Author: Heather Rudow

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.” 

 

Answering the Call in Times of Crisis

May 13, 2025

At the Food Bank, we know that making sure everyone has food on their plates means showing up every day. Most of the time, that means serving people right here in San Francisco and Marin. But when disaster strikes, we try to provide assistance wherever and however we’re needed. 

This past January, when wildfires tore through Los Angeles, we sent a truck full of shelf-stable food to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and Westside Food Bank. We delivered canned fruits and vegetables, beans, soup, meat, and shelf-stable milk to help pack emergency food boxes for people who had lost access to grocery stores or were forced to evacuate. Having accessible food was a lifeline during a time of urgent need and uncertainty. 

Helping people — all people — in times of crisis has always been part of the Food Bank’s DNA. Starting with Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Food Bank has proudly supported relief efforts across the country, including Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Harvey, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2023 Hawaii wildfires.  

We know how quickly a crisis can overwhelm a local food bank. And we know how much it matters to have help on the way. “Food banks understand the critical role they play in disaster response and the importance of helping our colleagues across the U.S.,” said Michael Braude, our Chief Financial Officer. “We always provide support to others when we can, knowing they will do the same for us should we need them.” 

But of course, food banks supporting one another is just one part of the equation. When the social safety net takes a hit, families need more than just food. That’s why our 2025 State Policy Agenda backs two key bills to strengthen California’s disaster response and ensure a faster, more equitable recovery: 

  • AB 262 – California Individual Assistance Act: Provides direct financial assistance to local governments, community-based organizations, and individuals for disaster-related costs — whether from a fire, flood, epidemic, or other public safety emergency.
  • SB 739 – Disaster CalFresh Support: Ensures that counties have the staffing and resources they need to quickly roll out Disaster CalFresh, giving people fast access to food assistance in the wake of an emergency.

Supporting our neighbors has always been part of our mission — whether that’s distributing food locally, sharing resources with food banks across the country, or pushing for policies that ensure families have what they need to recover and rebuild. In every disaster, we’re reminded that, like our community, food banks are stronger when we work together. 

Owning Our Energy: How We’re Powering a Greener Future

April 21, 2025

Carmelo has been at the Food Bank for 13 years, and as our Senior Associate Director of Facilities, he’s helped lead some of our biggest projects. But one thing people might not know? He’s afraid of heights. 

So, when it came time for his team to oversee the installation of solar panels on the roofs of our San Francisco and San Rafael warehouses, Carmelo faced his fear — again and again. 

“It has been a few years in the making since we started the proposed and now completed solar panel installations at both our San Francisco and San Rafael facilities,” he says. “It’s a major accomplishment that reflects a tremendous team effort — from Operations to our friends in Development responsible for the capital campaign fundraising. It truly takes a village to make something like this happen.” 

At the Food Bank, we know that access to healthy nutritious food is deeply connected to the climate crisis. If we want to build a food-secure future, we have to protect the environment we all depend on to grow the fruits, vegetables, and grains that nourish our communities. That’s why making big investments in sustainability is so important for our Food Bank. 

“All companies should be doing as much as they can to address the climate crisis,” says Michael Braude, our Chief Financial Officer. “The refrigeration required for our operation uses a tremendous amount of electricity. Being able to produce as much of that as possible on our own helps shrink our carbon footprint.” 

We’re not just proud of our solar panels – check our our other sustainability initiatives.

And, we’ll be producing a lot: Our San Francisco warehouse solar system is projected to generate approximately 600,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year, reducing our PG&E bill by an estimated 66 %. At our San Rafael facility, we expect to generate about 270,000 kWh annually, with an estimated 90 % savings on electricity costs. 

These systems will cover nearly all the electricity we use during the sunniest months of the year, helping us cut costs, reduce emissions, and serve more people with fresh, healthy food. Simply put: every dollar we save on energy costs helps us go further in our mission to end hunger. 

And we’re not stopping there. We’ve already streamlined our delivery routes through route optimization technology to use less fuel, and this summer, we’re taking another big step: adding three zero-emission electric trucks to our fleet. Two more are on the way, along with the charging infrastructure to support them. 

For Carmelo, who calls himself “a proud Food Banker,” facing his fear of heights was worth it. Reflecting on what’s kept him going all these years: “Of course, it’s our mission to end hunger and the real impact we make in our community. But beyond that, it’s the people,” he continues. “The colleagues I work alongside day in, and day out truly inspire me and keep me motivated. We’re like-minded individuals, united by our commitment to this mission and driven by genuinely kind hearts. That shared purpose and compassion makes all the difference.” 

We’re proud to own our energy and to keep moving forward with climate-conscious solutions that support our neighbors, the planet, and our future. 

Happy Earth Day!

Nourishing the Neighborhood: Mary Elizabeth Inn

April 14, 2025

“This is amazing — more than amazing, honestly, because eating is a human right.” – Ebony Green, Property Manager

At the Food Bank, we know that food insecurity doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of deeper issues like poverty, housing insecurity, and systemic inequality. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Mary Elizabeth Inn, an organization that knows it takes more than meals to create lasting change.

Founded in 1914 by Lizzie Glide, a trailblazing philanthropist and advocate for women, Mary Elizabeth Inn has long provided housing and supportive services to women who have experienced homelessness and domestic violence.

Before COVID-19, Mary Elizabeth Inn partnered with the Food Bank to operate an on-site pantry for women living in the building. Closed during the pandemic, the pantry is now back with renewed support from the Food Bank — serving not only women living at Mary Elizabeth Inn, but also neighbors in the Tenderloin and Nob Hill.

Ebony Green, Mary Elizabeth Inn’s property manager and pantry coordinator, says the return of the pantry has brought much-needed support and stability. While many residents receive CalFresh benefits, it rarely stretches far enough for those living on fixed incomes. “A lot of the tenants here don’t have much money,” she said. “Sometimes they’ll go a day or two without eating because they live solely off Social Security or food stamps, and it’s not always enough.”

Having a pantry in the building has also made a meaningful difference for those with mobility challenges. “Some tenants can’t get on the bus because they’re bedridden or use a walker,” said Ebony. “Now they can just take the elevator down and get food. It’s a huge thing.”

What sets the pantry apart from other food services at Mary Elizabeth Inn is an abundance of fresh options. Nearly 70 percent of what the Food Bank provides is fruits and vegetables, offering participants nutritious and high-quality food. “The best part about the pantry is that we can tell them where the food is coming from,” said Ebony. “It’s farm fresh, and it’s not going to expire tomorrow. Tables and tables full of vegetables, protein, milk, and more. Way better.”

For neighbors as well, the reopened pantry is a critical resource. With the Food Bank’s Pop-Up Pantries (PUPs) set to close in June 2025 due to the end of government funding for pandemic food programs, Mary Elizabeth Inn is now serving neighbors from nearby PUPs to ensure they don’t lose access to food.

“Historically, it’s been difficult for the Food Bank to find open-to-the-public partners in the Tenderloin,” said Lucia Ruiz, Senior Program Manager. “With one closing in 2023 and the end of PUPs coming, this location is essential to keeping services going in a high-need area.”

Tina Gonzales, the Food Bank’s Director of Community Partnerships, shared how this pantry fits into a larger plan to maintain access for neighbors as PUPs wind down. “Since PUP pantries are closing this June, we’re working with new partners to make sure many participants can keep getting food,” she said. “Most of them live within a half-mile of the pantry, so it’s easy to reach by foot or public transit.”

The reopening of the Mary Elizabeth Inn food pantry marks a major step forward for the Tenderloin. In a neighborhood where food access remains a challenge, this partnership expands a vital lifeline. Thanks to the commitment of the Mary Elizabeth Inn and the Food Bank, residents and many PUP participants will continue to have reliable access to food when and where they need it most.

Caring about CalFresh

April 4, 2025

At the Food Bank, we know ending hunger means disrupting its root causes, which include poverty and housing instability. Real change is impossible if we don’t tackle these issues together — a belief that was front and center at the Episcopal Community Services’ (ECS) inaugural Housing Symposium in February, where San Francisco’s leading hunger and homelessness advocates gathered to discuss solutions. 

Noriko Lim Tepper, chief officer for the Food Bank’s Strategic Partnerships, Advocacy & Voice department moderated a panel discussion on improving food security through CalFresh.  

“The symposium is gathering community and government leaders to strategize ways we can develop inclusive policies and give more people the opportunity to access social services like CalFresh and other benefits,” she said. 

Noriko was joined by Rohit Naimpally, senior director of Impact at Tipping Point Community, and Troy Brunet, a member of the Food Bank’s Food Policy Action Coalition (PAC). Each panelist brought a unique perspective on how CalFresh serves as a critical tool in the fight against poverty. 

The Impact of CalFresh 

Rohit shared Tipping Point’s research on the significance of CalFresh’s impact on hunger and poverty and details from its latest report on the issue. One key takeaway was that, when comparing multiple social safety net programs, CalFresh played the largest poverty fighting role statewide. 

CalFresh — known nationally as SNAP and formerly as ‘food stamps’ — is a cornerstone of our food safety net in California. CalFresh alone kept over 100,000 Bay Area residents from dipping below the poverty line, according to Tipping Point’s findings. Additionally, the report noted that, compared to the five most populous states in the U.S., California has the lowest percentage — at 55% — of eligible people accessing CalFresh. And, while San Francisco has the highest eligible enrollment rate in the Bay Area at 81.5%, Tipping Point’s findings showed most of the Bay Area averaged below the state at 52%. Marin’s rates weren’t included in the findings, but the county does slightly better at 58.9%, according to 2021 data from the California Department of Social Services. 

Because CalFresh is recognized for its effectiveness in addressing a root cause of hunger — poverty — increasing greater access to the program is a priority for the Food Bank. It’s why we helped pass AB518, a bill requiring California to identify people eligible but unenrolled in CalFresh and to find ways to enroll them. 

Speaking from lived experience with food insecurity and as a CalFresh recipient, Troy weighed in on why he thinks the number of CalFresh users isn’t higher. “People don’t know that they qualify and that it’s there for them,” he said.  

Troy also spoke about the enrollment process, which can be a barrier.  

“The applications are kind of long and drawn out,” he said, “and some people don’t want to fill all of that out or even have the energy to do it.”  

As a member of the Food PAC, Troy and 12 other people who have also experienced food insecurity help the Food Bank advocate for just, equitable public policies that address the root causes of hunger and strengthen the social safety net. For Troy, CalFresh especially matters.  

“CalFresh to me is very important,” said Troy. “I’m HIV positive, so I deal with a lot of health issues. Having quality, good food to eat is a big help for my health. I’ve also found a lot of seniors don’t get the access they need, and they do need to be able to eat and have quality food.” 

A Call to Action 

Looking ahead, the panel members and others at the symposium expressed concern about our vulnerable social safety net — especially CalFresh, which is at risk of federal funding cuts.  

“We just think that more needs to be done in terms of bringing attention to this issue,” said Beth Stokes, executive director of ECS.  

A Food Bank community partner, ECS focuses on the needs of the unhoused, and “food is a very, very basic need,” she continued. “For folks that are in supportive housing to be able to have easier access to hot meals, it’s quite a challenge. We do have access to the Food Bank, but we also have over two thousand units of supportive housing in the city. That means a lot of people need food.” 

A clear takeaway from the gathering was the importance of collective advocacy to ensure CalFresh remains intact. 

 “CalFresh benefits are critical for our community,” Noriko said. “It’s the first access point that people have in receiving healthy, fresh foods. People being able to access those benefits are vitally important for them to then participate and be healthy enough to just survive but be a part of a thriving economy.”