June 2020 Newsletter

JUNE 2020

Greetings!

River City Food Bank is now serving a record 4,500 people per week. As I reflect on this and all that has happened this month, I am full of emotion and hope.

During our emergency food distributions, I have met people who recently lost income, discussed systemic racism and talked with children struggling to understand why they could not see their friends.

Despite challenges and ongoing health concerns, I am encouraged by the strength, courage and optimism I see every day. I am inspired by people moved to action - marching for equality, supporting PRIDE and volunteering time to make our community better.

River City Food Bank has served Sacramento for more than 50 years. Guided by core values including dignity, compassion and respect, we stand with our neighbors for equality and justice.

With your help, we continue our work to alleviate hunger. Your kindness provides health and hope to thousands of families every month . On behalf of RCFB and all the people we serve, THANK YOU.

With Gratitude,

Amanda McCarthy

Executive Director

Food Access & Equality

June has been a time of reflection - a time to listen and truly hear those struggling to be heard. This month we celebrated 155 years of freedom from slavery, as well as the 50th anniversary of the first PRIDE march. These monumental moments in history resonate within our community and have allowed us the chance to do better - to be better.

Studies have shown that food insecurity among LGBTQ+ populations and communities of color are disproportionately high. Access to healthy, affordable food is a basic human right.

We recognize that there is still work to be done and we remain steadfast in our commitment to stand with our community for equality and justice. RCFB continues to be a part of the solution by offering nutritious food to all of our neighbors in need and by partnering with agencies who serve those populations most impacted by hunger.

Community Partner Spotlight:

Wells Fargo

For the past 12 years, Wells Fargo has provided nearly $200,000 in support of River City Food Bank and its mission to alleviate hunger in Sacramento. This invaluable collaboration has been instrumental in expanding our program services, including opening a second distribution site in Arden-Arcade--a known food desert with a large refugee population struggling with food insecurity. Wells Fargo has shown time and time again that it is truly a company that cares about the health and well-being of our community.

“In recent months, many Sacramentans have lost their jobs or faced reduced work hours affecting their ability to meet basic needs like food and shelter,” said Wells Fargo Community Relations Associate Manager Kären Woodruff . “With this increase need, comes an increased need to financially support nonprofits like River City Food Bank that are addressing food insecurities and carrying out food distributions in our community. Wells Fargo is proud to lend our support to River City Food Bank and thank the organization, its staff and volunteers for working tirelessly to help provide nutritious foods to individuals and families in Sacramento.”

This support is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic when many families are experiencing hunger for the very first time. RCFB went from serving an average of 12,000 people per month to an alarming 21,000 per month. To meet this increased need, Wells Fargo generously awarded River City Food Bank with $15,000. In addition, Wells Fargo was instrumental in receiving our PPP funding, which allowed our essential business to continue uninterrupted.

We cannot thank them enough for going above and beyond to provide health and hope to our neighbors.

Empty Bowls is Going Virtual

River City Food Bank is excited to announce that we will be hosting our first ever livestream virtual event on August 27 at 7pm !

While this is not the Empty Bowls we had envisioned for this year, we are grateful for the opportunity to share more about the work RCFB is doing to alleviate hunger in our community.

This would not be possible without YOU and your continued support of our mission - we cannot thank you enough!

REGISTRATION IS FREE

Moving to a virtual platform, there will be no ticket required to attend. As the date gets closer, we will send a link to the event. All it takes is a Smartphone, iPad or computer to participate!

If you purchased a ticket to the 2020 Empty Bowls event, you can:

Donate the cost of your ticket to support River City Food Bank (tax deductible and you will receive a receipt); or
Request a full refund (please allow 5-7 business days to process).

THE NEED IS GROWING

Since March, RCFB has seen a 30% increase in service through our Emergency Food Distribution program, and the need continues to rise. Families who have never needed the food bank before are suddenly facing hunger for the first time. Funds raised during our livestream “Fill the Bowl” fundraiser will allow RCFB to meet this need and provide health and hope to our neighbors.

Throughout the next month, we will send additional information regarding event details and registration. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to me at 916-217-1951 or efatula@rivercityfoodbank.org .

A big THANK YOU to our sponsors who make this event possible!

Monique's Story

Monique lost her job at a customer service call center on March 17 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She has tried her best to budget, but 3 months is a long time to go without a steady income. Monique needs help putting food on the table for her daughter, Hope, and knows that she is welcome at River City Food Bank.

“We have used the food bank in the past, but only when we absolutely needed it. Now is one of those times. We are so grateful for the support we get here.”

Healthy Recipe of the Month

Each guest that comes to River City Food Bank can receive fresh local fruits and vegetables, dairy items, protein/meat, canned goods, dried goods and whole grains.

Try this delicious vegetarian recipe with simple, nutritionally-balanced ingredients you find at the food bank!