Author: Heather Rudow

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.”  

Showing Up for Her Neighbors: Why Christine Gives Monthly to the Food Bank

March 13, 2025

For Christine, a member of our Monthly Giving Circle, showing up for her neighbors is second nature. 

Growing up in a small town in New England, “we didn’t have food banks,” she recalls, “but everybody knew everybody else. When someone struggled, people showed up and brought whatever was needed. You just did it because that’s what you did for your neighbors.” 

Christine carried that sense of community to Novato, where she’s lived for 28 years. 

“These are my neighbors,” she says. “I might not know them, but I see the need. It’s very visible these days.” 

That need and desire to help led Christine to the Food Bank. She joined the Monthly Giving Circle five years ago, a decision both practical and personal. 

“It’s easy, and I know I’m making a contribution,” Christine says. “I sign up, and I don’t have to do anything else. The money goes directly to the Food Bank.” 

Christine’s experiences as a volunteer have strengthened her belief in giving. 

“We’re kind of divided these days, but a lot of us are taking care of each other,” she says. “Volunteering brought it full circle for me. I see donations going right into people’s hands.” 

Christine’s generosity embodies what it means to be part of a community: showing up, stepping in, and ensuring her neighbors can put food on their tables. 

From Pumpkin Pie to Regional Impact: Our Partnership with Brisa Ranch

March 12, 2025

The Food Bank knows food is more than fuel — it’s how we connect with our families, our histories, and each other. That’s why we’re committed to providing food that’s both nutritious and thoughtfully sourced. Thanks to the USDA’s Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) program, which provides funding to source from local and BIPOC producers, we’ve partnered with 10 small and mid-sized farms in Pescadero and the Central Coast. 

These partnerships allow pantries in our network to share fresh, culturally meaningful food. One valued partner is Brisa Ranch, whose story of regional transformation began with something as simple (and special) as pumpkin pie. 

Brisa Ranch’s founders, Cristóbal, Veronica, and Cole, met in 2018 while working at Pie Ranch, an educational nonprofit in Pescadero. Their shared passion for farming and sustainable agriculture led them to team up on a side project: growing winter squash for pumpkin pies. In a full-circle moment, those pies were then sold at the Pie Ranch, marking the beginnings of Brisa Ranch.  

For Cristóbal, Veronica, and Cole, farming is rooted in a deep reverence for the land. As a certified organic farm, Brisa Ranch avoids harmful pesticides, protecting the environment and the people who enjoy their produce. They save seeds adapted to local conditions and grow crops with distinct cultural appeal, helping the Food Bank meet the diverse needs of our communities. They’re also planning upcoming plantings to include culturally significant crops for our participants. 

“[We want] to make organic food from small and medium farms not a luxury, but something widely accessible,” says Veronica. “Our model is designed to take that step back from the final consumer, connecting small farms to institutions like the Food Bank to broaden access to fresh, local food.” 

Since its early days, Brisa Ranch has been committed to connecting produce from underrepresented farms to as many people in need as possible. They joined forces with other organizations to explore ways for farms to collaborate more effectively. They formed a regional working group to pilot the Farms Together program, a federally funded initiative creating regional food hubs to connect producers with institutions and food banks. 

Cole believes food hubs are a key to opening doors for new farmers. “Having that network of a food hub for our region means more farmers can enter the space,” he says. “There aren’t a lot of pathways for people to get involved. Having [that] outlet makes it more viable, especially for folks immigrating here.” 

At the Food Bank, we couldn’t agree more. “The LFPA provides access for smaller, diverse, and underrepresented organic farms like Brisa Ranch to bring their produce to market collectively and at a volume we can source and rely on for excellent quality,” said Barbara Abbott, Chief Supply Chain Officer for the Food Bank. “And we focus on fresh produce because that’s what our participants truly appreciate, including culturally appropriate items like cilantro, kale, collard greens, and parsley.” 

Veronica hopes Brisa Ranch will continue helping others build successful farms. 

“Access to land and resources is a major barrier for farmers of color,” she says, “and we’re working to break those barriers while paving the way for others. Farmers of color face unique challenges, but we’re here to create opportunities not just for ourselves, but for those coming after us.” 

Cristóbal agrees. He grew up in a family of farmers, first in Mexico and later in the U.S., and saw firsthand how farming brought stability and purpose to his family in a new country. Now, he’s passionate about inspiring the next generation farmers. But he knows overcoming systemic issues — like accessing land and competing with more stable career paths — is key to ensuring farming’s future is open to everyone. 

He recalls meeting with a group of high schoolers. “I remember [them saying], ‘I don’t want to be a farmer. I am living with my parents in my house with no money,’” he says. “The challenge for me is, who will follow me as a farmer? In the future, we need to create different approaches.”  

For Veronica, Brisa Ranch is that possible new pathway. “As farmers, we’re not just growing food; we’re feeding communities, creating opportunities, and building a future we all can share.” 

Standing in a field on the verge of a new bounty, we are inspired by the trio’s commitment to the land, their fellow farmers, and the future of their community. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when shared dreams bring people together — and it can start over a little bit of pie. 

Transforming Food Assistance in the City That Shaped Her: Irene’s Story

January 16, 2025

For Irene Garcia, the Bay Area isn’t just where she lives — it’s who she is. “I was born and raised in San Francisco,” she says. “Giving back to my community is part of who I am to my core. For me, working here, living here, and breathing here is just natural.”

Irene’s deep connection to her community brought her to our Food Bank nearly 11 years ago. Starting as a neighborhood representative, she supported our partners in Bayview-Hunters Point and Visitacion Valley then eventually San Rafael and Novato. Over the years, she’s continually found new ways to serve her neighbors and expand her impact with us. Two years ago, Irene became the Food Bank’s Associate Director of Community Building, where she’s helping to take on one of our most exciting and transformative initiatives: Community Markets.

Co-developed with our dedicated partners, Community Markets reimagine food assistance to better meet the needs of participants. These markets look and feel like grocery stores, allowing individuals to browse and choose nutritious food items in a dignified setting. They also connect individuals to vital services that address the root causes of hunger.

“Ending hunger isn’t just about handing out food — it’s about lifting folks out of poverty,” Irene says. “If you’re only managing hunger, you’re not solving the problem. Combining food assistance with wraparound services is how we support people in building stable, thriving lives.”

The markets are designed with convenience and accessibility in mind, featuring permanent or semi-permanent indoor locations with extended hours. They will be open at least two days a week and will help support participants who previously relied on Pop-Up Pantries. This reflects our commitment to serving as many people as possible as all Pop-Up Pantries close by June 2025.

Irene is grateful to work alongside a passionate and motivated team dedicated to helping food assistance in San Francisco and Marin evolve to meet the community’s changing needs. “Working with people who are just as collaborative and committed to innovating, finding solutions, and making things better is why I’ve stayed [at the Food Bank] for so long,” she says.

The Community Markets program is just one example of how all of us — from the Food Bank to community partners and supporters like you — are working together to transform our services and find lasting solutions to the root causes of hunger.