Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

feeding-america

Task Force takes on Senior Hunger

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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!”

Rescued milk turns to cheese

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A semi-truck containing 20,000 pounds of Monterey Jack and Swiss cheese was delivered to our Concord warehouse in June. This protein-rich staple will be a welcome treat for many people we serve. 

This isn’t just any cheese, it was specially made by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which had an excess amount of milk from dairies in Utah. They sourced a producer to turn it into cheese rather than dump out the milk. The Church did this with the intention of giving the cheese to the Food Bank. This is part of a nationwide effort the Church has embarked upon to send food to communities who have been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“There is an increased need in the Bay Area because many people live paycheck to paycheck and COVID-19 has put us in a difficult spot,” said Karen Collins, a Food Resource Manager for Northern California food banks.  

1 in 9 people in Contra Costa and Solano counties turn to the Food Bank for emergency and supplemental food. During the pandemic, however, there has been a 50 percent increase in demand for food at some sites. Due to this surge, the Food Bank is partnering with different organizations like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to set up food drives where people can either donate or sign up to volunteer.  

“One of the core beliefs that members of our Church has is to help those in need and to stand with those who need comfort,” said Jeremy Jacobs, President of the Concord Stake of the Church. We are committed to building bridges with members of our community and to providing support wherever necessary.” 

45 Years of Service and Partnership

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This summer marks the Food Bank’s 45th anniversary and together—as a community—we have certainly been through a lot: eight presidents, six recessions, the Loma Prieta earthquake, devastating fires and now a global pandemic! 

Understandably, when disasters strike we are often asked if the Food Bank is going to run out of food. The answer is no because we’re not going to let that happen. And we know our supporters aren’t going to let that happen either. 

You—our generous hunger fighters—have been coming through for our impacted neighbors during these uncertain times. You’ve been matching the unprecedented demand of the current health and financial crisis with unprecedented support…and sometimes in very creative ways!

We thank you for helping us to grow and develop an incredible network of donors, volunteers, suppliers, and nonprofit partner agencies over the years. Without this solid foundation, we would not have been able to quickly spring into action and help the thousands of new people turning to us after losing their jobs because of the pandemic.

However, you don’t just answer the call for help during widespread emergencies. For the past four and a half decades, everyday heroes like you have been stepping up and allowing us to nourish individuals, from children to seniors, so they can make it through whatever personal crisis they are experiencing. 

In fact, before anyone even heard of COVID-19 or thought to stockpile toilet paper, you were helping us serve 178,000 people per month. 

We invite you to join our advocacy efforts as we move forward with our guiding mission statement: “Leading the fight to end hunger, in partnership with our community and in service to our neighbors in need.” 

Together, with you by our side, we can continue to nourish our community through these ever-changing times until chronic hunger no longer exists.

 

This is why we turn to you

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We reached out and you stepped up!

With your support, we’ve been able to add weekly drive-thru distributions as part of our COVID-19 response.

We recently met Cheralyn at one of these pop-up events and based on what she shared with us, it sounds like she also knows a thing or two (or three) about stepping up for her community in need:

“I took in three children under 3-years old because nobody wants to take foster kids during a pandemic. I guess I had a choice, but my heart didn’t have a choice. It will be six months before the foster care money comes in for the kids, so here we are. The Food Bank and (partner) pantries have been such a big help.”

Sometimes the helpers even need help. Thank you for being there for Cheralyn, so she can be there for those children during these extraordinarily challenging times.

 

 

Kim Castaneda
Development Director
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

Know anyone needing assistance with food? Here’s how to get it!

Food Bank distributions (these are food programs we run)
  • Visit foodbankccs.org/getfood.
  • Choose your city and you’ll see a listing for various programs taking place.
  • Check the calendar for the week(s) of each distribution (like 1st and 3rd Tuesday).

Soup kitchens and food pantries (operated by our partner agencies

  • Call us at 1-855-309-3663 (FOOD) and let us know what city you are in.
Pop-up drive-thru distributions (weekly events in larger venues)

All dressed up and nowhere to go…

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Our annual Nourish Gala won’t take place next week and now we’re all dressed up with nowhere to go! Check us out…

A big thank you to our signature emcee, Betty Yu, of CBS San Francisco and ALL OF OUR EVENT SUPPORTERS for sticking it out with us!

Fingers crossed we’ll see you soon.

Cheers,
Your friends at the Food Bank

P.S. Just because the Gala isn’t happening doesn’t mean hunger stops! You can still nourish your neighbors in need–no gown or tuxedo required.

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

Donate a car. Feed your neighbors.

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Right now you can donate your vehicle and the proceeds will be used to provide food for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

Cars 2nd Chance accepts car and vehicle donations of ALL types and they will pick up your vehicle at no charge. Let them get it out of the driveway or off the street!

Call 925-326-5868 or visit cars2ndchance.com/donate.

“We are grateful to Cars 2nd Chance for selecting us as a beneficiary of the money they raise through fixing up and selling donated vehicles. This fundraiser has the potential to create upwards of a quarter of a million meals, which would really help us meet the increased need we’re experiencing due to COVID-19.”

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

About Cars 2nd Chance:

Cars 2nd Chance which has been turning vehicle donations into cash for charities for over 12 years in the spirit of Service Above Self. They have minimal overhead with volunteer help from local Rotarian members of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise Rotary Club and the Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary.


FAQ:

Q: Will they accept my vehicle if it doesn’t run?
A: That’s OK. They’ll still pick it up!

Q. Can I safely donate right now, even during the COVID-19 shelter in place?
A. Yes! Call for details.

Q: What can I donate?
A. They accept all types of vehicles including cars, boats, RVs, trailers, buses, and motorcycles.

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

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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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