River City Food Bank
Organization Overview
River City Food Bank provides short-term food supply to the greater Sacramento region when individuals are unable to meet basic living expenses. They serve thousands of people a month, giving them healthy meal options. In addition to food, River City Food Bank also provides nutrition education programs helping clients shop better and eat healthier.
In 2011, River City Food Bank received the Inspire Giving grant to rebuild their facility after it had been destroyed by a devastating fire in October 2010. Despite losing its home and everything in it, the food bank continued to serve.
How is COVID-19 impacting River City Food Bank?
In mid-March, the increasing concern of COVID-19 and required restrictions around large gatherings in Sacramento forced River City to cancel its largest and most profitable giving event of the year, the Empty Bowls Fundraiser. Because of this, the River City team is facing real-life challenges, including the cost of putting on a large event without guest attendance.
Last year, the River City Food Bank saw a 40% increase in services needed. Now with the addition of COVID19, the food bank is serving people who have never needed the resources in the past, but do now. A larger number of people who need access to emergency food and assistance now that many have been laid off or unable to return to work are coming to the food bank for support. River City Food Bank typically serves an average of 200 families per day at the Midtown location but have seen a 20% increase this week. They anticipate this will only increase as people run out of their reserves and need access to food
There is less food available from their grocery partners.
As schools have closed, they have a reduction in staff’s ability to work their full schedules.
How Can I Help?
Make a financial donation: They will leverage these funds to purchase wholesale food items and make those dollars stretch further. You can donate online or send a check (made payable to River City Food Bank) at P.O. Box 160204 Sacramento, CA, 95816
Provide in-kind donations: Donate non-perishable, high protein foods as well as non-food items (diapers, wipes, hygiene products). You can donate in-kind donations on Mondays from 9am-3pm at the Midtown location at 1800 28th Street, Sacramento, CA, 955816.
Volunteer: You can still volunteer in groups less than 10. Please email Jena Robinson, Program and Operations Manager at jrobinson@rivercityfoodbank.org to schedule a time.
Helping Others
The River City Food Bank has a streamlined, modified food distribution process that has proven to be very successful. They are happy to share best practices with other organizations that are struggling to adjust to the current situatio
Will they be participating in the Big Day of Giving?
Yes! You can find their GivingEdge profile here: https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/rivercityfoodbank