Exciting News from Elk Grove Food Bank!

Volume 2021-02 | February 2021

News & Updates from Elk Grove Food Bank Services

February 2021 eNewsletter from Elk Grove Food Bank Services

Message from Marie

Dear Friends:

Happy New Year! It is hard to believe we’re already in the second month of this new year. The Food Bank accomplished so much in 2020. Amidst all the struggle, loss, and heartache of the past year, a few silver linings have emerged. The long-standing issue of hunger and food insecurity is now in the national spotlight. We must continue to fill the immediate needs while also creating long-lasting changes. We have been amazed at the solidarity and resiliency of our community during these unprecedented times. I am both grateful and inspired by the untiring generosity of our supporters and friends. You answered our call for help and it's this unconditional support that keeps us going. When it comes to fighting hunger, it will take all of us working together. YOU ARE ESSENTIAL!

Here’s a brief look back at 2020:

· 1,111,293 meals served to more than 120,000 people

· Clothing provided to 17,532 people

· $8,000 in utility assistance provided to residents in the 95624 zip code

· 27,500 seniors served

· 32,400 children, including infants, served

· 42,669 households / families served

· 573 homeless served

· 20,753 volunteer hours donated

· 235 seniors adopted at Christmas, thanks to the efforts and support of the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce

Looking forward to 2021:

While the New Year brings many uncertainties, I believe it also brings hope. We have implemented two new mobile distribution sites and plan to add a new Children’s Choice Program this summer.

Most significantly, by this time next year Elk Grove Food Bank Services will finally have a permanent home after 47 years! The new facility will meet our evolving and increased needs as we build a new infrastructure that has been deeply impacted by COVID-19. Please join us in our efforts! I can't wait for all we will accomplish for those in need, now and in the future.

In Service,

Marie Jachino

Executive Director

Serving of Hope Capital Campaign

We are excited to launch the Elk Grove Food Bank Services Serving of Hope Capital Campaign. Our goal is big – $500,000 – but if these last few years have taught us anything, it’s to dream big, work hard, and persevere! We are so close to achieving what was only a dream for so long – finding a forever home for the Elk Grove Food Bank! And here we are! The land has been purchased, the designs have been drawn, and the City of Elk Grove has given us their blessing in the form of an approval from the Zoning Administrator. We have crossed the t's and dotted the i's and are planning to break ground in March!

Even after Assemblymember Jim Cooper was able to secure four million dollars in state funding for a permanent facility, we are short by $500,000. Construction costs have increased. Furniture, roof repairs, HVAC replacement – all costly and more than anticipated. But we’ve come this far – we won’t give up now!

The Need

The Food Bank, along with the entire nation, is in the midst of a hunger crisis. We play a critical role in food security here in our local community and the South County, for so many vulnerable groups. 23% of our clients are seniors and another 27% are children. We know that hunger is an economic issue, but it carries with it severe and long-lasting physiological, psychological, and behavioral problems if left unaddressed. While EGFBS is making steady progress to alleviate food insecurity, much work needs to be done. Located at 9888 Kent Street, just off Waterman Road, our new facility will more than double our existing space, allowing us to significantly and dramatically increase our capacity to reach and serve families, seniors, children, and the homeless. In addition, we will be able to provide innovative and educational programs to foster long-term sustainability.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented all of us with countless and unimaginable challenges this last year. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity from our donors, Elk Grove Food Bank Services was not only able to continue its community outreach, but was able to expand its reach and services. It is our supporters who remain at the heart of all we are able to accomplish and who respond in ways far greater than we ever expect.

Facility Expenses in addition to the property purchase (2 acres) and new warehouse construction (9,934 square feet)

Land improvements and utilities

Building permits

600 square foot walk-in refrigerator and freezer

Shelving

Furniture

Contingency costs

Roof repair on the office building

HVAC unit replacement in the office building

Your Help

And so we come to you once again to ask for your help in securing the necessary funds to ensure the Elk Grove Food Bank has a permanent facility to provide one of the most basic needs – food – to the most vulnerable in our community – seniors, disabled, the working poor, and those unemployed. For these individuals and families, a serving of hope is a box of groceries.

EGFBS is building a special donor wall of recognition. Whether an individual donor, family, organization, or business, you are invited to add your name at one of the following investment levels:

Diamond - $100,000+
Platinum - $50,000 to $99,999
Gold - $25,000 to $49,999
Silver - $10,000 to $24,999
Bronze - $5,000 to $9,999
Friend - $1,500 to $4,999

Naming Rights Opportunity:

Healing Garden - $ 25,000

Thank You

The Elk Grove Food Bank Services vision for the future wouldn't be possible without the support and generosity of our friends and donors. Heartfelt thanks to Assemblymember Cooper and the many individuals, community partners, businesses, service clubs, and groups who have supported this journey. If you haven't already, please join us in providing a serving of hope for a stronger, healthier region – both now and into the future.

Checks made payable to Elk Grove Food Bank Services can be mailed to PO Box 1447, Elk Grove, CA 95759. (Please note Capital Campaign on the memo line so your donation will be applied correctly.) To donate by credit card, please visit https://elkgrovefoodbank.org/how-to-help/capital-campaign/ . For more information or questions, please call Executive Director Marie Jachino directly at 916.690.8869.

How will you leave your legacy on the new Food Bank facility?