Because no one should go hungry.

Our blog has moved

2010-01-05T11:17:00.000-08:00

We have a brand new website AND a new blog. You can access both here: www.foodbankccs.org. We are very proud of the new site and hope you find it informative and easier to use.

Lollipop Lane

2009-12-29T13:09:00.001-08:00

As you approach Lollipop Lane in Vacaville every December, the first thing you notice is the sound of holiday music blaring from outdoor speakers, and the blur of lights as you turn onto the street (known January through November as Shady Glen Avenue). Every house is decorated in the lollipop theme, Food Bank donation barrels are placed in front of many of the homes, and there, in front of the McKimmy home is Santa, listening to children’s wishes and letting out a right jolly laugh every now and then.

For the past eight years, Don and Yukiko McKimmy have encouraged visitors to Lollipop Lane to donate food and money to the Food Bank. With help from neighbors and numerous others, Don has made Lollipop Lane and Candy Cane Lane (one street over) a must-see destination each December. Appearing twice during the month are the Fellowship of the Ringers, a local bell ringing group that have volunteered their time for the past six years and perform their repertoire of holiday music for the hundreds of visitors who come by. This year, Lollypop Lane collected over 707 pounds of food!

Trick or Treating for Cans

2009-12-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

California High School's Interact Club annually runs a "Trick or Treating for Cans" food drive and donates the food to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. This year, the food drive was completed with the help of three clubs from Cal High: Interact, Key Club, and the National Honor Society. A goal of this food drive was also to cover an even larger area than the previous years in order to obtain more food.

The food drive started out with the bag assembly. With the help of the Food Bank, Cal High was given around 5,000 plain, brown paper bags. The volunteers of the clubs grabbed a couple of staplers and began stapling flyers onto the paper bags. The flyer announced the food drive and what foods were needed. Next week, all the bags were handed around San Ramon and the households were given one week to fill up the bag. After that week was up, the clubs drove around San Ramon, picking up the bags of food. Once all this was done, the Food Bank drove the truck to Cal High and picked up all the food.

The total amount of food collected was 5,216 pounds! Christina, representing Cal High, was recognized on CBS5 (photo above), for the work that she and the three clubs did to help our neighbors in need!

Whole Foods Market "5% Day"

2009-12-17T13:06:00.000-08:00

A very successful 5% Day on December 8th at Whole Foods Market for the Bay Area Food Banks!Thank you to Whole Foods, CBS5 and every one who went shopping at Whole Foods Market on that day!

GEMM Award Raffle Check Delivered to the Food Bank

2009-12-16T16:52:00.000-08:00

2010 Greater East Bay GEMM (Greater Excellence in Management and Maintenance) Awards Raffle was donated to two East Bay charities: FESCO (Family Emergency Shelter Coalition) and the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Below is the photo of the check delivery to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.
pictured left to right:
Joan Bergum, California Apartment Association (CAA) Contra Costa Napa Solano Advisory Board Member
Larry Sly, Executive Director, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
Barbara Conde, Regional Portfolio Manager Broadway Management and 2009 Greater East Bay GEMM Award Winner (category) Regional/Portfolio Manager of the Year.
Karen Quennell, Business Development Manager Northern California Division of JWilliams Staffing and 2010 Greater East Bay GEMM Awards Committee Chair

Live Oak Elementary collects 1,869 pounds of food!

2009-12-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

The students at Live Oak Elementary in San Ramon hosted a food drive for the Food Bank and the students also competed in a poster contest to help promote the drive!

Ms. Wright’s winning class-257 items total!

Finding room for more food...

Carting things to the loading area...

Michael Yao (below) & Emily Hay (above): Winners of the Live Oak Poster Contest

Thank you to all the Live Oak students for supporting the Food Bank and their neighbors in need!

If you love our work then tell the world!

2009-12-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

You have an exciting opportunity to help the Food Bank make even more of a difference for the community. GreatNonprofits – a site like Yelp – is conducting a contest to find the top-rated nonprofits working to end homelessness or hunger. It’s easy and only takes 3 minutes!

Local Montessori helps the Food Bank

2009-12-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

The "Myrtle Farm Parent Club" at Myrtle Farm Montessori in Concord planned a food drive from November 1st-20th. In the school newsletter they talked about the Food Bank and listed our top priority needed items. The five kids in the photos are classmates who were able to come to the Food Bank on November 20th and delivered the food, which weighed in at 184 pounds!

They were so proud and we are so grateful!

The food they donated will provide about 147 meals to people in our community. Great work Myrtle Farm Montessori!

Interested in hosting your own Food Drive? Read the Food Bank's Food Drive Kit (PDF: 42K) for everything you need to know to host one.

Free Movies, Free Popcorn, Help End Hunger...

2009-11-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

Two movie tickets, two popcorns for $10.50.
Bring a few cans of food for the hungry!

Read more on the Lemon Lady's Blog.

Lose For Good

2009-11-12T12:09:00.000-08:00

Weight Watchers in El Cerrito has donated nearly a ton of food this year! Recently, the Food Bank picked up close to one thousand pounds of non-perishable food from Weight Watchers that symbolized the combined weight lost by the staff at the El Cerrito facility since September. As part of the Lose For Good Campaign, not only were staff encouraged to donate the weight they pledged to lose in non-perishable food, but their customers were encouraged to do the same. They will continue to collect food through the end of the year.

Three Girls Donate Over $600!

2009-11-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

Last year, Taylor (age 7), Jenna (age 11) and Sarah (age 7) raised money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This year, they decided to help their neighbors in need by donating to the Food Bank. They were able to raise over $600 during the summer by holding bake sales, selling lemonade, and collecting donations at a car wash. These young ladies are an inspiration!

Give Where You Live

2009-11-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

Volunteer Recognition

2009-11-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

The Food Bank honored volunteers on October 18th at our annual recognition in the Concord warehouse. Volunteers were entertained by the Singing Blue Stars of the USS Hornet and awards were presented. The award for Volunteer of the Year was shared by two amazing women this year.

Debra Mason from the Ambrose Recreation Center and the Mt. Diablo CARES after school program was recognized for her work on the Farm 2 Kids Program. She has worked tirelessly since 2007 to create, pilot, and expand this program. While her work with the after school program in Bay Point is her occupation, her efforts to make the Farm 2 Kids program possible are completely volunteer. She has spent hours of her personal time working to keep the program going at the 5 Bay Point schools she oversees, but also working to expand the program into the 8 schools in Concord we now serve. When a few of the new Concord schools did not have the resources to come and pick up the produce, Debra and her husband Lee stepped in and made the deliveries for them. She is fighting to expand Farm 2 Kids into the Antioch Elementary Schools. Without her help, the Food Bank would not be serving the over 6,000 children in 55 schools.

Jo Crackel is a tireless supporter of the Food Bank and the people we serve. Jo has volunteered with both our Food For Children and Extra Helpings crews. Food For Children serves four and five year old children who are too old to receive WIC services but too young to be in school where a breakfast and lunch program may be available to assist with their diet. Boxes provide much needed food for these children each month. The Extra Helpings program serves clients of all ages. Boxes are either home delivered or picked up at local agencies depending on the need of the recipients. Neither of the programs would be possible without the crew that makes the boxes. Hundreds of boxes are put together every month by dedicated volunteers. Jo is a real leader on this crew and is greatly respected by all. Jo and her husband Rich also volunteer for several of our direct distributions helping at various sites every month. The Food Assistance Program volunteers arrive at sites early in the morning, help set up tables and canopies, bag produce and non perishable groceries, and distribute to clients all in just a few busy hours. One of Jo’s fellow volunteers recently said it would take several volunteers to replace Jo.

Fighting Hunger One Can Decorating Contest at a Time

2009-10-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Today I had the privilege of spending the morning at Muir Orthopaedic Specialists (MOS) in Brentwood and Walnut Creek as the honorary judge of their department decorating contest. Every year the different departments compete by decorating their offices and this year they used the non-perishable food they have been collecting for the Food Bank. It was such a creative and enjoyable way to raise awareness. Take a look at some of the photos below. Look at the details: the trees are made out of cans wrapped in brown paper, the “guys” on the football field are cans and even the tent is food wrapped in paper. MOS will also be collecting food throughout the rest of the year!

Thank you to everyone at MOS for all the hard work you did to collect the food and then use it in a creative way. You are all winners to the Food Bank!

Lisa Sherrill
Community Relations Manager

The Giving Beautifully Food Bank Challenge I

2009-10-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

Embassy Suites Walnut Creek Launches a Food Donation Discount of $20 per Night

2009-10-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

The Embassy Suites Walnut Creek at 1345 Treat Boulevard recently announced the launch of its Donate Food rate, which offers up to a $20 discount off midweek rates* and $10 off weekend rates* each night when guests pledge to donate three canned goods or more at
check-in. All donations will go to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. This special rate is available for stays from now through December 30, 2009.

“We are very excited to work with the Food Bank to support the local community as well as give something back to our guests, said David Burri, the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Embassy Suites. The package includes accommodations in a deluxe two room suite, daily full cooked to order breakfast and manager’s reception* with full bar, beer, wine and appetizers. The hotel completed an extensive renovation this past September and features 250 suites overlooking an eight story tropical atrium filled with tropical trees and lavish landscaping. All of the suites include up to date furnishings and amenities including granite counter tops, dark wood features and 42” HD TV’s.

The hotel provides guests with a full complement of services and amenities, including local transportation to restaurants and offices within a five mile radius of the hotel, 7,500 square feet of meeting and banquet space, and a full bar and restaurant on site. The hotel is in the heart of Walnut Creek and just minutes away from Downtown Walnut Creek’s chic shopping district as well as across the street from Bay Area Rapid Transportation. All Embassy Suites Hotels® offer spacious two-room suites that include a separate living area with a sofa bed, armchair, and well-lit dining/work table, private bedroom and bath, hair dryers, MP3 clock radio, two televisions, two dual-line phones, high-speed Internet access, wet bar, mini-refrigerator, microwave oven, iron and ironing board, Precor® fitness center, convenient complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast each morning and complimentary two-hour Manager’s Reception* each evening.

To make reservations, travelers can visit the Embassy Suites Hotels Web site at www.embassysuites.com, call 1-800-EMBASSY or call the hotel directly at 925-934-2500 and ask for the “Donate Food” discount.

*Service of alcohol subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age. Discounts are given off of the hotel’s standard rates.

About Embassy Suites Hotels
Founded in 1984, Embassy Suites Hotels defines the upscale, all-suite segment and today has 201 hotels, with an additional 51 in the pipeline. With spacious two-room suites, engaging team members and an inviting atrium environment, guests are allowed to put their feet up and feel right at home. To learn more, visit www.embassysuites.com.

Ready, Set, Bag!

2009-10-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

Join us for the theatrical tour kick off of Ready, Set, Bag! in the SF Bay Area next week:

Tues. Nov. 3rd at 7pm - Rialto Cinemas Elmwood (Berkeley)

Wed. Nov. 4th at 7pm - Rialto Cinemas Elmwood (Berkeley)

Thur. Nov. 5th at 7pm - Rialto Cinemas Cerrito (El Cerrito)

Thurs. Nov. 19th at 7pm - Roxie Theater (San Francisco)

In the Bay Area and across the country, Ready, Set, Bag! is partnering with local food banks to raise awareness, food, and money in this much needed time.

You'll get $1 off the ticket purchase for bringing in 2 or more cans and 50 cents off popcorn. This discount is sponsored by The Mechanics Bank and the Theaters and for each ticket purchased, the Mechanics Bank is also giving $1 to the food bank in that area.

Your purchase will make a difference!

Q&A after the film with the directors and special guests from the film.

Please invite your friends, families and coworkers to join you at the screenings.

Trailer at: www.readysetbag.com
Become a fan of our new facebook fan page: http://tinyurl.com/readysetbag
Find your local food bank at bayareahunger.org

Letter from Congressman George Miller to You!

2009-10-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

For months the Food Bank has been talking about the upcoming Child Nutrition Reauthorization. We are happy to tell you that some exciting developments have recently taken place. Our Congressman George Miller from Contra Costa and Solano counties is chair of the committee that will be leading the reauthorization of child nutrition programs and has written a letter to all of you about this exciting news! For more information about the Child Nutrition Reauthorization visit http://foodbankccs.org/give%20help/advocate/advocateCNR.html.

October 14, 2009

Dear Friend,

Thank you for your support of for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Times are tough for many working families, and without your support the Food Bank would not be able to carry out the good work that they do.

Many of you have expressed your concerns about reauthorizing the child nutrition programs that are a safety net for families who are struggling to make ends meet and I have updates to share with you.

This week, Congress enacted a short term extension of those child nutrition programs while my committee continues our efforts to reauthorize the programs completely by the end of next year. We also made some key investments to meet critical child nutrition needs, at no new cost to taxpayers

We know that that hunger does not take a vacation during the summer so we've invested $85 million for pilot summer food service program projects that will help expand nutrition benefits for low-income children during the summer.

We've also provided support to help increase the number of children who are automatically enrolled for free school meals and grant funding for school food service equipment to help schools store and prepare healthy foods.

And we set aside $8 million for competitive grants so that child care facilities can improve the quality of meals and promote healthy eating habits.

Giving our most vulnerable children access to healthy, safe, nutritious - and affordable - meals is one of the most important things we can do to help them thrive in school and in life. Learn more about the investments in child nutrition, please visit edlabor.house.gov.

Sincerely,

George Miller
Member of Congress

If you or anyone you know is interested in learning about new and exciting anti-hunger advocacy work please let us know at lsherrill@foodbankccs.org.

California’s Food Banks Go Locavore

2009-10-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

Please check out this wonderful article highlighting California food banks’ innovative program to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to people in need: 80 million pounds this year!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/magazine/11banks-t.html

Last year, we distributed 3 million pounds of produce in Contra Costa and Solano counties. One of the ways we are able to get so much fresh produce into the community is through our Farm 2 Kids program. Every week, Farm 2 Kids provides 3-5 pounds of fresh produce to over 6,000 children in 55 after school programs in Contra Costa and Solano counties. Over 50% of the students in these schools receive free or reduced cost school lunches, meaning at least half of the households in the school are considered low-income by the federal government.

If you have questions or need more information about the Farm 2 Kids program, please contact Caitlin Sly, (800) 870-FOOD extension 241 or csly@foodbankccs.org.

Eat Cheesecake, Fight Hunger

2009-10-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

The Cheesecake Factory announced that over 320,000 cans of soup were collected across all Cheesecake Factory locations nationwide during the month of September. This surpassed the original goal of 100,000 cans.

On September 30, The Cheesecake Factory held its “You Dine, We’ll Donate” event across all locations. For every guest who dined at a Cheesecake Factory on that day and donated 2 cans of soup, 10% of their guest bill was donated to local food banks. Our local Cheesecake Factory collected 187 pounds of food.

Continuing through July 2010, for every slice of The Cheesecake Factory’s Stefanie’s Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake sold, $0.25 will be donated to Feeding America. Having tried a slice (or two) myself, I highly recommend you visit your local Cheesecake Factory and enjoy Stefanie’s Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake!

One Man, One Bike, One Fight

2009-10-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

Drew Marinelli was a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger, West Africa who became so concerned about hunger throughout the world that he decided to ride his bike from Key West, Florida to San Francisco to spread the word about steps people can take to help those in need. In doing this trip, he has connected with Rotary clubs throughout the US, and our Executive Director’s club in Concord hosted him on September 25.

Drew is also interested in the work food banks do to fight hunger, and he toured our facility before attending the Rotary meeting. Drew shared his observations on hunger in the world and about his bicycle ride with staff and volunteers.

Drew’s trip was featured on the 5 O’clock news on FOX2 that night. You can find out more on his website onemanonebikeonefight.com. Finally, I should note that Drew is 6 feet 9 inches tall, so we took his picture with Kathleah, our Accounting Specialist, who is less than 5 feet tall. :=)

Food Bank Benefits from Quilt Raffle

2009-10-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

C&T Warehouse recently held a raffle for a handmade quilt and sold tickets throughout their office and at their annual warehouse sale. They raised $225 for the Food Bank! Find out more about the quilt and story: http://www.ctpubblog.com/2009/09/04/ct-raffle-quilt/.

Thank you to Gailen Runge, Creative Director and the entire C&T Publishing and Warehouse Team.

Food pantries see an increase of people in need

2009-10-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

Alan Wang from ABC7 reports on the need for food assistance in Concord.

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/video?id=7042107

Residents Living In Poverty Skyrockets In Contra Costa County

2009-09-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

KTVU's David Stevenson reports from the Food Bank about poverty in Contra Costa County.

http://www.ktvu.com/video/21154221/index.html

The Food Stamp Challenge comes to end for some, but not for the thousands of people who live with hunger every day.

2009-09-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco Food Bank 2009 Hunger Challenge ran from September 20-26. For seven days, participants ate on $4 dollars a day, the budget of a food stamp recipient.

Read about CBS 5 Reporter Sue Kwon's week on the Hunger Challenge. http://cbs5.com/consumer/hunger.challenge.food.2.1198974.html

No room for error living on $4 a day

2009-09-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

A cup of coffee cost Sue Kwon a big part of her $4 food budget. See what she has to say here: http://cbs5.com/video/?id=55825@kpix.dayport.com

CBS 5 Reporter Takes $4-A-Day Hunger Challenge

2009-09-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco Food Bank's 2009 Hunger Challenge is this week - September 20-26. CBS 5 ConsumerWatch reporter Sue Kwon takes on the challenge and will file reports everyday this week documenting her experiment that we hope will put a spotlight on hunger.

Tuesday: http://cbs5.com/video/?id=55719@kpix.dayport.com

And Wednesday: http://cbs5.com/video/?id=55774@kpix.dayport.com

If you're taking on the Hunger Challenge we would like to hear about it. If you are on food stamps and have budget stretching ideas or want to share your thoughts, please share them with CBS 5.

CBS5 Reporter Sue Kwon Joins the Hunger Challenge

2009-09-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Watch this video of Sue's first Hunger Challenge report, including video at our warehouse and pantries and an interveiw with SF Food Bank's Paul Ash! And here's her second, in-depth report where she shops with Amy Sherman.

CBS5 ConsumerWatch reporter Sue Kwon is taking the Hunger Challenge and reporting about her experiences. See her reports all week at 6 pm, with repeats at 11 pm and the following morning. Sue will also be sharing cost-effective recipes and helping viewers learn how to stretch their food dollars. We're thrilled that Sue and CBS5 are making such a big commitment to shining a light on hunger in San Francisco! [In the photo to the left, Sue shops for the Challenge with veteran Hunger Challenge blogger Amy Sherman.]

Take the 2009 Hunger Challenge

Email HungerChallenge@SFFB.org to participate!

Learn more about the 2009 Hunger Challenge

Visit the San Francisco Food Bank Hunger Challenge blog.

Week four of 30 ways in 30 days

2009-09-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to week four of 30 ways in 30 days - ways you can fight hunger in your community every day of the week. If you missed any of the weeks, or want to see the end, you can find the whole month of 30 days in 30 ways at www.foodbankccs.org.

30 Days in 30 Ways - Week 4

Sept. 21: Book a tee time on Sept. 21st at Oakhurst Country Club in Clayton and a portion of your Green Fees will be donated. Bring five canned food items and receive a raffle ticket. Call 925-672-9737 ext. 201

Sept 22: Empty Bowls, Food Bank Concord Warehouse, 5:30 pm, $10 per person. Enjoy a simple meal served in a handcrafted bowl and get a behind the scenes look at the Food Bank. Reservations required and seating is limited, please call 925-771-1310 to reserve your spot today.

Sept. 23: Ask employees to bring their lunch on a specific day and donate the value of an average lunch to the Food Bank.

Sept. 24: Empty Bowls, Food Bank Fairfield Warehouse, 5:30 pm, $10 per person. Enjoy a simple meal served in a handcrafted bowl and get a behind the scenes look at the Food Bank. Reservations required and seating is limited, please call 925-771-1310 to reserve your spot today.

September 24 -27 Walnut Festival, Walnut Creek. Bring a can of food to donate and get $1 off your admission. www.thewalnutfestival.org

Sept. 25: Myths and Facts of Food Stamps 9 am - noon, Food Bank Concord Warehouse. More info: 925- 676-7543 ext. 231.

Sept. 26: Pleasant Hill Community Service Day. Local residents will be collecting non-perishable food for the Food Bank on this annual Community Service Day. To be a part of this event go to http://www.pleasanthill.ca.gov/index.aspx?NID=514 and then click on Food Bank to sign up.

Sept 26: Sunrise Assisted Living Food Drive, 2175 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Please join us for live music, good food, and a good cause. To RSVP, please call (925) 932-3500.

Sept. 20: There is still time to give a little during Hunger Action Month. For every dollar donated, the Food Bank is able to provide three meals to people in need.

For more ideas on how to fight hunger in your community, visit our Hunger Action Month calendar online.

Can you eat for just $4 a day?

2009-09-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

That's the average amount a Californian on food stamps has to spend on a day's meals. CBS5 reporter Sue Kwon will take the Hunger Challenge September 21-26. She’ll spend no more than $4 a day on food for the week. Sue will kick off her Hunger Challenge on CBS5’s 6 pm news today, and will give updates on the 6 pm newscast each day of the Challenge. She’ll take viewers shopping, share some cost-efficient but nutrient-rich recipes, and report on the latest news on food stamps and talk about people facing hunger every day in our community.

Each of the Bay Area Food Banks is experiencing unprecedented demand. Find your local Food Bank at www.bayareahunger.org and donate now. For more information on the Hunger Challenge, visit http://www.HungerChallenge.com.

Give a Little Feed a Lot!

2009-09-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

We are at the half-way point of Hunger Action Month, but there is still time to give a little during Hunger Action Month. For every dollar donated, the Food Bank is able to provide three meals to people in need. Consider giving up your coffee this week. At three dollars a day for seven days that is 63 meals we can provide in the community.

Help us raise $10,000! Give a Little today and we will make sure it Feeds a Lot!

RSVP to Share Family Togetherness & Meal Time Tips This Tuesday on Twitter

2009-09-15T16:24:00.000-07:00

September 12, 2009 by Jyl Johnson Pattee

Stop for a second and think about your most favorite meal time experience with your family. What made it fun or meaningful? What did you eat? What did you talk about? What was it that helped you connect and grow closer as a family?

Now think for a second about what gets in the way of achieving that on a regular basis. If you’re like me, quick and simple meals are never quick or simple enough, meal times are rushed, and while I’d love to have all sorts of meaningful conversations with the family during meal time, we are usually lucky to get a home-cooked meal and even luckier to get conversation with it.

But… statistics show the importance of family togetherness during meal times. So, this Tuesday, we are fortunate to have Libby’s and Feeding America along with other #gno gals to share with us their fabulous tips for making the most of meal time. Have lots to share? Want to learn? Or, want to connect for a little girl power? Then, join us this Tuesday for #gno.

And, don’t forget to enter to win one of our amazing giveaway going on this week.

What: Libby’s is sponsoring this week’s #gno Twitter party (Click here to learn about #gno!)

When: Tuesday, September 15, 9-11 p.m. EST

Where: Party with us on our custom Tweetgrid. (Use hashtag #gno.)

Topic: Family togetherness and meal times

Who: @feedingamerica @goodlifeeats @hannahkeeley @janemaynard @savorthethyme @rockinmama

Party Favors: Click here to check out this week’s giveaway sponsored by Libby’s.

RSVP: Please leave your Twitter ID in the comments to follow and be followed (on Twitter, of course!) by other #gno gals. The best format is as follows: http://twitter.com/jylmomIF.

30 ways in 30 days - Week 3

2009-09-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome to week three of 30 ways in 30 days - ways you can fight hunger in your community every day of the week. If you missed week two, or want to jump ahead, you can find the whole month of 30 days in 30 ways at www.foodbankccs.org.

30 Days in 30 Ways - Week 3

Sept. 14 -18: United WayWeek of Caring

Sept. 14: Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/foodbankccs and fan us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Food-Bank-of-Contra-Costa-and-Solano/114530700443.

Sept 15: Macy's "Come Together" invites you to host a dinner party and ask guests to pledge a donation to Feeding America in place of the usual host gift through Macy's "Come Together" website. Macy's will generously match each donation made for the campaign. Plus tonight Macy's will host the Wolrd's Largest Dinner Party at your local Macy's at 6:00 pm.

Sept. 16: Join the Food Bank's monthly donor program.

Sept. 17: Become an advocate for hunger and poverty relief. Sign up to receive Hunger Fighter advocacy alerts from the Food Bank.

Sept. 18: Sony Pictures releases Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs today. Kids can join Flint in becoming a Hunger Helper - someone who finds ways to fight hunger in the community. Become a Hunger Helper today by making your own bookmark and even writing to your Congressman.

Sept. 19: A day-long shopping event, Macy's - Passport, offers the opportunity for local non-profit organizations that support AIDS/HIV programs to raise funds. Participating Macy's stores are located at Pleasanton's Stoneridge Mall, Walnut Creek's Broadway Plaza, San Francisco's Union Square, Marin's Corte Madera Store, Palo Alto's Stanford Store, and Santa Clara's Valley Fair Store. For a $10.00 ticket to the event, you will receive a special shopping discount (exclusive to Passport in Store) to be used on almost all purchases. The Food Bank will retain 100% of the direct ticket sales proceeds. For more information or to purchase a ticket, please contact Joan Tomasini at 925-771-1315 or email jtomasini@foodbankccs.org.

Sept. 20: Host a Food Drive.

For more ideas visit our Hunger Action Month calendar online.

Summer Lunch Celebrations

2009-09-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

During the summer months, school is out, but the need for lunch is not. The Summer Lunch Celebrations, held by the Food Bank throughout the month of July, embodied this idea. The Food Bank partnered with UC Cooperative Extension, Contra Costa Health Services, and Vallejo and Mt. Diablo Unified School Districts to hold two events hosted by Wren Avenue Elementary in Concord and Norman King Community Center in Vallejo. Children of all ages were invited to participate in various activities, games, and giveaways related to healthy eating and physical activity. Over 200 children played a relay game, learned about healthy food and drink choices, and enjoyed a snack of peaches and plums in addition to their free lunch. For the parents, there was information about food stamps and other food assistance programs provided by the Food Bank.

Many children rely on free or reduced-price school lunches as their main or only source of nutritious, balanced food. During the summer months, some kids go without a healthy meal for this reason. To rectify this, the USDA created the Summer Food Service Program that provides free lunches to any child under the age of 18. Free lunches are offered at various community centers, schools, and parks in low-income neighborhoods. With the budget crisis and many schools closing, there are fewer locations that offer free meals. Thankfully, despite these setbacks, free lunches were served at over 100 sites throughout Contra Costa and Solano counties.
You can help improve access to nutrition programs for kids -- like the Summer Food Service Program. This Fall, Congress will be making decisions about the Summer Food Service Program, School Meals, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and more in the Child Nutrition Reauthorization. What can you do? Write your members of Congress and ask them to expand and improve current federal child nutrition programs. Visit www.foodbankccs.org for more information.

Calling All Kids

2009-09-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

Are you a kid who has wanted to volunteer at the Food Bank warehouse and just aren't old enough? This weekend there is no age limit of 11 years old at the Food Bank and we are inviting ALL AGES to come to our Open House and Family Volunteer Day. Learn more about the Food Bank and how we work while also helping to get produce ready for distribution. We will have activities for kids of all ages!

Please join us:

Sept. 12: Open house and Family Volunteer Day, Food Bank Fairfield Warehouse. No reservations required. Drop in between 2:30 and 4:30.

Sept. 13: Open house and Family Volunteer Day, Food Bank Concord Warehouse. No reservations required. Drop in between 2:30 and 4:30.

Kids you can also join Flint from Sony Pictures' Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs in becoming a Hunger Helper - someone who finds ways to fight hunger in the community. Become a Hunger Helper today by making your own bookmark and even writing to your Congressman.

30 Days in 30 Ways - Week 2

2009-09-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

Here is your second week of ways you can fight hunger in your community. If you missed week one, you can find the whole month of 30 days in 30 ways at www.foodbankccs.org.

This September, please think about what you can do to help: volunteer, donate, advocate! For more information about Hunger Action Month, these events, or just the Food Bank in general, please call 925-676-7543, email info@foodbankccs.org or visit us on the web at www.foodbankccs.org.

30 Days in 30 Ways - Week 2

Sept. 7 : Host an Eat In and tell Congress: It's time to provide America's children with real food at school. An Eat-In is a potluck that takes place in public and gathers people to support a cause - like getting real food into schools.

Sept 8: Food Nutrition Policy Consortium meeting, Food Bank Concord Warehouse. 9 - 11 am. More info: 925-676-7543 ext. 204

Sept. 9: Learn more about the Child Nutrition Reauthorization and how you can help get improve access to food for kids. Don't forget to record your minutes at the Hunger Action Center and help the Food Bank win a truckload of food from Kraft Foods.

Sept. 10: Myths and Facts of Food Stamps 9 am - noon, Fairfield. More info: 707- 421-9777 ext. 231

Sept. 11: San Pablo Community Foundation's "Starlight Martini". The "Starlight Martini" dinner dance is an elegant evening filled with great food, music, dancing, and friends. Each attendee also receives a complimentary martini glass. Cocktails at 6:00 PM and Dinner at 7:00 PM.

Sept. 12: Open house and Family Volunteer Day, Food Bank Fairfield Warehouse. No reservations required. Drop in between 2:30 and 4:30.

Sept. 13: Open house and Family Volunteer Day, Food Bank Concord Warehouse. No reservations required. Drop in between 2:30 and 4:30.

For more ideas visit our Hunger Action Month calendar online.

Helping to get the word out

2009-09-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

Our friend Anna Chan, the Lemon Lady, has been helping to get the word out about Hunger Action Month. Anna has been harvesting fruits and veggies from people in the community who have an overabundance and taking the produce to hunger relief organizations in the community. Here's her post from Sunday, August 30, 2009: Hunger Action Month. Don't you care enough to click a little?.

Keep up the good work, Anna!

For more about Hunger Action Month, visit www.foodbankccs.org and click on the Hunger Action Month logo.

30 ways in 30 days - Week 1

2009-08-31T19:33:00.000-07:00

September marks the 2nd annual Hunger Action Month, and the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, along with over 200 other Feeding America food banks, is working to fight hunger in our communities. But we need your help.

Every week in September, we'll update you on ways you can fight hunger for every day of that week. When you add it all up, you get our 30 Ways in 30 Days calendar. To kick things off, here are some simple ways you can get involved from Sept. 1 through Sept. 6.

This September, please think about what you can do to help: volunteer, donate, advocate! For more information about Hunger Action Month, these events, or just the Food Bank in general, please call 925-676-7543, email info@foodbankccs.org or visit us on the web at www.foodbankccs.org.

30 Days in 30 Ways - Week 1

Sept. 1 : Give a little during Hunger Action Month and we will feed a lot of people in our community. For every dollar donated, the Food Bank is able to provide three meals to people in need. Consider giving up your coffee or lunch out this week or even this whole month and together we can feed people in our community.

Sept 2: Find out how you can help serve a meal at a local shelter or community kitchen.Sept. 3: Energize your book group around a book that focuses on the issues of hunger and poverty.

Sept. 4: Engage your elected officials and support Child Nutrition legislation while helping your food bank win a truckload of food from Kraft Foods! Earn minutes for every action you take against hunger. Learn more about the Food Bank Competition and prizes, and start making your minutes count today!

Sept. 5: Take your children to the library and check out Fly Away Home, Uncle Willy's Soup Kitchen or another children's book featuring the theme of hunger.

Sept. 6: Donate a grocery store gift card to your local food pantry so they can provide more for those they serve.

For more ideas visit our Hunger Action Month calendar online.

Farm to Family at the White House

2009-08-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

The California Association of Food Banks' (of which we are a member) Farm to Family Program was recognized at the White House on June 30 when President Obama highlighted innovative non-profit programs that are making a difference in communities across the country. The program was recognized as one that is demonstrating results even as the country faces difficult times. Such groups, Obama said, hold the promise of finding solutions to persistent problems and to meeting unprecedented challenges. Farm to Family founder Gary Maxworthy attended the event because of his role in shaping the program since its inception.

Congratulations to Gary and the entire Farm to Family team!

Learn more:
KRON4-San Francisco
San Francisco Food Bank Blog

Budget Update: Dismantling the Safety Net

2009-07-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

The budget deal between Governor Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders passed both the Senate and Assembly on Friday, July 24. CalWORKs and other health and human service programs suffered deep and harsh cuts while nothing was done to bring in new revenue and therefore spread the sacrifice. Additionally, the deal expands finger imaging to In-Home Support Services, meaning the elderly and disabled will be forced to provide a fingerprint in order to receive services.

Despite the claims of legislative leaders, there is little doubt that these cuts go a long way in dismantling California's safety net. While the shock of these cuts begins to sink in, it appears, but has not been confirmed, that the California Food Assistance Program and the Brown Bag Program survived without cuts - a silver lining to an otherwise dark cloud of a budget.

CalWORKs
The deal cuts $528 million from CalWORKs by decreasing benefits and increasing sanctions for families that fail to meet work requirements. The bill also reduces children's grants for the first time in the history of the CalWORKs program. These cuts will punish low-income families who cannot find work and therefore force these families to make difficult choices between food, rent, utilities and other basic needs.

Cost of Living Adjustments
This budget repeals SSP and CalWORKs COLAs along with COLAs for almost every area of the state budget except K-12 education and requires any new COLAs be approved by a two-thirds vote.

Click here for more details on the budget from the Western Center on Law and Poverty.

Defend Against Hunger

2009-07-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

The Miromonte High School Football team is hosting a food drive and your team could be too! Contact Joan Tomasini at (800) 870-FOOD extension 208 or jtomasini@foodbankccs.org.

Got fruit?

2009-07-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

Attention residents in the Danville/Alamo area: did you know someone local is willing to harvest and/or deliver local fruit to the Food Bank or other neighborhood pantries?

Anna Chan, The Lemon Lady, says, "Mira is super sweet and interested in helping more. The word is just beginning to get around about her efforts. She has made several donations, driving all the way from Alamo to Concord to deliver fresh fruit to The Salvation Army and Share Food Pantry. Mira is very dedicated to the hunger cause."

Thank Mira and Anna for all the hard work you are doing!

Fresh fruit in the garden and what to do with it...

Target Store Team Leaders Volunteer

2009-06-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

Recently, Target Store Team Leaders of the East Bay came to the Food Bank to help sort through donated food, inspect it for damage and box it for distribution. It was such a pleasure to have the team here at the Food Bank. Target donations make a real difference to food banks like ours and to the communities we all serve. Please read a message below to Volunteer Manager, Sharon Zeppegno from Target Store Team Leader, Joanie Stewart.

Hello Sharon,

Thank you very much for coordinating such a fabulous volunteer activity with the Target Store Team Leaders of the East Bay and your organization.

In addition to having fun, the activity was worthwhile work. We all felt such a great sense of pride and joy knowing that what we did, would be making a difference in the lives of others.

We are looking forward to working with The Food Bank on another volunteer activity soon.

Thank you.

Joanie Stewart - Store Team Leader - Vallejo

State Budget Advocacy Action Items

2009-06-18T16:05:00.001-07:00

What do we do now that the budget has left the Conference Committee and is in the hands of the Big 5? To answer that question, following is a message from California Food Policy Advocates (CFAP).

Action Items! What YOU can do!

1. Thank the budget conference committee for their positive actions to
save CFAP and eliminate SFIS (finger imaging). To see who was on the
budget conference committee: http://bit.ly/131K4h

2. Join with others in actions calling for the closing corporate tax
loopholes! Follow this link for more info: http://bit.ly/12EaHD

3. Support legislation from Senator Padilla and Senator Steinberg to
raise tobacco taxes and levies on oil extraction. Follow this link for
more info: http://bit.ly/14duKz

4. Tell the Big Five that revenue solutions must be part of the final
budget!

Contact Info for the “Big Five”:

Governor Schwarzenegger: http://bit.ly/pQ65C

Assembly Speaker Karen Bass: http://bit.ly/12Tzlj

Assembly Minority Leader Sam Blakeslee: http://bit.ly/EzAYI

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg: http://bit.ly/eYHlN

Senate Minority Leader Dennis Hollingsworth: http://bit.ly/eMeFi

Taken from the St. Anthony Foundation Blog.
http://www.stanthonysf.org/blog/?p=991

California Budget

2009-06-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

"Day 13 of Conference Committee completed our initial actions on the budget relating to human services... But the conferees did reject the governor’s proposal to eliminate CalWORKS. That is a line that California cannot cross..."

Read more about the Conference Committee Actions on Human Services and Public Safety posted by Assemblymember Noreen Evans at Assemblymember Evans' Budget Blog.

Then send your letters to the budget committee and governor opposing a cuts only budget. Find a sample letter here.

Vallejo CROP Hunger Walk

2009-06-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Community organizers and everyday citizens helped to end hunger locally and around the world on Saturday, April 25, by taking part in the CROP Hunger Walk at the Ferry Terminal at the Vallejo Waterfront benefiting four local organizations including the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Read more and see pictures here: http://www.vallejocropwalk.blogspot.com/.

See the Lemon Lady in the news

2009-06-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

Anna, The Lemon Lady, spent the day with ABC7 talking about the work she does and the need for fresh produce at food pantries. Read more here: http://claycord.blogspot.com/2009/06/lemon-lady-of-claycord-on-abc7-news.html
and here: http://thelemonlady.blogspot.com/2009/06/exciting-day-with-abc-news-reporters.html.

Saturday Food Drives + LDS Church Volunteers = Lots of Food!

2009-06-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

In April, our future Eagle Scout, Tanner Kirk, surpassed his goal of 20,000 pounds of food by bringing in 20,027 pounds here to the Food Bank. Some of the food came in over a two week period, but in a single Saturday, we picked up 17,130 pounds of food. This food drive was connected to the three Mormon churches in San Ramon, Danville and Alamo. Volunteers put bags out at the houses on a Wednesday and volunteers picked up the food the following Saturday and brought the food to our truck at the Danville Mormon Church. Needless to say, we needed a larger truck so many of the families loaded up their cars and followed us to the Food Bank. We had 24 totes of food which we had to weigh and bring in the warehouse. Thank you to Tanner for bringing in so much food!

And a huge THANKS to the 100+ volunteers from the church who cleaned the racks, sorted food, cleaned breakrooms, baled cardboard, washed windows, and so much more.

Orinda in Action brought in 515 pounds in their 1st year on this same Saturday in April. The mayor was pleased and will include this in their next year’s Earth Day/Community Day projects. She is determined to collect a lot more food in the future years.

Thank you to those involved for making this a fantastic day and YAHOO for all the food!

You're invited!

2009-05-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

What: The first HUNGER FIGHTERS Community Advocates Against Hunger meeting.

Why: Learn what it means to be a community advocate and about the legislation the Food Bank supports. This is your chance to ask us questions!

When and Where: June 10 at 5:30 at the Food Bank warehouse in Concord and June 11 at 5:30 at the Food Bank warehouse in Fairfield. Visit our website for directions.

More info or to RSVP (by June 5): Lisa Sherrill, lsherrill@foodbankccs.org or 925-771-1304.

Youth Celebrate “Day Of Nutrition” In East County

2009-05-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

On May 14th and 15th over 230 students from Pittsburg Unified School District came to the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch for the 6th Annual Day of Nutrition and Physical Activity. A partnership between the Food Bank and the UC Cooperative Extension, Day of Nutrition is an event that focuses on teaching children the importance of healthy eating and active living in their everyday lives. Fourth graders from Marina Vista, Highlands, and Los Medanos Elementary came to learn the health benefits (and sample) different fruits and vegetables, explore the edible garden, and participate in various physical activities. With the help of various volunteers, notably the AT&T Pioneers, students rotated through eight different stations focusing on various areas of nutrition and fitness. In the “Go for the Whole Grain/Fruit Breakfast Relay,” students learned about how to read the label of their cereal to make sure it was really a healthy breakfast choice. They discovered the importance of eating a whole grain breakfast and discussed different ways they could spice up their normal cereal with different seasonal fruits. The children then participated in a relay where they picked up fruit on a spoon and ran back and forth putting the fruit into their cereal bowl. The kids definitely needed a healthy, energy packed breakfast to run fast and finish first! Thanks to everyone involved for making Day of Nutrition 2009 a great success!

Students in the Mangini Agricultural Museum classroom at learning to eat a rainbow.

Students in the garden.

Fruit and cereal relay.

Stamp Out Hunger this Saturday

2009-05-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

Help the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger by placing nonperishable food items by your mailbox prior to your regular mail delivery on Saturday, May 9.

How to Participate:
1) On May 9th, simply place bags filled with nonperishable food items next to your mailbox. See our list of most-needed foods for suggestions.
2) Your letter carrier will pick your food donations up and the food will be delivered to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.
3) It’s that easy!

Learn more by reading stories from the frontlines: Letter Carriers who serve Contra Costa and Solano Counties.

How does the Food Bank feed people in need?

2009-05-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

The Food Bank distributes emergency and supplemental food to people in need and local charities. Each week we will focus on a different program and talk about what the program is and what kind of food is distributed through each program. Read on to learn about our Brown Bag Program.

What is the Brown Bag Program?

Low-income senior citizens in Contra Costa and Solano counties receive free groceries twice per month. The groceries supplement the food that seniors are able to buy on their own, stretching their precious dollars further.

There are 3 criteria in order to participate:
1. Members must be 55 years of age or older.
2. Members must reside in a low income household that meets the state income guidelines.
3. Members must reside in Contra Costa or Solano County.

What is in a Food bag?
People who receive a bag of food at one of our Brown Bag distributions typically take home - canned fruits, canned vegetables, tuna, pasta beans or rice, fresh produce, bread.

More need and more donations

2009-05-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

Check out USA Today's front page article - Food banks see more who need and more who give!

"We're up in terms of food and funds," says Ross Fraser, spokesman for Feeding America, the nation's largest network of food banks. He says food donations are up 20% and cash donations are up 46% from a year earlier.

Plant a Row for the Hungry

2009-04-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

Join the Contra Costa Times and Oakland Tribune, and the Contra Costa Master Gardeners in their project "Our Garden". The goal of "Our Garden" is to teach others how to grow vegetables in your own gardens, using environmentally responsible methods (from the Oakland Tribune website). They will be donating produce grown in the garden to the Food Bank and you can too! To learn more about Plant a Row, visit our website.

How does the Food Bank feed people in need?

2009-04-23T16:07:00.000-07:00

What is Food For Children (FFC)?

The program serves children who have been rolled off of the federal government’s WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program (for children aged 4 and under), but have not yet begun school, where they are eligible for free breakfast and/or lunch through the federally subsidized school meal programs. The program complements the efforts of the WIC program and is heartily endorsed by WIC staff, who make referrals to the FFC program. Food Bank program staff and volunteers work with WIC staff to identify parents who need both protein and iron rich foods for their children. Every month enrollees receive a food box at one of our 9 FFC distribution sites. Over 515,000 pounds of healthy, nutritious, ‘kid friendly’ food was given away to the 707 children enrolled in the program last year. All participants come from low income households. We use the WIC income eligibility guidelines (185% of U.S. poverty income). 80% of the enrollees are referred to the program by WIC.

Program goals are to improve the nutritional status of children and to maintain the nutritional integrity of foods we provide to very low-income children. Volunteers assemble boxes of food in our warehouse. Food bank drivers deliver the boxes to the distribution sites. Volunteers assist at the sites by signing in the parents, packaging the perishable food items and by giving the boxes of food to eligible recipients.

Food For Children distribution in Bay Point

What is in a Food bag/box?
People who receive a bag/box of food at one of our Food For Children distributions typically take home - cereal, macaroni and cheese, rice, beans, pasta, tuna, canned chicken, canned fruits, canned vegetables, canned soup, ready to eat meals, snack, milk, produce, bread.

Just ask an employee.

2009-04-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

Learn more about the people who work at the Food Bank.
We will ask the same seven questions to different staff members each month.

1. Name: Larry Sly
2. What is your position at the Food Bank? Executive Director
3. How long have you worked at the Food Bank? 33 years (and counting)
4. How/Why did you start working here? I started as the truck driver (the number 2 position) when the entire staff was two people.
5. Why do you enjoy working at the Food Bank? I love working here because every day is different and we are absolutely doing the right thing.
6. What do you like to do in your free time? What is free time? (I like to exercise, read and go hiking/backpacking)
7. Tell us one interesting fact about yourself. I went to college at UC Berkeley from 1968-72 (shortly after the Free Speech Movement). It was still an incredibly active political time; I was tear-gassed more than once.

Photo of Larry accepting a donation from two girls last year.

The Value of Volunteering

2009-04-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

Many moms and daughters work hard volunteering their time with National Charity League (NCL). We appreciate the hard work they do to help the Food Bank help those in need. The Lamorinda NCL group recently sent the letter below describing in their own words how the Food Bank system works and the value of volunteering. We truly appreciate their efforts and kind words.

Dear Sharon (Food Bank Volunteer Manager),

Thank you for your support of the Lamorinda NCL group. The Food Bank is one of the amazing learning experiences our NCL mother-daughter teams participate in. The size of the warehouse, the large number of boxes piled floor to ceiling and the amount of food donations that need to be discarded due to expiration or recall have provided vivid "visuals" that leave lasting impressions on all of our minds.

Our Lamorinda NCL mother-daughter teams prepare food at the Pittsburg (Loaves & Fishes) prep kitchen and serve meals at Loaves & Fishes (dining room). Volunteer experience at the Food Bank, "the SOURCE" of the food for many if not all of the meals, truly enhances our members' appreciation of the positive and tremendous effort and commitment involved in providing food for the needy.

On behalf of all of our Lamorinda NCL members, it is an honor to be able to participate in such a worthy cause and to work with such dedicated staff as you at the Food Bank.

Be well.

Rosemary D. and Linda V.

The Food Bank would like to say “thank you” to the Lamorinda NCL group and all the NCL groups we work with through out the year. We could not operate a single day without the help of our wonderful volunteers.

2010 Federal Budget Resolution

2009-03-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

This week the House of Representatives and the Senate will each be considering their respective versions of the FY2010 Budget Resolution. The Budget Resolution sets guidelines for total spending and revenue for FY2010 and subsequent years.

As the Congress prepares to reauthorize and strengthen child nutrition programs, it is important that the Budget Resolution include significant additional funding to strengthen the quality and efficiency of all child nutrition programs, increase participation, and fill the gaps in food service for millions of low-income children so that all children will have access to a safe, nutritious, and healthy diet.

How You Can Help
Right now, we need your assistance in helping to ensure passage of a Budget Resolution that includes significant investments in child nutrition programs. Please call your Senators and House Members by the end of the day Wednesday (April 1), and urge them to support a budget resolution that includes significant added investments in child nutrition programs. You can reach your Senators and House Members by calling the Capitol Switchboard at 202.224.3121.

Please keep us informed on your progress and results by leaving a comment below.

QUESTIONS? For more information about how you can help take action against hunger, please contact Lisa Sherrill at (800) 870-FOOD ext. 206 or lsherrill@foodbankccs.org.

Find your Federal representative by visiting www.house.gov.

Dine In to Fight Childhood Hunger

2009-03-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

Here in the United States, more than 12 million children do not have access to regular healthy meals. That total equates to an astounding 1 in 6 children struggling with hunger. By simply hosting a dinner with your friends and family, you will join the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano in the fight against hunger in our community.

Pledge to host a Dine In dinner anytime between March 15 and April 30, 2009 and use the meal time to discuss the issue of childhood hunger and encourage your family members and friends to join the fight against hunger.

Everything you need to have a successful Dine In meal with your evening with family and friends can be found below. Activities for kids are also included. You have the opportunity to share continuously your experiences online right here at our blog. Let us hear from you! Please leave comments.

Dine In dinner Host Guide (PDF: 163K)

Dine In dinner Invitation (PDF: 53K)

Dine In dinner Empty Seat Placesetting (PDF: 209K)

Dine In dinner Coloring Placemat (PDF: 72K)

hunger facts table cards (PDF: 293K)

Thank you for your support. We look forward to your joining the fight against childhood hunger in our community.

Hunger Solutions

2009-03-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank Joel Berg for speaking at Clayton Books on March 14 and at the Food Bank on March 16. Even if you missed the event, be sure to read the book. Below are Joel's facts for California and his ideas for solving hunger in America.

THE FACTS: California
 According to the USDA, from 2005 to 2007, more than ten percent of California residents were hungry or at risk for hunger – and that was before the recent economic crisis. High food prices and skyrocketing unemployment have only made things worse, as millions of additional Americans have been forced to join the lines at soup kitchens and food pantries in California and across the country.
 In 2006, California ranked last in food stamp participation among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to a 2008 USDA report. (Note: The Federal Food Stamp Program was recently re-named the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.)
 At last tally, in 2007, 36.2 million Americans lived in homes that couldn’t afford enough food – including more than 12 million children.
 According to a Harvard study, hunger costs our country an estimated $90 billion per year in decreased worker productivity, impaired educational performance, and increased health care spending.

THE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
 Reform, streamline, yet increase the purchasing power of more than a dozen existing federal government nutrition programs, like food stamps and school meals.
 Provide universal, free school breakfasts in classrooms to all students, regardless of family income.
 Implement a national plan to increase living wage jobs and slash poverty.
 Give charities the resources they need to fill in the gaps after government has done its job.

To learn more, read the book and visit http://joelberg.net/.

An apple a day is out of reach for more than 36 million Americans.

2009-03-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

This March, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano is recognizing National Nutrition Month® in honor of the more than 36 million Americans that lack access, at all times, to enough food for an active, healthy life. National Nutrition Month® is an education and information campaign sponsored annually by the American Dietetic Association. Those at risk of hunger often cannot afford preventative and follow-up health care services. For this vulnerable population, access to nutritious foods is vital in maintaining good health. Studies show that growing children need a balance of vitamins and minerals for cognitive and behavioral development.The Food Bank is a reliable source of healthy foods for low-income families, delivering over 3.5 millions pounds of fresh produce annually.

The volunteers pictured above are boxing produce for the Food Bank's Farm 2 Kids program. through this program, kids in 40 schools in Contra Costa and Solano counties are able to take home 3-5 pound bags of produce every week during the school year.

We would not be able to continue this critical work and provide nutritious foods without the support of our community. Your food and fund donations are leading our efforts to creating a hunger-free community. Together, we can provide hope to hungry Americans for a better tomorrow.

To learn more about nutritious initiatives happening at the Food Bank, visit www.foodbankccs.org.

One-woman door-to-door campaign against hunger

2009-03-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

In a letter to the Food Bank, Clayton resident, Anna Chan says, "I am a one-woman door-to-door campaign against hunger. In less than one-month, I have personally harvested 1,500+ pounds of citrus from local trees in Concord and Clayton. There is no end in sight. If time allows, it will reach into multiple thousands of pounds of fruit collected. I am hoping to spread the word about my efforts, to spread awareness that fresh produce is accepted at local food pantries." Read more about Anna's efforts in the following local news:

March 11, 2009 Diablo Magazine
http://www.diablomag.com/D-blog/Best-Of-Editor-Picks/March-2009/The-Lemon-Lady-of-Contra-Costa/

February 16, 2009 Mister Writer blog
http://www.misterwriter.com/
http://ccexm.blogspot.com/2009/02/feeding-hungry-with-leftover-fruit-well.html

February 16, 2009 Soccer Mom blog
http://crazyinsuburbia.blogspot.com/2009/02/local-hero-clayton-woman-finds-simple.html

And to Anna we would like to say: you are fantastic! On behalf of the Food Bank, our member agencies, and the 98,000 we help feed each month, thank you for your efforts. You set a great example for others in our community. What an outstanding, community-minded neighbor.

Book Launch

2009-03-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

Please Join Us For the Bay Area Launch of Joel Berg's New Book All You Can Eat: How Hungry Is America.

Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 4:30 pm: Clayton Books, 5433 D Clayton Road, Clayton
or
Monday, March 16, 2009 at 10:00 am: Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, 4010 Nelson Avenue, Concord

Admission is free. Please RSVP for these events by visiting Joel Berg's website here.

I'm just a bill

2009-03-09T15:59:00.001-07:00

Anti-hunger and nutrition advocates from across the nation arrived on Capitol Hill early last week to urge Congress to build upon President Obama's request for additional dollars for child nutrition programs. Barbara Stanley and Lisa Sherrill from the Food Bank (far right) joined advocates from the School Nutrition Association and met with Congressman Miller (back left) to urge him to improve and expand the vital nutrition safety net for low-income children and families. We also took the opportunity to thank the Congressman for the boost to Food Stamps and The Emergency Food Assistance Program within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

We are looking forward to working with Congressman Miller and his staff on the upcoming Child Nutrition Reauthorization. To learn more about this important piece of legislation, visit http://www.foodbankccs.org/give%20help/advocate/advocateCNR.html.

Realtors Give Back

2009-02-25T10:43:00.000-08:00

Mike Handlin, newly elected President of Contra Costa Realtors In Motion, presented two checks on February 24 at their weekly meeting.

Lisa Sherrill, Community Relations Manager, from the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano received a check for $600.00. Margalit Ir, the groups treasurer, is a lender with Bank of America. B of A will match the donation turning it into $1200!!

Mary Perez, founder and director of Christmas for Everyone received a check for $500. Her organization receives food from the Food Bank.

Coming Soon!!! Save the Date!!!!
Fill the Food Bank shelves before Easter with Contra Costa Realtors in Motion Spring Harvest Campaign.

Donate non-perishable food so no one goes hungry while enjoying live music from High Cotton, tasty appetizers from WOW Gatherings and networking with friends on March 25, 2009 5:30 - 7:30 pm at California Custom Carpets, 6815 Dublin Boulevard in Dublin.

For more information please contact: Chairwoman Cathy Lee, secretary Contra Costa Realtors in Motion and owner of C.L. Design Services Home Staging at 925-351-6118 or Chairman Jim Walberg, Keller Williams Danville at 925-260-8800.

How much does it cost to support a family?

2009-02-24T13:46:00.000-08:00

How much must an individual earn to support their family? According to http://www.livingwage.geog.psu.edu/ it would take more than three full-time jobs, earning minimum wage, to support a three person family in our community.

Check it out:
Living Wage Calculation for Contra Costa County, California
Living Wage Calculation for Solano County, California

New Feeding America video features President Obama

2009-02-23T10:14:00.000-08:00

Last week as President Obama addressed the state of the economy, he acknowledged that many Americans are struggling with hunger and are turning to food banks for help. But as those people reach out, he noted, food banks across the country are often unable to keep up with demand. Watch the video from Feeding America to see what the President had to say.

Massive Economic Recovery Plan

2009-02-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

Stimulus bill to create nearly 400,000 jobs in California, White House says. (read more here: http://www.contracostatimes.com/localnews/ci_11693832?nclick_check=1) What do you think of the bill? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Just ask an employee.

2009-02-10T10:27:00.000-08:00

Learn more about the people who work at the Food Bank.
We will ask the same seven questions to different staff members each month.

1. Name: Don McCall

2. What is your position at the Food Bank? Grants Coordinator

3. How long have you worked at the Food Bank? 5 years

4. How/Why did you start working here? I was drafted while doing volunteer work during one of my several periods of unemployment.

5. Why do you enjoy working at the Food Bank? I like to feel that I am helping people who need a helping hand.

6. What do you like to do in your free time? Play the keyboards (music not computer).

7. Tell us one interesting fact about yourself. I’ve been to 30 countries on 4 continents. I’ve scuba dived to a depth of 200 feet.

Here's a photo of Don and a tour group back when he started at the Food Bank.

This is Don dressed as the AT&T mascot, Patches, at the ABC7/Safeway Share Your Holiday Food Drive event.

Souper School

2009-02-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

Kings Valley Christian School collected 1,368 pounds of soup for their 100th day of school food drive!

County Connection picked up the boxes of food from the school and delivered it to the Food Bank.

Local residents go to food banks for help

2009-02-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

Check out this story that ran on ABC7 last night.
Many Bay Area people are standing in line for the first time at food banks.
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/east_bay&id=6642005

Solano County Business News: E-Waste Event Benefitted Suisun City Community

2009-01-29T11:30:00.000-08:00

Solano County Business News: E-Waste Event Benefitted Suisun City Community

Renew America Together a National Day of Service

2009-01-09T16:16:00.000-08:00

This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Feeding America (the national food bank network) is joining with President-elect Obama in calling our hunger advocates to service to help reignite the nation’s spirit of volunteerism and community service. He is inviting all Americans to join him in a National Day of Service, “Renewing America Together,” on January 19, 2009. This new effort, Renew America Together, is not just about stepping up to serve for a single day, but rather about making a continued commitment to serving throughout the year.

The Food Bank is hosting service events on January 19, 2009 and encourages people to come up with their own ideas. Host a food drive that weekend. Kids can hold penny drives and bake sales with their friends. Ask your office to donate what they normally spend on lunch for one day and take lunch to work that day. You can go to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance, 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM at Civic Park Community Center Assembly Hall, 1365 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. The event is co-sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, the Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center, and the City of Walnut Creek. Inspiring speakers, singers, and good-will. Please bring non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties to the event.

Please visit www.USAService.org to learn more about Renew America Together and events in your area including the Food Sorting event here on January 19. This new, interactive website enables Americans across the nation to find volunteer opportunities in their neighborhoods, or to create and host events of their own.

One of the best things you can do to support Renew America Together and our work to feed our neighbors is to invite your friends and family to participate too. Please help us spread the word about this historic opportunity!

Budget Fight Continues

2009-01-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

The Governor’s proposed budget for 2009-10 was released on New Year’s Eve by his Department of Finance. For a summary of the Governor’s proposed $770 million in cuts to health care (many of which have already been rejected numerous times by the Legislature as too severe), see the entry for December 31st on the Health Access Weblog. For a summary of the entire budget package, including $17 billion in cuts and $14 billion in new revenues, see the California Budget Project summary.

Take Action: BUDGET RALLY IN SF, MONDAY 1/12. Budget allies are encouraged to join California Partnership, Health Access, Senior Action Network and many more in rallying in front of the Governor’s office in San Francisco on Monday, January 12th to oppose the Governor’s proposed cuts as too severe. At the rally in San Francisco, we will provide an opportunity for all participants to call the Governor via mobile phone. We will then parade to the Governor’s office to deliver armloads of white carnations bearing the names of people who will be hurt if his cuts are enacted.

Details: Rally flyer (PDF: 133K)

Help us conduct the Hunger Survey in 2009

2009-01-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

Between January and April 2009, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano will be participating in a nationwide survey sponsored by Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest) the national food bank network. We will be talking to hundreds of people who receive food at food pantries and soup kitchens in Solano County and Contra Costa County, asking them detailed questions about their lives and the reasons they cannot afford to buy enough food to feed their families.

The Food Bank needs the help of many volunteers to complete the required number of surveys during the specified time period. We will be conducting interviews everywhere. You do not need to be an experienced social scientist! You just need to be able to read out loud, listen sympathetically and record the answers people give to the questions. We provide two and a half hours of training for all volunteers which includes practice using the survey instrument. We will make every attempt to schedule times and places for you to interview that are convenient for you.

We last did a Hunger Survey in 2005. There have been lots of changes in our communities since then. But hunger is still here. Please help us discover the details about why people need to come to our programs. If you are interested in helping with the Hunger Survey, please let Lindsay know at 707-421-9777 or 925-676-7543 x204. Download a Volunteer Description and Sign-up Form (PDF: 30K) here.

NBC’s Biggest Loser 7th Season Premiers Tonight!

2009-01-06T10:13:00.000-08:00

Tune in tonight, Tuesday, Jan. 6th 8/7c and watch 22 people change their lives. This season Biggest Loser partners with Feeding America (formally named America's Second Harvest) and General Mills with the Pound for Pound Challenge. For every pound America loses a 10¢ donation is made to Feeding America. 10¢ is enough to provide one pound of groceries to a local food bank.

You can help by:

Making a pledge to lose weight and for every pound you lose, General Mills will donate 10 cents to Feeding America*. Enter your weight loss goal at www.PFPChallenge.com.

*$500,000 maximum donation. $100,000 guaranteed minimum donation.

Or mail the Pound For Pound seals from specially-marked General Mills products. For every seal mailed in, General Mills will donate 10 cents** to Feeding America.

**Maximum donation of $275,000

Brands with the Pound For Pound seal include Cheerios®, Honey Nut Cheerios®, MultiGrain Cheerios®, Total®, Fiber One® (Cereal, Bars, Muffin Mix, Pancake Mix, and Yogurt), Green Giant® Valley Fresh Steamers™, Chex Mix® 100 Calorie, Warm Delights® Minis, Bisquick® Heart Health®, Cascadian Farm® (Cereal and Bars), and Yoplait Light®.

Visit www.PFPChallenge.com to join the Challenge to help solve the hunger crisis in America.

Meet Bill, 2008 Volunteer of the Year

2008-12-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

Bill comes to the Food Bank every day willing and able to accomplish any task. He folds, labels, stuffs and seals thank you notes. Bill’s work is invaluable as it is incredibly important that our generous donors are thanked promptly and properly. There are hundreds of acknowledgements to send out every day. Bill always tackles every task with a smile. He has counted mustard and relish packages for the Letter Carrier Food Drive. He has counted pens for the Aramark golf tournament. He runs the button machine better than anyone. He has labeled everything necessary with the change in our Post Office box. He bundles new paper bags in stacks of 50 for food drives. We would not be able to do the gated community food drives without Bill. He even fills in at the front desk as needed. We could not operate a single day without volunteers. There were 37,000 volunteer hours worked by our amazing volunteers this year. According to the Independent Sector report that equates to $722,000 in volunteer work performed by Food Bank volunteers in direct services. That does not even include all of the wonderful agency volunteers. Volunteers are truly the “seeds” that enable us to continue to grow and serve those in need.

What is the Food Bank?

2008-12-23T09:20:00.000-08:00

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano has been serving the communities of Contra Costa and Solano counties for over 30 years. We provide food to 98,000 hungry people in need every month through a network of 180 charitable agencies, and distribute about 9.6 million pounds a year, enough food for 7.68 million meals! The Food Bank works to reduce food waste, feed hungry people, and raise public awareness of issues related to food and hunger. The work could not get done without the help of the hundreds of volunteers that donate their time to coordinate food drives, sort and pack the food, and help distribute it to their hungry neighbors. To learn more about the Food Bank and the work we do or to find out how you can help, please visit us on the web at www.foodbankccs.org or give us a call at 800-870-FOOD.