Category: Stories

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. 

“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.”

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. 

“Mama” Jean: Feeding Body and Spirit

May 7, 2025

Jean Baker has a joyful smile and ebullient spirit, and both seem to shine prominently on the cover page of the Food Bank’s 2023-24 Annual Report. Now retired, and focused on family and her faith, for years Jean served as a steadfast connection between the Food Bank and participants who came to a food pantry at her church in the Mission District in San Francisco.

Beginnings

In 1976, Jean Baker immigrated to the US from the Philippines with no money, job, or family in the area. “When I first came here being an immigrant, I struggled to survive. Every penny I saved so I can buy food. I didn’t know about government help. I worked part-time here, part-time there, because I couldn’t get a regular job. All I knew was to survive, get work, get paid, and buy your food,” she shared. Jean went on to secure full-time work and raise her three kids — but her experiences of struggle shaped her desire to ensure others wouldn’t undergo the same hardships. “My family back home, they engaged in a lot of social welfare in the church, helping others,” Jean recalls. “So, when I had the opportunity here, I decided to do what my parents were doing.”

Transformative Leadership

17 years ago, Jean was attending church when her priest asked if there were any volunteers to help staff their new food pantry. At the start, other church members took charge of the program, but soon, Jean, who would become affectionately nicknamed ‘Mama Jean’ because of her caring nature, was asked to take the lead. “I accepted because I see a lot of homeless people,” she explains. “They need resources, they need food. Food is the essence of life. So, I dedicated myself to doing this kind of work.”

And dedicated she was. Every Saturday at 6:30 a.m., Jean would meet a Food Bank delivery truck at the pantry. A core group of volunteers — many unhoused community members and participants — helped her unload pallets of food. But Jean quickly noticed they could run the pantry more efficiently outside in the church’s garden. Her idea for a farmer’s market-style set-up in the church courtyard allowed participants to enjoy the fresh air while choosing from healthy, nutritious food supplied by the Food Bank. Rain or shine, Jean and her team shared groceries with 175 households each week.

Tina Gonzales (left) with Jean Baker (right)

For Tina Gonzales, Director of Community Partnerships, individuals like Mama Jean are unsung heroes who rightfully deserve our appreciation. “These are actually pillars of the community doing the work for free!” observed Tina. Because committed individuals like Jean accomplish so much with little infrastructure (she doesn’t regularly use a smartphone), having direct face-to-face connections is key.

“We don’t want them to say yes to everything because they will. But are they overwhelmed? Do they have enough support, or are they biting off more than they can chew? Sometimes, we’ve got to go have a cup of coffee with them or have a friendly visit just to see how they’re doing,” says Tina.

A good percentage of network pantries serving food are faith-based and feeding people is part of their ministry. “I think for someone like Jean, this is her life work. So, we have people who fit the category of like, ‘this is my nine to five job, and I run a pantry.’ Then, we have people like Jean who are more like, ‘This is my calling, and this is how I give back.'”

End of an Era

Sadly, after 16 years, her church announced the hard decision to close the pantry last June. “It was heartbreaking,” recalled Jean, with a hushed voice. But as she had for the past 16 years, she handed out food to her neighbors on the last day of pantry service. The pantry closure was not what Jean hoped for. But she still attends church services and volunteers to tend to the garden. Presently, Jean is taking time to find ways to continue serving the community she loves. Until then, she can reflect on her experience with a smile: “Every Saturday, we met [at] the same place, doing work like a happy family. All we got here are a lot of good memories.”

With Appreciation

Another good memory for Jean was a much-deserved honor from the Food Bank. On the closure date, in recognition of her longstanding leadership and partnership as a pantry coordinator, Jean was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for her 16 years of service to our participants and helping the community. The praise drew smiles from all in attendance, including Tina, and a beaming smile from Jean herself.

With Mother’s Day just ahead of us and in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we thank you, Mama Jean, for your generosity, inspired calling to help others, and tremendous service to the Mission community. You are appreciated.

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.

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.

 

Saving le Roi: Todd’s Story

January 8, 2025

“The quality of the food that you guys offer is amazing… It’s been a godsend,” Todd Dickinson told us one Monday after selecting groceries at the Tenderloin Pop-up Pantry, a collaboration between the Food Bank and St. Anthony’s in San Francisco. A sweet-natured pit bull named le Roi sat beside him, accepting pets from friends and passersby.

Looking through his grocery bag, Todd rattled off dinner ideas: “We’ve got cauliflower.… I’m going to drop that in a pot and make a bisque — a nice creamy, cauliflower soup. The radishes I slice really thin and put into posole.”

A longtime chef, Todd helped open five restaurants over the course of his career. But like thousands of workers in the food service industry, Todd lost his job at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several years of housing instability followed. As Todd struggled to secure a permanent dwelling, groceries from the Tenderloin Pop-up Pantry helped take one stressor off his plate.

During this period, he rescued le Roi — emaciated and severely abused — from the streets. Nursing le Roi back to health became his mission. “I put him on a high protein, high caloric, high fat diet,” Todd said. With the money the pantry saved him on groceries, he was able to buy quality dog food. Fully recovered, le Roi now “picks up his own leash and walks himself. He plays basketball and body surfs,” Todd beamed.

Although Todd has retired from his work as a chef, he still shares his talents for caring and nourishing others by volunteering at City Hope. This community center and Food Bank partner offers Tenderloin neighbors a community center and restaurant-style meals as well as transitional housing for people in recovery.

Earlier this year, Todd achieved a major accomplishment: with help from St. Anthony’s, he secured an apartment for him and le Roi, with a kitchen all his own. “I’m so blessed,” he said, smiling ear to ear.