community centers. One mom who brought her daughter to get lunch told us the produce they receive from the Food Bank really helps when “you have to choose between buying your kid shoes and buying food.”

During the school year, the Food Bank’s Farm 2 Kids program allows students to take home fresh fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, onions, apples and oranges. However, the summer produce we give away in conjunction with SFSP consists of some of nature’s tastiest treasures including peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, and tomatoes! Often this premium-priced produce is out of low-income family budgets and is considered to be a real treat.

Learn more about local SFSP locations by visiting foodbankccs.org/summerlunch

Fighting hunger on college campuses

March 6, 2019 By Jenny

You can’t learn when you are hungry, which is why we have programs that specifically focus on providing food for school-aged children. But what about the people seeking higher education? Almost half of local college students struggle to afford food due to the increasing costs of housing, tuition, and books. The Food Bank partners with local colleges to help combat this nationwide problem through our College Pantry Program.

Last month we started new partnerships with St. Mary’s College and CSU Maritime Academy. We are happy to be able to help serve the students at these new pantries as well as at existing pantries on the campuses of CSU East Bay-Concord, Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College and Contra Costa College.

Each college pantry operates with a staff member and many generous student volunteers. Most are open 5-days a week and enrolled students with a school ID can pick up free groceries at these little mini-markets. Students are able to pick out what food they want according to their personal dietary restrictions or food preferences.

Shelf-stable foods available include pasta, fruits, vegetables, soups, beans, and rice. The pantries that have refrigeration are able to offer eggs, milk and juice. A couple of the pantries have freezers, so they are able to distribute meat as well.

Each pantry is in charge of spreading the word on their campus. In addition to traditional flyers and newsletters, they often reach out to the masses via social media. Sometimes pantry representatives will speak directly to the students at the beginning of classes to ensure everyone knows about help is available.

Antoinette whose work-study job is at the food pantry on the CSU East Bay-Concord campus tells her fellow students, “Don’t feel ashamed to come in, we don’t want you to be hungry. Some students have whispered to me, ‘I have been hungry’–they always say it in a whisper.”

James Lande, the Food Bank’s College Pantry Coordinator, provides ongoing support to all the college pantries from daily operations and marketing to outreach and grant writing. In turn, these pantries are better able to serve students in need. James shares, “Pantry Coordinators tell me since starting a pantry on campus and working with the Food Bank, they have been able to greatly expand their presence on campus and improve the variety and nutritional options available. All of the college pantry partners have expanded their hours since opening.”

A recent Government Accountability Office report revealed the extent of college hunger, and schools have not only stepped up by opening pantries on campus, but they also welcome help promoting agencies and outside programs that can benefit their students. To aid with this effort, the Food Bank works with campuses and students to educate them on CalFresh. Many students don’t realize they qualify for this government assistance. A Community Relations Officer at Cal State East Bay explains it to students like this, “You get financial aid, now let’s get your food aid.” We also connect colleges in Contra Costa County with Contra Costa Health Services. They support the colleges by providing nutrition education materials and have even done cooking demonstrations on a few of the campuses.

We are inspired by these colleges who are not only discussing the issue of student hunger but are taking action as well. We will continue to expand this program to other campuses and we are even looking into partnering with local adult schools. We are committed to being there for those who are pursuing their education today, so they can better provide for themselves and their families tomorrow.

Your support is helping fire victims

September 11, 2018 By Jenny

The Food Bank’s efforts to help during Northern California’s unprecedented fire season have been ongoing. The unpredictable nature of fire means things change quickly, but we have a team helping whenever and wherever we can be of assistance.

In case you missed our prior updates, you can catch up by checking our Facebook posts on August 9, August 24 and August 31. Though the CARR fire is finally 100% contained, the devastation remains and many residents remain displaced. One of our staff members deployed to the area reported back that “people are tired–VERY TIRED, the air is bad and smells of toxic chemicals.” She explained that even though the conditions are really hard–with an almost unbearable combination of heat and poor air quality–people are so very thankful that we are there for them.

Early on, we sent CalFresh outreach workers to the Redding area to help people affected by the fires apply for Disaster CalFresh. This federal program helps victims meet the temporary nutritional needs within a 30-day period following a natural disaster. Many of the people we met with were initially unclear about the benefits and assumed that they would not qualify because they aren’t eligible for traditional CalFresh. After we dispelled myths and clarified half-truths, people were surprised and relieved at the potential for benefits. Many spoke of complete loss and while CalFresh won’t replace everything in their refrigerator, freezer, and pantry, they were grateful for our outreach assistance.

Moving forward, here’s the latest update on our fire relief efforts:

Late last week it was decided that we’d continue weekly food distributions to Dignity Health Connected Living agencies through October to assist in the CARR fire recovery AND continue weekly food distributions to two low-income schools in Shasta County.
- We are receiving, processing and transporting emergency boxes from Feeding America, as well as donations of cereal and shelf-stable groceries from Kellogg’s and C&S Wholesale Grocers.
- We are donating and sending produce to the affected area.
We are continuing to send staff to oversee these distributions in Redding.
We are also communicating with agencies serving the Shasta and Siskiyou counties to see how we can help with the Delta fire AND with officials in Napa County to offer aid with the Snell Fire.

It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we all work together for a common goal. Whether it’s fighting chronic hunger, or responding to a natural disaster, the Food Bank is prepared to help our neighbors get the food they need.

Students serving students

August 2, 2018 By Jenny

Before the Fairfield Police Activity League (PAL), a community service club, opened the doors to their food pantry three years ago, area middle school and high school students experienced hunger long after the last class bell rang. Thanks to the dedication of students wanting to be a part of the solution and financial donations from supporters like you, this “for students by students” pantry is changing lives.

On the 2^nd and 4^th Friday of the month, the PAL student volunteers open their pantry to students and their families. The volunteers are in charge of marketing, stocking the pantry, and conducting food demos using recipes they hand out. (See their latest recipe below.) The students and families are encouraged to try new things with the taste tests and the demos–but ultimately they may take what they want.

Coming to the pantry is a way for students to help their families relieve some of the stress that comes with not having enough money or food to eat. As each student takes their one or two bags of groceries, they are often heard talking about how they “like helping their moms out” because they realize mom can then spend money on other basic unmet needs.

Heather Sanderson, the PAL Coordinator and staff member shared with us, “The pantry is a nonjudgmental way for the students to get food. It is better that it is ran by young people so they feel safe. The students try hard to make sure that any local student who might need items, knows that it is here –and feels welcome to visit.”

The student volunteers believe that without the food pantry, there would be more kids getting in trouble. Nazjha, a volunteer and high school senior, explained, “You’re not yourself when you’re hungry. It’s tough to make decisions.” And Chloe, a newer volunteer and freshman, added, “When you’re hungry, it’s like a whole other person is controlling you.”

When asked what they’d like to say to the Food Bank supporters, the student volunteers collectively offered, “We thank them and appreciate them and don’t know what it would be like without the food pantry.”

The Fairfield PAL pantry is looking for more student volunteers to do marketing and food demos. Students can earn hours for school or other programs–but most just do it to give back and strengthen our community. To inquire about the volunteer position(s) or for more information about the program, please contact Heather at [email protected].

Get the PAL recipe for 2 Ingredient Dole Whip.

Farm 2 Kids helps fill the summer nutrition gap

July 9, 2018 By Jenny

It’s easy to take fresh summer fruit for granted. Many of us go to the grocery store or farmers’ market and place our seasonal favorites into the basket without giving it much thought. This is not everybody’s reality, which is why the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano works hard to provide healthy food to our community members daily.

Farm 2 Kids is one way the Food Bank gets fresh food into the hands of people who need it the most. Children attending after-school programs within low-income schools are given 3-5 pounds of fruits and veggies weekly to share with their families. Farm 2 Kids continues to operate at after-school programs that are still in session even when school is out.

Thousands of children who receive free or discounted meals through their schools are at risk of going without food during the summer. To extend the reach of Farms 2 Kids during this vulnerable time, the Food Bank gives out fresh produce at schools, public libraries and community centers where the federal Summer Lunch Program is available.

Not only does this program nourish their growing bodies, but it allows children to try foods they couldn’t otherwise afford. A little girl in Fairfield told us they had never actually eaten a fresh pear before. She had only tasted canned pears and did not recognize the fruit in its natural form. We also learned of a boy at a Farm 2 Kids site in Vacaville who had only tasted a fresh nectarine once in their lifetime. His parents were not able to afford the sweet delicacy and they were all surprised and delighted when they received a bag FULL of nectarines.

You can make a difference to the children in our community by volunteering to bag produce in our Fairfield warehouse or making a financial gift to the Food Bank. Your investment in the development of our future generation will have a lasting effect on our society.

For many seniors the monthly decision is food or…

May 15, 2018 By Guest

“I always felt there were other people that need it more than me… but after I had gone three days without eating, I was so hungry.” – Mary age 90 on why she applied for CalFresh

For 74 year-old Theresa of Antioch, her retirement years are anything but golden. Theresa shares, “I thought my older years would be easy. Instead of easy, I’m not making it.” Theresa is not unique. For a growing number of seniors, that is the reality. In fact, 1 in 11 seniors in California may have to choose between paying rent, filling prescriptions or purchasing food. CalFresh, a state-run nutrition assistance program, could be the answer for many limited-income seniors. CalFresh benefits are automatically loaded onto a debit-like card that can be discreetly used at most grocery stores, neighborhood stores and farmers’ markets.

Despite being one of the most effective solutions to hunger, the majority of seniors who are eligible do not use CalFresh. Why? Because of some persistent myths seniors believe about the program.

MYTH: “Other people need CalFresh more than I do.”
FACT: There are enough CalFresh benefits available to everyone meeting the eligibility requirements. There is no need for qualifying seniors go without.

MYTH: “It’s too hard to apply for CalFresh.”
FACT: Friendly Food Bank staff help seniors find out if they may be eligible. They can provide further assistance by mailing out applications or helping apply over the phone or online.

MYTH: “I own my house, so I won’t qualify.”
FACT: Seniors can have savings, a house and cars and still receive CalFresh.

The Food Bank is letting seniors know about the help CalFresh can bring, because no one should have to choose between buying food or filling a prescription.

To learn more about this important program, visit foodbankccs.org/seniorcalfresh.

You help us purchase healthy food

February 26, 2018 By Jenny

The decisions you make while buying food for your family are the same ones our Purchasing Manager, Veronica, makes on behalf of the people served by the Food Bank. Like most of us, she too has to balance cost and convenience with nutrition and taste.

Veronica purchases about 10% of the total food we give out. The perishable and nonperishable items she buys supplement the donations we receive to keep up with demand. The food is purchased with financial donations from our supporters like you.

With a master’s degree in Health Education and Holistic Nutrition, Veronica takes the time to read labels. She pays special attention to added sugar and salt content and isn’t tricked by unrealistic serving sizes. When a vendor approaches her about purchasing a new item, her response is always, “Send me the label…with both the nutrition facts AND the ingredient list.” She knows that food manufacturers will often add unhealthy ingredients to make up for poor quality and taste.

When asked what item she is most proud that we distribute, she answers, “Eggs. They provide a big nutritional bang for your buck. If you don’t have a sensitivity to eggs, they are a great source of protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.”

Shelf-stable items she purchases include bagged beans, brown rice, lentils, whole wheat pasta, low-sodium or sodium-free canned goods, and canned fruit in 100% juice.

Although March is National Nutrition Month, we value the importance of good nutrition year round. Our goal is to not just feed the 182,000 people who turn to us each month; we want to nourish them.

In 2016, you helped us accomplish a lot!

January 24, 2017 By Rachel

YOU HELPED THE FOOD BANK OF CONTRA COSTA AND SOLANO PROVIDE

20 MILLION POUNDS

– TO –

190,000 NEIGHBORS

YOU HELPED FAMILIES

“I work, but supporting three children on my own is difficult. With the produce we get from the Food Bank, I am able to cook healthy meals for my children. Now I know that when they go

to bed, their tummies are full.”

-Wanda from Antioch

YOUR ACTIONS

MADE A DIFFERENCE

TOOK ACTION BECAUSE OUR NETWORK ENCOURAGED THEM TO SUPPORT
PUBLIC POLICIES THAT FURTHER THE FOOD BANK’S MISSION TO END HUNGER.

THANK YOU

We made great progress in 2016, but our work isn’t done yet. We still need your help to make sure everyone who needs a meal has access to one.

We look forward to building a stronger, healthier community with you in 2017.

Fruits, Vegetables More Than Luxury

August 2, 2016 By Larry

Originally posted in the Vacaville Reporter: The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano believes that it’s good to think outside of the box; actually, we think outside cans and bags too. We recognize the value in packaged food. It is less complicated to transport, is convenient and has a longer shelf life. However, we also realize the importance of balancing diets with healthier options. That is why we are committed to providing people with fresh fruits and vegetables.

The data is clear, consuming fresh produce is vital for our health. It combats obesity and diabetes, improves well-being and is the natural way of getting vitamins and nutrients that the mind and body need. Unfortunately, fresh produce can be out of reach to those on a tight food budget.

In the early days of the Food Bank, donations of produce were a small part of our operation. We received fruit from backyard trees and received donations from a local produce market. We occasionally got donations of cabbage or cantaloupe from local fields. The produce was welcome, but it was random and was not a significant portion of the food we distributed.

Fast forward four decades and the Food Bank now provides people in need with over 10 million pounds of produce a year. In fact, we have two distribution programs that focus exclusively on getting fruits and vegetables to food-insecure community members.

The Food Bank’s Farm 2 Kids program works in conjunction with after-school programs to provide fresh produce to kids, even when school is out. Many children who receive free or discounted breakfasts and lunches during the school year have no choice but to skip meals during the summer break. Farm 2 Kids helps bridge that gap for thousands of school-aged children.

Last summer, we distributed over 176,000 pounds of fresh produce through our special Farm 2 Kids summer program. This summer we are continuing to build the program. We are making healthy fruits and vegetables available to over 5,900 kids each week, at 46 sites, in partnership with dozens of programs across Contra Costa and Solano counties.

In addition to receiving produce, the children are educated about the benefits of eating healthy. Not only are their growing bodies being nourished now, but healthy lifelong eating habits are being reinforced for their future.

The other program that focuses exclusively on distributing produce is the appropriately named Community Produce Program. We started it in 2013 and it quickly became our second largest distribution program. Fresh produce is distributed year-round using customized refrigerated trucks that serve as mobile farmers’ markets.

Today we have 55 Community Produce Program distribution sites that provide produce to people twice a month. Last year, through this program alone, we provided over three million pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables to low-income families. People of all ages, including children and seniors, benefit from this resource and receive produce that they otherwise might not afford.

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano believes fresh fruits and vegetables should not be considered a luxury. Our entire society benefits when everyone has access to healthy food. Together, we are not only fighting hunger, we are also strengthening the population’s overall health.

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YOUR GIFT TO END COLLEGE HUNGER WILL BE MATCHED

THANK YOU

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