July 2024 Newsletter

June 2024

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Dear Erika,

As summer progresses, River City Food Bank (RCFB) has seen an uptick in the number of people seeking our services. This year, RCFB has served an average of 6,865 people per week, including many families coming to the food bank for the very first time. This would not be possible without the incredible support of our dedicated staff, volunteers, and donors, who show up every day to support our neighbors in need. They are the heartbeat of our organization and truly make our work possible.

Natalie is currently between homes and sleeping in her car. She depends on RCFB for meals while she looks for stable housing and employment. Natalie said, “Thank you for staying open during the heat. It’s hard to live outside when it is so hot and coming here means that I can get food and water to take care of myself.” When Natalie shared this, one of our volunteers immediately replied, “We will always be here when you need us!”

I am beyond grateful for the generosity of River City Food Bank’s amazing volunteers who embody our core values, treating every guest with dignity, compassion, and respect. Your kindness means that our neighbors, including Natalie, can access healthy groceries without barriers or judgment – thank you!

With gratitude,

Amanda McCarthy

Executive Director

Save the Date for Empty Bowls

Save the Date!

River City Food Bank is excited to host the 21^st Annual Empty Bowls event at the Sacramento Zoo on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

As RCFB’s only major fundraiser, Empty Bowls provides critical operating support to purchase and distribute healthy food to anyone experiencing hunger in Sacramento County.

We hope you can join us for an evening featuring delicious food, amazing music, exciting auction items, and an inspiring program.

Tickets will go on sale Monday, August 5th.

Sponsorships still available!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Vote for River City Food Bank

We are thrilled to announce that River City Food Bank has been nominated as the Best Nonprofit and the Best Place to Volunteer in the Sacramento Bee’s Sacramento Favorites awards!

This incredible honor reflects the dedication of our amazing volunteers and the strong support from our community. Your hard work and compassion make a significant difference every day.

Voting has started, and we need your help to keep this momentum going! You can submit a vote for your favorite Sacramento organizations and businesses, including RCFB, once a day until voting closes on August 9th.

Vote daily!

Go to: https://www.sacramentofavorites.com/

For Best Nonprofit – Click SERVICES and then NONPROFIT

For Best Place to Volunteer – Click THINGS TO DO and then PLACE TO VOLUNTEER

Thank you for being a vital part of our mission to nourish our community with love and dignity. Let’s continue making a positive impact together!

VOTE HERE

Volunteers Needed

Volunteer Needs

Join us at the Arden location on Wednesdays!

RCFB is in need of additional volunteers to assist with food distribution for the families and guests in the Arden area.

When: Every Wednesday

⏰ Time: 10am - 2pm

Where: Arden site, 2300 Edison Avenue, Sacramento 95821

New Volunteer Opportunity

Join us at the Midtown location on Wednesdays!

Join us every Wednesday as we prepare for Thursday food distribution to more than 300 households. We are looking for five volunteers each week to help with preparations. Your consistent support is invaluable in helping us serve our community.

When: Wednesday

⏰ Time: 10am - 1pm

Where: Midtown site,1800 28th Street, Sacramento 95816

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER

Donations Needed

Help Neighbors Stay Hydrated and Healthy

River City Food Bank's unsheltered guests need your help to beat summer heat! We are currently seeking donated cases of water and protein bars to support our food distribution efforts.

Your generous contribution will provide much-needed nourishment to those experiencing homelessness, especially during hot summer months. Please deliver to:

RCFB Midtown

1800 28th St., Sacramento 95816

Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Place non-perishable food donations in barrel on the side of the building or ask to see a staff member if assistance or donation receipt is needed.

Brandon Ralph, Operations Coordinator

Contact: bralph@rivercityfoodbank.org

Your support is crucial and makes an incredible difference!

CLICK HERE FOR FOOD DONATION HOURS

#AllAreWelcome at RCFB

A Reminder of our Core Values

At River City Food Bank, #AllAreWelcome. We proudly welcome anyone experiencing hunger in Sacramento County, regardless of zip code or background. Our guests come from diverse cultures, religions, races, ethnicities, and walks of life. No matter the circumstance, we are here to provide healthy groceries and serve each guest with dignity, compassion and respect.

At River City Food Bank, we believe in the power of community and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.

Helpful Tips When Visiting RCFB

Stay Hydrated and Cool

As the weather heats up, RCFB's security team member, Dee, encourages everyone to prepare for the heat when waiting in line to stay comfortable by following these tips.

Bring water and wear cool clothing
Bring your RCFB guest number, if you have one
Bring your own bags and cart

Stay safe and hydrated and thank you for being part of our community!

CalFresh Corner

RCFB's CalFresh outreach team helps anyone experiencing food insecurity to submit expenses and/or calculate current benefits.

CalFresh assistance is currently available by appointment or drop-in at RCFB's Emergency Food Distribution sites:

Midtown Site

1800 28th St. Sacramento 95816

Tuesday & Thursday

10:30am-1:30pm

Arden-Arcade Site

The Center at St. Matthew's

2300 Edison Ave Sacramento 95821

Wednesday & Friday

10:30am-1:30pm

CalFresh services in the following languages: English, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian and German.

What's New with CalFresh

Attention Families:

Sun Bucks is available

This summer, many families are set to receive Sun Bucks, California's Summer EBT program.

Families qualify for this benefit if 1) they were eligible for free or reduced-price school meals in the past school year by submitting an application or Alternative Income Form, or 2) if they received CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal for at least one month of the school year.

If eligible families will automatically receive a one-time payment of $120. The Sun Bucks cards are being mailed out by child’s last name: June- A-D, July -E-L, August M-Z.

For more information: cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks

Exciting Community Outreach Updates

Join us for our Back-to-School events! We're excited to participate in two upcoming resource fairs where we'll be giving away backpacks and other essentials.

Catch us at the Back to School Extravaganza at McClellan Air Force Base, 5703 Skvarla Ave., on Saturday, August 10 from 10:00am -1:00pm.

We'll also be at the Highlands Charter School Resource Fair, 2520 33rd St. in Oak Park, on Friday, August 2 from 10:00am - 1:00pm and 3:00pm - 6:00pm.

We look forward to seeing you there and helping students get ready for the new school year!

Find CalFresh Outreach this month:

RCFB will be tabling at summer lunch library programs from 12pm - 1pm:

Thursday, August 1:

North Highlands Library 4235 Antelope Rd.

Tuesday, August 6:

Fair Oaks Library

11601 Fair Oaks Blvd.

Thursday, August 8:

Sylvan Oaks Library

FootHills Farm:6700 Auburn Blvd.

Stretch Your Dollars at the Store

CalFresh recipients get funds based on their income and other qualifiers, with the smallest amount being $23.

Check out this short video on how to make those dollars go further and remember to visit River City Food Bank for extra healthy groceries!

Thank You CalFresh Funders

Meet Your Neighbor

"I am glad to be here with my father."

Sam and his son, Tracy, recently visited River City Food Bank for the first time. Tracy, a resourceful 13-year-old, found us on Facebook while searching for community support. Sam, originally from Nigeria, moved to the U.S. in the early 1980’s to study business. He had planned to return to Nigeria to join his father's cocoa farm, but the country's shift from agriculture to oil, coupled with corruption, altered his path.

After arriving at RCFB's Arden site, Sam and Tracy were pleased to see the line move quickly. At the intake table for new guests, they met Amelia, one of RCFB’s wonderful volunters. They were thrilled to meet friendly and respectful people who listened and helped them get enough food for their family that day. Sam was pleasantly surprised by the amount of food they received, especially the fresh produce.

We're here to support families like Sam and Tracy’s as they navigate these challenging times. Their story embodies the resilience and strength of our community, and we're grateful to be a part of their journey.