Author: Heather Rudow

Planning for Tomorrow, Feeding People Today: Linda and Bill’s Story

August 15, 2025

Every Friday afternoon, Linda delivers groceries for the Food Bank to neighbors along the same route in Central Marin — something she’s done for more than many years. 

In that time, she’s seen the community change. But her weekly volunteer shift, part of the Food Bank’s Home-Delivered Groceries program, has remained a constant, rooted in connection and care for the people she serves. 

“We don’t plan anything else on Friday afternoon,” she says. “It’s blocked off for the Food Bank, and we love looking forward to it.” 

Many of the people Linda visits are older adults or have limited mobility, making it hard to get to a pantry or store. And, in some ways, the visit from Linda means just as much as the food itself. 

“I’ve gotten to know the people I deliver to,” she says. “It’s not just about the food. It’s about showing up. And that connection goes both ways.” 

For Linda and her husband Bill, supporting the San Francisco Marin Food Bank has always been personal. They’ve seen how hunger shows up in their own community and they’ve made it their mission to help. 

That’s why they decided to include the Food Bank in their estate plans. 

“We don’t have children,” Linda explains. “So, when we thought about what we wanted our legacy to be, we knew we wanted to support organizations doing work that truly matters. The Food Bank does that.” 

When they learned that Marin has one of the highest poverty rates in the Bay Area (a 17% child poverty rate and a 14.4% overall rate, according to the Public Policy Institute of California), they were stunned. “People think this is a wealthy county,” Linda says. “But hunger is here. You don’t have to be [visibly] poor to be hungry, and a lot of people are struggling silently.” 

Bill, a former financial analyst, says they carefully vetted every organization in their trust, and the Food Bank stands out. “We looked at the impact, the transparency, how far every dollar goes,” he says. “The Food Bank does the work and makes a real difference.” 

Their legacy gift will help the Food Bank continue meeting immediate needs while investing in long-term change — like providing even more neighbors with home-delivered groceries and advocating for policy solutions that address the root causes of hunger. 

Linda says she and Bill often talk about planned giving with friends, hoping to plant a seed and a sense of urgency. 

“A lot of folks say, ‘I’ll get to it someday,’” Linda says. “But it doesn’t work that way. You have to put it in writing, spell it out, and make it real. It was easy for us because we feel so strongly about it.” 

Learn more about legacy giving

 

 

“We have a voice, and I didn’t realize that.” Celebrating the First Food PAC Cohort

August 12, 2025

Amid the backdrop of the largest cut to food assistance in our nation’s history, Food Bank staff, Food Policy and Advocacy Coalition (Food PAC) members, and their loved ones came together on July 11 to celebrate the graduation of our inaugural Food PAC cohort. 

“This has been a transformative chapter,” said Policy & Advocacy Manager Alex Raffanti. “You are not just the first cohort. You are the standard, the example, and the beginning of something very, very powerful.” 

Over 18 months, Food PAC members sharpened their skills in advocacy and public speaking, and learned the ins and outs of policymaking. Drawing on their lived experience of hunger, members helped shape the questions in our Policy Survey, which directly informed the Food Bank’s 2025 Policy Agenda. This hard work culminated in a trip to Sacramento for California Hunger Action Day, where they met with legislators to advocate for policies on behalf of their neighbors. 

“When we went to Sacramento, that was such an eye-opener for me,” said Glen, a Food PAC graduate. “To actually go and speak before a representative and push for something that everybody is going to benefit from, that’s outstanding. We have a voice, and I didn’t realize that… Those people listen. They are paying attention. And I think the more we put effort into that, the more is going to come out of it.” 

Sizi, another graduate, emphasized the importance of creating space for people who have experienced hunger to be involved in policy decisions. 

“I’m super grateful for the opportunity to have a seat at the table,” she said. “Sometimes it’s tough for community members to really engage in advocacy work because of the situations we’re living through. That’s due to the systems that are in place, unfortunately. But as we engage more, I think that’s where we find the strength to really persevere.” 

Sizi also shared powerful reminder of why food banks matter, why the Food PAC’s work matters, and who this is for.  

“That’s where we get our food,” she said. “That’s where my grandma gets her food. My aunts, my cousins. So, thank you to the Food Bank for partnering with organizations that are providing healthy fruits and vegetables for our kids and for our seniors.” 

Greer spoke about how the Food PAC helped her find a sense of purpose and connection. 

“Joining the Food PAC has made such a difference in my life,” she said. “To build this community and be able to tell my story has just been life-changing for me.” 

She added, “I have enjoyed every mile that it’s taken to drive out here. And meeting everyone and developing relationships with people has just been great.” 

Before handing out certificates, Assemblymember Damon Connolly, who represents District 12 in Marin, encouraged the graduates to keep going. 

“As someone who serves in Sacramento on your behalf, I can tell you that real change happens when members of the public show up, by calling, emailing, attending committee hearings, and meeting with legislators.,” he said. “Sharing your perspectives helps us make the case not just here in the Bay Area, but across the state.” 

We’re so proud of this cohort and excited to see how they continue to lead and inspire. 

 

 

We’re currently accepting applicants for the next cohort! 

If you’re passionate about making a difference (especially if you’ve experienced food insecurity), apply now! You’ll learn advocacy skills and contribute to policy change – no prior experience needed. We require a 12-month commitment, with about 5 hours of work per month. You’ll need to speak English (reading and writing can be developed) and will be compensated $100/month. 

Apply now 

Carolyn & Stephen’s Smart Giving

August 8, 2025

A lot has changed since Carolyn and Stephen started giving to the Food Bank in 1995, but their commitment to making an impact — and Carolyn’s passion for smart financial giving — hasn’t wavered. 

“I’m obsessed with learning about financial tactics and trends,” says Carolyn, a former financial professional with Wells Fargo and Charles Schwab.  

This expertise drove her to ensure her donations had the greatest impact, and the Food Bank stood out as one of the most efficient ways to help. 

“We feel like our dollars really make a difference here,” Carolyn says. “The Food Bank is one of the most efficient ways to get aid to people. With all the food given to the community, our contributions go even further. We were like, wow, this is even more than we thought in terms of efficiency and really giving directly to people who need help.” 

After touring the Food Bank’s San Francisco location, Carolyn and her husband, Stephen, felt even more invested in its mission. And, when the pandemic hit, they wanted to do more than donate. 

“I’m a high-energy person, and I wanted to help,” Carolyn says. “And there were so many people who needed it.”

Over the course of lockdown and social distancing, she and Stephen spent hundreds of volunteer hours packing bags of food to ensure that no one went hungry. 

“The Food Bank is a great way to donate with your hands,” Stephen says. “It’s one of the few organizations where you can actually be on the ground with the people receiving services.” He loves that the Food Bank “encourages donors to be part of the action.” 

Stephen and Carolyn are also inspired by how far their donations go at the Food Bank. Since only about 6% of food is directly purchased by the Food Bank, donated food provides most of the supply, allowing us to operate more efficiently.  

Making Donations Go Further 

Given her financial know-how, Carolyn knows a good deal when she sees one. That’s why she donates to the Food Bank in stock instead of cash. 

“It’s good for the Food Bank, and it’s good for me too,” she says. 

Donating stock lets you avoid capital gains taxes while still getting a full tax deduction for the total market value. That means the Food Bank gets more, and you save money. 

An Easy Way to Make an Impact 

Donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds is one of the smartest ways to give: it’s tax-efficient, fully deductible, and helps get more food to neighbors in need. And with the Food Bank’s online tool, making a stock donation takes less than five minutes. 

For anyone feeling nervous about trying a new way to donate, Carolyn offers a reassuring message:

“If it sounds complicated, give it a try once,” she says, “and you’ll realize it’s really not that difficult.”

Patty’s Story: From Pantry Volunteer to Neighborhood Representative

July 28, 2025

When Patricia “Patty” Madrigal moved to Novato in early 2020, she was looking for work that aligned with her values. That’s why, when the opportunity to work at the Food Bank came up, she called it “a no-brainer.”   

“I attended and volunteered at food pantries growing up,” she recalls. So, joining the Food Bank was a full-circle moment. And that personal connection shapes how she approaches her work five years later.   

Patty checking in participants at a neighborhood pantry.

As a Food Bank Neighborhood Representative (NR) for Novato, San Rafael, and West Marin, Patty works closely with local pantries and community organizations to strengthen food access across the region. And, for this type of work, Patty’s knack for collaboration is key. 

“Patty works tirelessly to support her partnerships in Marin,” says Tina Gonzales, Director of Community Partnerships. “She’s built strong relationships by leaning into each partner’s strengths and allowing time for change.”   

That trust helped Patty guide two large sites through the switch to the Food Bank’s Pantry Enrollment System (PES), a shared, centralized database that helps manage long lines and makes food pickup smoother. With Patty’s support, both sites kept serving hundreds of households while making the change behind the scenes. 

“Patty’s support and willingness to listen helped her co-create the best path forward with those partners,” says Tina.   

People are often surprised by just how much Patty manages, supporting pantries across a geographically spread-out and logistically complex region.   

“Marin is one of the wealthiest counties in California,” Patty says, “but that masks the truth. There’s severe income inequality, limited affordable housing, and a real struggle to access nutritious food, especially in remote areas.”   

That’s why Patty’s work is all about meeting people where they are — literally. She’s helped open and grow pantries at schools, clinics, and other trusted partners in the community. She also works closely with partner staff running day-to-day distributions, offering trainings, helping with food safety, and staying connected to what each site needs. 

“Patty is instrumental to the trust and goodwill the Food Bank has built in Marin County,” Tina adds. “She’s a hard worker and a supportive senior program coordinator to the NR team. She’s always positive, dependable, and focused on solutions.”   

For Patty, the work is a chance to give back through the very systems that once supported her family, and to make sure others receive the same care and connection.   

“The gratitude I hear from our partners and the people we serve keeps me going,” she says. “It means a lot to be part of something that brings real support to the community.” 

A Legacy of Care: Western Addition Family Resource Center Food Pantry

July 2, 2025

It was a bright, sunny morning in San Francisco’s Western Addition neighborhood. And inside the Buchanan YMCA, that warmth was reflected in the energy of neighbors, volunteers, and employees celebrating the launch of the Western Addition YMCA Family Resource Center (FRC) food pantry. Music filled the gymnasium as community members lined up alongside tables stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, tofu, and pantry staples like peanut butter and rice — all provided by the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. 

This new pantry, a collaboration between the Buchanan YMCA, Urban Services YMCA, and the Food Bank, is more than a place to pick up groceries. It’s a reflection of a long-standing commitment to community care. With Urban Services moving into the Buchanan YMCA last year, neighbors now have access to both health and social services under one roof. The Food Bank’s support has strengthened that safety net, giving the community even more essential resources and support to thrive. 

A Crucial Moment for Food Access 

The timing couldn’t be more critical. Since the pantry opened in late January, the neighborhood’s only grocery store has closed, leaving residents with even fewer nearby options for fresh, healthy food. Many also rely on the Food Bank’s nearby pop-up pantries, which are closing in June due to government funding cuts. While the Food Bank has worked with existing pantries to accommodate more participants, gaps in access remain. To help fill them, the YMCA and the Food Bank created a pantry that not only provides nutritious food but ensures it reflects the diverse cultural traditions of the community. 

Cesnae Crawford, Senior Executive Director at Urban Services YMCA, believes food access should go beyond availability to include culturally relevant ingredients that truly serve the community. “I’ve been to food pantries where they reject so much food because it doesn’t reflect the culture of the people being served,” he says. “That’s why it was so important that our pantry got it right from the start.” 

That commitment to meeting the community’s needs is exactly why the Food Bank was eager to collaborate. Tina Gonzales, Director of Community Partnerships at the Food Bank, has worked with Cesnae for years on the YMCA’s other pantry programs and knew this collaboration would make an impact. “Cesnae has always been a strong community advocate,” she says. “When [the YMCA] was ready to start a pantry in the Western Addition, we were happy to partner. This pantry will help us reach the African American communities connected to the YMCA and provide much-needed support.” 

Meeting the Neighborhood’s Needs 

“This building has been a safe haven through history,” says Suzanne Medina, Buchanan YMCA executive director. Since 1936, Japantown and Western Addition residents from all backgrounds came to the Buchanan YMCA in search of solidarity and a safety net — including during some of history’s most difficult moments. Before World War II, Japanese American families gathered here as part of their daily lives, only to be forced into internment camps by the U.S. government. At the same time, Black families and servicemen migrating from the South for wartime jobs made the Western Addition their home. The Buchanan YMCA became a central gathering place for them, too — providing support, recreation, and a sense of belonging during a time of segregation. 

It’s why opening a food pantry here feels especially meaningful. “This has always been a place where people walk in and feel at home, feel safe,” Suzanne says. “Adding a pantry deepens that sense of security for folks who need it, especially our seniors. Many have relied on our building for health and wellness services, and now, having access to nutritious food alongside preventative programs — like diabetes prevention and brain health — makes a real difference. It all ties back to what we eat.” 

For many, including a resident named John, opening day was their first time visiting a food pantry. John moved to San Francisco from Kenya in December and discovered the pantry through senior education classes at the YMCA. Now living with his daughter and two grandchildren, he says it’s already making a difference in helping his family afford groceries. “The bills, the cost of living — it goes down,” he says, relieved that the family has one less burden. John says he’s thankful to bring home fresh, healthy food without the stress of rising prices. 

Whether due to accessibility challenges or simply not knowing where to turn, neighbors now have a welcoming place to get the nourishment their families need and can connect with others at their neighborhood YMCA where the legacy of community connections runs deep. 

At Owl’s Nest Pantry, Everyone Belongs

June 26, 2025

Ruben assisting students and families at Owl’s Nest Pantry.

When people think of San Francisco’s Castro district, they often think of its history as a haven for LGBTQ+ communities and as a one of the country’s most well-known centers of queer activism.  

It’s a neighborhood with a precedent for people showing up for each other regardless of where they come from. You can still see that welcoming tradition on Thursday afternoons at Everett Middle School’s Owl’s Nest Pantry, where a volunteer-led food pantry provides groceries to students, their families, and fellow Castro neighbors.  

The pantry is run in partnership with the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, which supplies fresh produce, pantry staples, and culturally relevant food every week. It’s staffed entirely by volunteers and hosted at the school, so families can pick up groceries in a space that feels familiar and supportive.  

As the school’s Community Coordinator and Facilities Manager, Ruben helps lead the Owl’s Nest Pantry and acts as a key link between the administration and the community. He’s a problem solver who keeps things running smoothly for students, families, and staff. Because of this, he’s deeply aware of how much students rely on support through the school that’s provided outside the classroom. 

 “Eighty percent of our students [have] free and reduced lunch,” Ruben says. “We have 90 families that are homeless or in shelters. So, if we look at the data, that’s even more reason to open this pantry.”  

He also thinks about his own childhood. Ruben grew up in a single-parent household and knows what it’s like to make hard choices at a young age just to avoid going hungry.  

“It was difficult for me growing up,” he recalls. “I understand what struggle is, and that compels me to want to work harder for our families.”  

 About half of Everett’s students are “newcomers” — recently-arrived immigrant, refugee, or asylee youth — and Ruben says it’s essential that Owl’s Nest Pantry reflects the diversity he sees in Everett’s hallways. 

“A lot of our families live different lifestyles,” he says. “We need to embrace that and make sure we’re serving all families, not just some.”  

AJ, a parent and regular pantry volunteer, appreciates the welcoming environment and is grateful to be a part of it. Like Ruben and the families who visit, he knows what it’s like to need help.  

AJ, a longtime volunteer at Owl’s Nest Pantry and parent of a student at Everett Middle.

“I come from a family who didn’t have very much money,” AJ says. “We stood in line for government cheese and had food stamps. It was really hard as a teenager.”  

AJ, who identifies as trans, has lived in the neighborhood for many years. He says it matters to him to be a friendly, visible presence for the queer youth and families who come to the pantry.  

“I like that I can hopefully make people’s days easier and not harder [by] being compassionate and kind,” he says.  

His connection to the Castro and serving his community runs deep.  

“My dad also lived here for a lot of years,” AJ says. “He was gay and died in 2016 [from] AIDS. And so also being in the Castro in particular — and we did a lot of volunteering — it’s a nice way to give back.”  

The pantry at Everett Middle is a reminder that people are still showing up, making sure their neighbors feel seen, supported, and have enough to eat. 

In a city where the cost of living keeps rising and the future feels uncertain for many families, having an anchor like Ow’s Nest Pantry— and people like Ruben — is essential. This past May, Everett Middle named its auditorium after him in recognition of more than 40 years of service to students and their families. Nearly a hundred people gathered to celebrate and honor him, including educators, parents, pantry volunteers, and students. 

“As I walk by the auditorium, I feel proud to have been part of so many special memories,” he says. “We laughed, cried and celebrated…. I’m not quite done yet and have the opportunity to continue to host events in the Ruben Urbina Auditorium. This [school] has always been a magical place and my home away from home.” 

“This Is the Village”: Homeless Prenatal Program

June 23, 2025

Pregnancy and parenthood are overwhelming even in the most ideal circumstances. For some, the time before a baby arrives is spent choosing the right stroller or figuring out how to install a car seat. But for parents without stable housing or income, the stakes are higher. Every decision feels critical: rent or diapers, formula or gas, all while trying to get enough nourishing food to support a healthy pregnancy. 

For 36 years, Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP) has helped lighten the load for expecting parents by providing the tools and support they need to build healthy, stable families. Located in San Francisco’s Mission District, HPP connects pregnant people and their partners with parenting classes, case management, housing support, and fresh groceries through a long-standing partnership with the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. 

For many staff members, the work is deeply personal. 

Rashawna and Mike

“My journey started here,” declares Mike Brown, a Community Staff Member at HPP. “I used these services before, and now I’m able to give back. I owe it.” 

Mike oversees the same pantry line he once stood in as a kid. His connection to the Food Bank goes back decades, to when his mom turned to HPP for support while raising him on her own and trying to get by during unemployment. 

“My mom had me young,” he says. “So we basically grew up together.” He remembers the palpable relief of leaving the pantry with food. It’s why he admires his mother for the strength it took to ask for help, and why he understands how much that support means to families. 

“Whether it’s a bag of rice or the eggs this week, it’s all very necessary,” Mike says. “It may be just some carrots and some radishes, but that goes a long way when you have nothing.” 

As Mike shares his story, Rashawna nods in agreement. She found HPP in 2009, when she was pregnant and full of questions. “Back then, there were not many mom classes available,” she recalls. “[HPP] had the support I needed.” 

Through breastfeeding education and peer support, she was able to prepare for her growing family. And with crucial access to fresh produce and pantry staples from the Food Bank, she built a stable foundation for her and her child. 

“It was feeding me, it was feeding my children. It was putting food in the household,” Rashawna says. “When you don’t have that money to make ends meet, then you have the food [from the Food Bank] to rely on. Even if you’re vegetarian, you can make a really good meal.” 

The support she received was transformative, and Rashawna is now an intern in HPP’s paid community health worker apprenticeship. “I was a client,” Rashawna says, “and now being able to give back is a wonderful opportunity.” 

Linda

Linda has spent 12 years on HPP’s operations team, helping run the Food Bank’s weekly food distributions. She says stories like Mike’s and Rashawna’s show just how powerful the partnership between HPP and the Food Bank really is. “What’s special about Homeless Prenatal is serving the community and seeing all these beautiful little children thrive,” she says. “It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a village to raise a community. This is it. This is the village.” 

But with shrinking budgets and looming cuts on all levels of government, she’s worried about how much support HPP will be able to provide. And Food Bank contributions are more essential than ever. 

“Right now, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is our only source of fresh fruits and vegetables,” Linda says. “Due to the budget cuts, we no longer have different resources… we rely on the Food Bank.” 

She remembers when HPP could assemble Mom Boxes filled with peanut butter, rice, beans, apples, and chicken. They’d then supplement them with Food Bank extras to round out the meal. But those boxes are no longer possible. “Now we’re just giving Food Bank food,” Linda says. “People are thankful, but it’s hard to see a mom walk away without a bag, especially when she’s picking up right before school drop-off.” 

That strain isn’t unique to HPP. Across the Food Bank’s network, staff and volunteers are bracing for what comes next. Lucia Ruiz, a Senior Program Manager at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, hears that uncertainty every day. 

“We don’t know yet exactly how federal budget cuts are going to affect us, but we do expect there could be fewer of certain items coming in,” she says. “What we do know is that we’re incredibly grateful for the support of donors and community members — it’s what allows us to keep these programs going.” 

Lucia says it’s that sense of community and commitment to showing up for each other that will carry partners like HPP through these uncertain times 

“This pantry is more than a food distribution site,” she says. It’s a trusted hub where families get groceries, diapers, and other essentials,” she says. “Even during the pandemic, they kept their doors open. That tells you what kind of community this is.”

Bay Area Food Banks Unite to Reject Proposed SNAP Cuts

June 18, 2025

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Executive Director Tanis Crosby gathered with leaders of four other Bay Area food banks for a press conference to draw attention to the proposed federal budget bill that would slash an unprecedented $211 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — the largest cut to food assistance in U.S. history.

Feeding America estimates that, nationally, up to 9.5 billion meals a year would be lost if SNAP is cut. In California, the estimated number of annual meals lost is 1.1 billion.

“SNAP is the single most effective anti-poverty tool that we have in this country. And it worked in the pandemic. It was used as a tool to fight poverty and hunger, and SNAP benefits combined with other policies meant that in the pandemic, child poverty in this country was cut in half. It was cut in half,” Tanis observed at the podium. “So we’re raising the alarm because we know what’s at stake and we also know what kind of difference policies can make.”

A California Budget & Policy Center data tracker tool, shared by the California Association of Food Banks, looks at congressional districts with households — including those with children and seniors — that are at risk of losing some amount of SNAP/CalFresh benefits due to new and onerous work requirements. In her remarks, Tanis referenced it, noting that around 175,000 people in the congressional districts linked to the greater Bay Area could lose SNAP benefits.

“To give you a real scenario of that impact, if you added up all of the SNAP recipients at risk of losing some benefits — you could fill every major stadium in the area, from Levi Stadium to Oakland Arena, to Oracle Park and the Chase Center,” said Tanis.

Hosted at Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, the June 17. 2025 press event was a show of unity by the five food bank leaders who together spoke in one voice in opposition to cuts to SNAP — known in California as CalFresh. Speakers included Leslie Bacho, CEO of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley; Allison Goodwin, president and CEO of Redwood Empire Food Bank; Caitlin Sly, president and CEO of Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and Regi Young, executive director of Alameda County Community Food Bank.

Leslie Bacho observed that SNAP is a lifeline, helping more than 40 million Americans put food on the table, including tens of thousands of people right here in the Bay Area—one of the wealthiest regions in the country but also home to some of the widest income gaps in the nation.

Caitlin Sly spoke on how low-income individuals are already stretched thin by rising food and gas prices, and now their essential lifelines, like SNAP, are being targeted by government cuts.

Allison Goodwin highlighted the impact of SNAP cuts on the local economy, noting that every $1 in SNAP generates up to $1.80 in economic activity, making it one of the most effective ways to boost local economies—especially in underserved and rural areas.

Regi Young urged those in Congress not to actively dismantle a program that has successfully served those struggling to feed their families and called on the public to protest these cuts, as they are not inevitable—they are a policy choice.

The collective message to those listening was to Take Action: Like the other participating food banks, the San Francisco Marin Food Bank urges all our supporters to sign our petition: Reject SNAP cuts and protect SNAP and other critical food security programs. We must strengthen, not cut, critical food benefits for households facing hunger.

Look How Far We’ve Come: COVID Recognition Event at the Food Bank

May 21, 2025

COVID-19 changed everything overnight. We sheltered in place, Face Timed family instead of visiting, and did our best to feel centered in the midst of so much uncertainty and fear. Businesses were closing, jobs were disappearing — but people still needed food. For those of us working at the Food Bank, the pandemic was a time to step up. We adapted quickly, met every curveball, and answered the call to help our neighbors. To recognize that journey, the Food Bank hosted a COVID Recognition Event on March 25. It was a much-needed moment to reflect on the past five years and honor everyone who showed up during such a challenging time, from staff and volunteers to board members.

During the event, we posed the following questions: “what accomplishment are you most proud of from COVID” and “what does it mean to be here today?”

“Innovation is in the Food Bank’s DNA”

When the pandemic hit, Food Bankers didn’t have all the answers, but we knew what was at stake and were determined to figure it out. We acknowledged our fears, put them on the shelf and collectively figured out ways to respond by scaling our services to distribute food to nearly double the number of households we were serving before. To meet this historic need, we worked together with the community to create outdoor Pop-Up pantries.

“I’m so proud for many reasons. Including the fact that we operated 28 Pop-up Pantries at the height of the pandemic, relying on the ingenuity and collaboration of our staff to meet the massive need,” said Executive Director Tanis Crosby. They were supposed to operate for just a few weeks but have lasted five years.”

Trenell Greer is a Lead Order Builder. He makes sure food orders that go out to community partners are correct, filled with nutritious, high-quality food, and are delivered on time. He echoed Christian’s sentiments. “The accomplishment I’m proudest of is that we kept pushing food out, no matter what, we kept going. It made me feel good every night knowing we were still getting good food out to the community.”

“Getting together to be together”

A moving slide show brought tears to the eyes of many Food Bankers. Candid interviews, telling stories, and honest contemplations brought everyone back to March of 2020. 

Tiffany Wei, chairperson for the Food Bank’s Young Professionals Council, is grateful to be a part of it. “I think it’s amazing to see everyone come together at this time. Especially since COVID was such a huge undertaking for the Food Bank. Seeing all these faces, I think it’s incredible to see so many people with the same drive and passion here today.”

Food Bank Major Gifts Coordinator, Angela Lan first joined as a volunteer before joining the staff two months later as a member of the Pop-Up Pantry (known as PUPs) team. She saw firsthand how COVID-19 affected participants, and how PUPs became a vital lifeline for many neighbors. At a time when many pantries were closing due to health and safety concerns, PUPs provided nourishing food to people who needed it.“ I feel so proud to work for the Food Bank” Angela said, “and to continue to serve our communities in Marin and San Francisco.”

Though we were commemorating the last five years, on this day, at this event, being together meant everything

“We all care. We’re here because we’re part of something bigger,” said Senior Program Manager, Shirley Chen. “We care about the people we work with and those we support in the community. For me, to be a part of this, is really heartwarming.”

CalFresh: More Than Meets the Eye

May 16, 2025

When families enroll in CalFresh, it opens the door to more than groceries. 

Formerly known as food stamps, CalFresh is a vital part of the social safety net. Despite helping thousands stay above the poverty line, California’s participation rate is just 81 percent, ranking 31st in the country. To change this, the Food Bank is working to improve the system through outreach, advocacy, and policy. We co-sponsored AB 518, a new state law that requires California to identify people who are eligible but not enrolled and develop new ways to reach them to get them enrolled. 

Last year, our team helped more than 2,400 people apply for CalFresh, unlocking $6.5 million in benefits for households in San Francisco and Marin. That’s money our neighbors can use to buy the food they need enabling families and communities to thrive.  

CalFresh Puts Food on the Table… and Diapers in the Closet 

In addition to enabling our participants to put food on their tables, CalFresh enable recipients to access other important benefits. For families with young children, the cost of diapers adds up quickly. Too often, parents are forced to choose between diapers and food. That’s where CalFresh, the Food Bank, and community partners like Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP) come together. The San Francisco Diaper Bank, a partnership between the SF Human Services Agency and family resource centers like Homeless Prenatal Program, offers a free monthly supply of diapers to CalFresh families with children under two. At HPP, a long-standing Food Bank partner, families can pick up diapers and healthy groceries in one stop. It’s a model of seamless support that strengthens the safety net and addresses the root causes of hunger. 

Outreach That Meets People Where They Are 

We know that CalFresh is a proven strategy in reducing food insecurity. But stigma, immigration concerns, and a complex application process keep far too many people in San Francisco and Marin from getting help. 

That’s why the Food Bank’s CalFresh Outreach team works closely with partners to provide outreach, education, and one-on-one support to enroll more eligible residents. 

“The Food Bank’s free grocery programming is designed to support low-income residents of San Francisco and Marin to supplement their food budgets,” says Liliana Sandoval, our Senior Director of Programs and Outreach. “Starting CalFresh outreach at the Food Bank was an obvious choice.” 

Bringing CalFresh into the Food Bank’s mission was a natural step, Liliana says, since even a small benefit can make a difference. 

“Folks can attend a pantry and receive CalFresh,” she explains. “Even if they only get the minimum monthly benefit, they can buy food that isn’t available at the pantries. Ultimately, we want people to have a bit more ease in their daily lives.” 

Building Confidence, Busting Myths 

One way we strengthen the region’s CalFresh outreach is by providing training opportunities for our partners who make expanding CalFresh enrollment possible. 

In March 2025, the Food Bank’s CalFresh Outreach Team hosted its first in-person training since the pandemic. Staff from community organizations across San Francisco and Marin were excited to come together to deepen their understanding of the CalFresh application process and build skills to better support participants.  

“Community means more than ever right now,” Liliana said at the start of the day. “We’re all here to learn from each other.” 

The training covered everything from household composition and income rules to immigration-related eligibility and how to help people navigate BenefitsCal, the website where people can apply for and manage their public benefits  Partners also learned about new updates, like chip-enabled CalFresh cards that reduce fraud, and additional benefits like discounts on museums, internet, and more. 

Partners who joined the training shared real fears their clients have, especially older adults, immigrants, and students. Some talked about legal permanent residents who were afraid to apply, worried it could affect their families. 

“There’s so much fear out there,” Liliana said. “And that’s why we’re doing this.” 

Another one of the myths that Liliana and her team are working to dispel is around who is eligible for CalFresh and who isn’t. Many people assume they don’t qualify, while others have tried before and stopped because the process was too difficult or unclear. 

She wishes more people understood what CalFresh is really about: it’s a tool for dignity, stability, and choice. 

“There is no nutrition restriction on what folks can buy, and most grocery stores, farmers markets, and big chain stores accept CalFresh,” Liliana says. People can choose what they want to eat and where to shop. Everyone needs food, and that’s why we are here — to help folks access it.”  

As CalFresh Awareness Month continues, the Food Bank’s Outreach Team is out in the community nearly every day, visiting schools, events, and pantries to raise awareness and enroll new participants.  

It’s a busy season, but the mission remains the same: meet people where they are, walk with them through the process, and open the door to resources that make things a little more manageable for families. 

And connecting folks to CalFresh can open doors to many other cost-saving resources they might not expect. Through CalFresh, people may also be eligible for: 

  • Transit discounts 
  • Free or low-cost cell phone service through the federal Lifeline program — sometimes even a free phone 
  • Affordable internet from major providers, with plans starting as low as $10 per month 
  • Half off Amazon Prime through Prime Access 
  • Free museum admission 

“Life is already so complex, and our low-income community members have to navigate so much just to meet their basic needs,” Liliana says.  “Our team loves reminding partners about these added benefits, because CalFresh isn’t just about food. It’s about making everyday life a little easier.”