Report Finds SF-Marin Food Bank Delivery Program Fills Critical Gap for
Low-Income San Francisco and Marin Residents

The Program Faces an Unsustainable $2.1 Million Operating Cost Increase

San Francisco, CA (March 30, 2023) – A San Francisco-Marin Food Bank report finds the Food Bank’s Home-Delivered Groceries (HDG) Program —one of the largest of its kind in the country —reaches several key populations who are not being served by other food insecurity programs in San Francisco and Marin Counties. The report shows how HDG provides groceries directly to 13,000 people, including seniors, residents with disabilities, people who are pregnant, and parents of children aged three and younger, and has the potential to be a model for cities nationwide.

While the HDG program provides a much-needed service for low-income individuals who are unable to attend a weekly food pantry, its ability to continue at current levels is in jeopardy due to funding and resource challenges.

Program Impact

Each week participants receive a bag of healthy groceries – 60% of which is fresh produce – delivered directly to their door.

Survey results from households receiving HDG show an overwhelmingly positive response to this approach to combat food insecurity. 93% of HDG participants are less worried about getting enough food, 92% feel healthier, and 95% eat more produce and whole grains.

HDG has also proven effective in eliminating barriers to food access, including mobility issues, transportation limitations, schedule constraints, and more.

“I was the victim of a hit-and-run a few years ago and I live in pain on a daily basis,” said Violet, a 92-year-old Richmond District resident and HDG participant. “The produce is just wonderful. It’s hard for me to lug vegetables home – they’re heavy, you know?”

In San Francisco and Marin approximately .  Additionally, low-income pregnant people have some of the highest food insecurity rates, and access to transportation is a significant barrier to food access for this group.

“The existing service landscape, beyond the HDG program, is simply not able to provide enough accessible supplemental food assistance to meet population needs,” said Diana Jenson, MPP, report author and food insecurity and social services analyst. “It is rare that existing food programs fit together effectively to truly meet the needs of these populations. Either food assistance programs don’t provide enough food, delivery is not available, or both.”

The report also finds the HDG program offers much more than a bag of groceries. It provides empowerment, social connection, and contributes to the physical and mental health of participants.

“I’m a victim of domestic violence, and a single mom. With HDG, I have enough time to spend in my support group, to go to therapy, to speak with my lawyer, to be with my child,” said Gabriela, a single mother of a three-year-old girl, SOMA resident, and HDG participant. “[Getting groceries delivered] just takes a little bit of time out of this whole complicated thing.”

Program in Jeopardy

Corporate partners generously supported 76 percent of all deliveries in January. As the pandemic recedes from society’s collective consciousness, that in-kind support is disappearing. A shift in commitment from one major corporate partner starting in March is estimated to increase the program’s cost by $2.1 million annually – an unsustainable budget increase for the Food Bank.

“HDG makes up nearly 25% of the 53,000 households the Food Bank serves each week. Both the reach and the impact of this service are tremendous,” said Seth Harris, HDG Program Manager. “But now that we’re seeing declining corporate support, we need more volunteers to maintain the program. Without help from the community, we’ll be forced to scale it down.”

Additional public funding from agencies such as the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) is critical to continue meeting the need in our community and to sustain the program at its current levels. Otherwise, the Food Bank will be forced to reduce the number of participants it is able to serve through delivery. Research estimates the health care costs associated with food insecurity are $204.6 million for San Francisco County. Investing in programs like Home-Delivered Groceries will ensure San Francisco is supporting its community and lowering healthcare costs over the long term.

The Food Bank is also looking for additional corporate delivery partners and volunteers who can commit to regular volunteer shifts over several months. Learn more about volunteering here: https://volunteering.sfmfoodbank.org/grocery-delivery-onboarding/.

Program Participants

HDG uniquely supports low-income individuals who may lack access to food due to shifting work schedules, caregiver responsibilities, mobility or cognitive disabilities, and more that make it hard to attend a food pantry. Participants include:

 

• 4% of participants live in Marin County
• 74% are women
• 72% are older adults
• 13 K households totaling 30 K+ people who rely on HDG every week
• 7 K children rely on HDG

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ABOUT THE FOOD BANK

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where even before the pandemic, one in five neighbors was at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone has access to nutritious food of their choosing and is uplifted by a network of support. Together with community partners, we work to address hunger head-on through neighborhood food pantries, CalFresh enrollment, home-delivered groceries, and policy and advocacy efforts. We work with our community to create lasting solutions to address both the hunger we see today and the root causes that perpetuate food insecurity in our society. Every week, 53,000 households count on us for food assistance. 60% of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit sfmfoodbank.org to learn more.

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CONTACT

Keely Hopkins

Senior Communications Manager, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

khopkins@sfmfoodbank.org

C: 415-792-8346

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Announces $25,000 Volunteer Match

2,500 Volunteer Signups Unlocks a $25,000 Donation

 

San Francisco, CA (January 12, 2023) – The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank will receive a $25,000 donation if it receives 2,500 volunteer signups between January 12-22, thanks to the generosity of the Alice Lam Memorial Fund. Shifts do not have to be served in this period – just a sign-up will bring the Food Bank closer to the goal.

This match comes at a critical time when the Food Bank sees a significant drop in volunteers during the months following the holiday season. The Food Bank encourages Bay Area residents to make it their New Years’ resolution to give back to their community.

“We believe food is the most important thing – nothing else can come unless people are fed. It’s direct aid to the community,” said Andrew Lam, Alice Lam’s son. “My mother Alice volunteered a lot, and my father and I thought this match would honor her. Everybody has different ways to give back, and we thought we could encourage the gift of time.”

Volunteers help make it possible for the Food Bank to serve 56,000 households per week, up from 32,000 pre-pandemic. According to a recent survey of nearly 6,000 Food Bank participants, 72% have not recovered financially from COVID-19’s impact on their finances. Inflation is forcing tough choices as families struggle to balance the increasingly high cost of living, surging gas bills, and continually rising food prices. According to the most recent Consumer Price Index Report, food prices are up 10 percent compared to last year in the San Francisco metro area.

Support from the Alice Lam Memorial Fund means a donation of time can go even further to help neighbors facing food insecurity. Unlocking the $25,000 donation will provide enough food for 50,000 meals.

“The need is still there, if not growing right now, but we’re short on volunteers,” said Stephanie Chin, a regular volunteer at the Food Bank’s Lincoln High School Pop-up Pantry. “I encourage people to get out in your community. It’s also really fun – we’ve had great experiences meeting new people. We’re doing community service, but we joke that sometimes it feels like you’re in a coffee shop and at the gym at the same time.”

How to Help

There are volunteer opportunities for everyone, from corporate groups to teenagers to kids as young as eight:

• Pack grocery bags at a Food Pantry
• Home-deliver groceries to homebound neighbors
• Sort food at the San Francisco or San Rafael warehouse
• Bilingual support is especially needed

Sign up for a shift today and help provide food for all.

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ABOUT THE FOOD BANK

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where even before the pandemic, one in five neighbors was at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone has access to nutritious food of their choosing and is uplifted by a network of support. Together with community partners, we work to address hunger head-on through neighborhood food pantries, CalFresh enrollment, home-delivered groceries, and policy and advocacy efforts. We work with our community to create lasting solutions to address both the hunger we see today and the root causes that perpetuate food insecurity in our society. Every week, 56,000 households count on us for food assistance. 60% of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit sfmfoodbank.org to learn more.

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CONTACT

Keely Hopkins

Senior Communications Manager, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

khopkins@sfmfoodbank.org

O: 415-282-1900, ext. 292

C: 415-792-8346

 

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Asks for Community Donations

Inflation Drives Unsustainable Expenses for The Food Bank

San Francisco, CA (December 21, 2022) – The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is facing pressure from all sides. As more people turn to the Food Bank for support, inflation pushes food costs even higher. The Food Bank needs the community’s support to continue meeting this increased need. Through the end of December, the Food Bank has secured matching gifts from its dedicated partners – meaning donations during this time will go twice as far. December 31^st is the deadline for individuals to make their last tax-deductible gift of the year.

The Food Bank currently serves 56,000 households a week, compared to 32,000 pre-pandemic. According to a recent survey of nearly 6,000 Food Bank participants, 72% have not recovered financially from COVID-19’s impact on their finances. Inflation is forcing tough choices as families struggle to balance the increasingly high cost of living, surging gas bills, and continually rising food prices. According to the most recent Consumer Price Index Report, food prices are up 10 percent compared to last year in the San Francisco metro area.

“We’re forced to make choices, you know? I literally don’t go grocery shopping. I can’t afford to. I’m stuck between the choice of paying my housing and utility costs or purchasing food. So, I literally gave up on purchasing food,” said Sharon, a Food Bank participant in San Francisco.

Food Costs Are Rising

The Food Bank isn’t immune to these challenges. It faces unsustainable budget increases, sustained global supply chain issues, and a drastic decline in government support.

This year we are receiving 25 percent less food from the USDA compared to last year. As a result of that, fewer industry food donations, and rising prices the Food Bank spent 35% more on its holiday menu this year – that’s $480,000 more than last year.

• Chicken cost more than twice as much;
• eggs are up 88%;
• the cost of produce has doubled;
• rice is up 63%.

It’s not just food prices that are rising. In November, fuel costs were 60 percent higher than last fiscal year.

Donations Are Needed

“Between inflation and the lingering financial impacts of COVID-19, low- and modest-income families are hurting,” said Tanis Crosby, executive director, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. “Just as more people turn to us, we are struggling to keep up with rising costs. We need the community’s support now more than ever. Especially as we need to raise more than half our annual budget by December 31^st.”

The Food Bank can turn every $1 donation into two meals – four meals with the current matching gifts – making monetary donations significantly more impactful than providing food. With these contributions, the Food Bank purchases high quality meat, eggs, produce, and more.

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank receives a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. 95 percent of the Food Bank’s expenses goes directly to its programs.

Other Ways to Give

Those who do not have the means to donate, or who would like to give in other ways, should consider volunteering in January and February. Many people think about volunteering around the holidays and our November and December shifts often fill quickly. But for those facing hunger, keeping their pantries full is a year-round challenge. Every year the Food Bank sees a steep decline in volunteers after the New Year, so it is asking the community to make volunteering their New Year’s resolution. January and February shifts are already available for sign up: https://volunteering.sfmfoodbank.org/need/2023/01.

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ABOUT THE FOOD BANK

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where even before the pandemic, one in five neighbors was at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone has access to nutritious food of their choosing and is uplifted by a network of support. Together with community partners, we work to address hunger head-on through neighborhood food pantries, CalFresh enrollment, home-delivered groceries, and policy and advocacy efforts. We work with our community to create lasting solutions to address both the hunger we see today and the root causes that perpetuate food insecurity in our society. Every week, 56,000 households count on us for food assistance. 60% of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit sfmfoodbank.org to learn more.

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Hosts Ribbon-Cutting to Celebrate New Warehouse

San Francisco, CA (October 4, 2022) – On Friday, October 7, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its newly expanded Warehouse and Welcome Center. Speakers at the event will include Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Food Bank Executive Director Tanis Crosby, and Food Bank Board of Directors Vice Chair Jonathan Walker.

This expanded facility adds:

• An additional 32,000 square feet for food storage and distribution.
• Two additional loading docks, increasing inbound truck capacity from 8 per day to 12 to 15 per day.
• 5,200 square feet of cold storage space, doubling refrigeration and quadrupling freezer capacities.
• High-density racking to increase efficiency.

The Food Bank is now able to distribute 75 million pounds of food annually and serve up to 200,000 people each week.

Thanks to the steadfast support of Speaker Pelosi, the Food Bank received $1 million in Community Project Funding for its new 5,200 square foot walk-in cooler. The new cold storage space will allow the food bank to store up to 35 million pounds of healthy protein, produce and grocery rescue for San Francisco and Marin residents.

WHEN: 3-5 p.m., Friday, October 7

WHERE: San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Warehouse and Welcome Center, 900 Pennsylvania Ave, San Francisco, CA

EVENT SPEAKERS: The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives; Tanis Crosby, Executive Director, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank; Jonathan Walker, Vice Chair, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Board of Directors

SPOKESPERSON AVAILABILITY: Tanis Crosby, Executive Director of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank will be available for pull-aside interviews following the speaking program.

PHOTO/B-ROLL OPPORTUNITIES: Tour of the expanded warehouse and other facilities; Nancy Pelosi, Tanis Crosby, Jonathan Walker, and other key attendees opening the loading dock door

ON-SITE MEDIA CONTACT: Keely Hopkins, khopkins@sfmfoodbank.org, (415) 792-8346

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ABOUT THE SAN FRANCISCO-MARIN FOOD BANK

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where even before the pandemic, one in five neighbors was at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone has access to nutritious food of their choosing and is uplifted by a network of support. Together with community partners, we work to address hunger head-on through neighborhood food pantries, CalFresh enrollment, home-delivered groceries, and policy and advocacy efforts. We work with our community to create lasting solutions to address both the hunger we see today and the root causes that perpetuate food insecurity in our society. Every week, 53,000 households count on us for food assistance. 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Hunger Report Shows Challenges of High Cost of Living & Inflation on Bay Area Families

79% of Food Bank Participants & 82% of Participants with Children Often or Sometimes Worry About Running Out of Food

 

SAN FRANCISCO (September 22, 2022) – Today the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank released its 2022 Hunger Report, showing food insecurity is not just a COVID-era problem. A high cost of living and rising inflation are making it hard for families to get by.

Based on responses from nearly 6,000 Food Bank participants, the report shows community members continue to worry about the essentials:

• 40% reported living with two or more households under one roof
• 79% often or sometimes worry about running out of food
• 82% of parents often or sometimes worry about running out of food
• 72% have not recovered financially from the pandemic

“This survey shows clearly that our participants are struggling – many are forced to make impossible choices between paying bills and buying food,” said Tanis Crosby, Executive Director of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. “As we saw when government benefits were extended during the pandemic, strengthening social safety nets like CalFresh (food stamps) and other meaningful policy changes make an immediate and tangible impact for our neighbors. It will take all of us, from individuals to community partners to elected officials, to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin.”

Ahead of the White House Conference on Hunger, The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank urges the federal government to take steps to protect and strengthen SNAP (CalFresh in CA) – our nation’s largest and most effective anti-hunger program. We are calling on elected officials to improve the adequacy of benefits and make the administrative flexibilities we’ve seen work during the pandemic permanent. We must invest in children and families by supporting the Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids act. Finally, we need the federal government to support emergency food commodities as an essential part of addressing the immediate need for food assistance in our community.

Ending hunger means confronting its root causes as well as providing food to neighbors. Our local and national policies must address the high cost of housing, rising inflation, low wages, unaffordable healthcare, racism, and other institutionalized discrimination to ensure families can thrive.

The Food Bank continues to be a lifeline to neighbors in San Francisco and Marin. Every week, we provide 53,000 households with nutritious food, 60% of which is fresh produce. Participants received enough food for 56 million meals last year.

September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of community hunger and an ideal time to help. Visit www.sfmfoodbank.org for how to volunteer, donate, or advocate.

 

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ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO-MARIN FOOD BANK

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where even before the pandemic, one in five neighbors was at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone has access to nutritious food of their choosing and is uplifted by a network of support. Together with community partners, we work to address hunger head-on through neighborhood food pantries, CalFresh enrollment, home-delivered groceries, and policy and advocacy efforts. We work with our community to create lasting solutions to address both the hunger we see today and the root causes that perpetuate food insecurity in our society. Every week, 53,000 households count on us for food assistance. 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/.

San Francisco – Marin Food Bank Year-End Fundraising Needs Community Boost

60% of the Food Bank’s Annual Budget Needs Raising Before End of 2021

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (December 27, 2021) The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank (SFMFB) faces increased challenges during the giving season from the persistent high need for food assistance. Pandemic-related food insecurity in the Bay Area continues and is intensified by supply chain impacts, causing the food bank’s budget to increase by 50% in 2021. 

Higher transportation costs and food prices, food scarcity, and labor shortages compound the Food Bank’s ability to combat food insecurity. The overall impact results in higher Food Bank expenses to fulfill the current need for food assistance in San Francisco and Marin. 

“We need to raise 60% of our annual budget in the last few days of the year to fulfill the financial goals required to meet the needs of our community,” said Tanis Crosby, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Executive Director. “We’re working to keep up with rising food prices from supply chain problems, but it all puts a huge strain on our financial resources, making year-end giving more critical, and with the Omicron variant surging, we are deeply concerned that the need for food assistance will keep growing into a significant part of 2022. We’re asking everyone in the community to step up and give whatever they can and join us in ending hunger,” she added. 

The Bay Area pandemic-related economic effects have not waned. Every week, the Food Bank distributes one million meals to over 50,000 households. In comparison, before the pandemic, the Food Bank served 32,000 households per week. 

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is sending out a call for monetary donations to meet its year-end fundraising goal. During December, every dollar donated will be triple-matched. To donate, visit: https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/, to volunteer, please visit: https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/volunteer/.

Available for phone and in-person interviews: Barbara Abbot, Vice President of Supply Chain for the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. 

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ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO-MARIN FOOD BANK 

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin. Before the pandemic, one in five neighbors was at risk of hunger. We address hunger head-on – from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries to CalFresh enrollment. Every week, over 50,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org 

Supply Chain Issues Strain San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Resources

Rising food and transportation costs stretch capacity to fulfill food assistance need during the holidays and beyond

SAN FRANCISCO (November 16, 2021) Supply chain challenges pose a significant obstacle in providing for the high rate of food insecurity in San Francisco and Marin this holiday season and into the foreseeable future. Higher transportation costs, food prices, food scarcity, and labor shortages compound the Food Bank’s ability to fulfill the persistent need for food assistance generated from the pandemic. The overall impact results in higher Food Bank costs to fulfill the current need for food assistance in San Francisco and Marin.

Although the Food Bank has succeeded in securing food in the coming holiday months, the rising costs and food scarcity have stretched its resources. From the first quarter of 2021, eggs prices increased 65%, the cost of produce per pound is about 16% higher, and the price of chicken has doubled. “This year, many of us will celebrate the holiday and enjoy a special meal with our families and friends. We must ensure that all our neighbors can do the same,” said Barbara Abbott, Vice President of Supply Chain for the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. “We have worked hard to overcome the barriers caused by the supply chain to meet the increased need for food assistance since the pandemic, but it puts tremendous strain on our financial resources, and our volunteer capacity is over-extended.”

Despite the waning pandemic health impacts in San Francisco and Marin, its economic implications still abound, exemplifying that there’s no vaccine for hunger. The number of neighbors needing food assistance is still high. Every week, the Food Bank distributes one million meals to over 50,000 households (184,000 people). In comparison, before the pandemic, the Food Bank served 32,000 households/week.

The heightened need shows no sign of lowering in the foreseeable future–a recent survey of over 7,000 of the Food Bank’s participants showed that 81% had yet to recover. 61% of respondents replied that a household member had lost their job or is earning less money. The same survey showed that as many as 50% did not seek food assistance before the pandemic.

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is sending out a call for monetary donations and volunteers to help provide food this holiday season and into 2022. To donate, visit: https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/, to volunteer, please visit: https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/volunteer/.

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ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO-MARIN FOOD BANK

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin. Before the pandemic, one in five neighbors was at risk of hunger. We address hunger head-on – from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries to CalFresh enrollment. Every week, over 50,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org

WEST COAST POULTRY LEADER FOSTER FARMS CONTINUES FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER, DONATES THANKSGIVING TURKEYS TO FEED MORE THAN 80,000 PEOPLE IN NEED

LIVINGSTON, Calif. – Oct. 28, 2021 – As the economic impact of the pandemic – and corresponding food insecurity – continues for American families, Foster Farms renews its holiday hunger relief efforts this week with a 64,000-pound turkey donation to West Coast food banks. This donation will bring the comfort of a holiday meal to more than 80,000 people in need across three states to help address staggering food assistance needs. In the coming weeks, Foster Farms will deliver thousands of holiday turkeys to food banks from Seattle to San Diego.

According to Feeding America, an estimated 42 million people, including 13 million children, remain dependent on food assistance and are vulnerable to hunger. In California alone, one out of every five residents – eight million people – do not know where their next meal is coming from.

As part of its ongoing commitment to address food insecurity, Foster Farms has an annual tradition of donating Thanksgiving turkeys to local hunger relief organizations, most of which have partnered with the company for the last 13 years. One longtime partner in the fight against hunger is San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, which will feed 10,000 people with the 8,000 pounds of turkey donated by Foster Farms.

“Since the pandemic began, we have seen nearly twice as many families turn to us. The need continues as a majority have yet to recover, and there is no vaccine for hunger,” said San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Executive Director Tanis Crosby. “We are grateful to Foster Farms for its continued generosity, especially during the holidays. Their donation will be a hand up again this year to the thousands in Northern California who are still struggling to make ends meet.”

“At Foster Farms, we remain dedicated to fighting hunger in our local communities and are proud to continue our tradition of donating Thanksgiving turkeys, especially this year, as families return to more traditional Thanksgiving celebrations,” said Ira Brill, vice president of communications for Foster Farms. “We hope that others who are able will join us in supporting their local food bank by donating food, money or time.”

 

 

Among the organizations receiving turkey donations this year are:

 

Second Harvest Food Bank

Manteca, Calif.

Donate Here

 

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

San Francisco

Donate Here

 

Northwest Harvest

Seattle

Donate Here

Merced County Food Bank

Merced, Calif.

Donate Here

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Sacramento, Calif.

Donate Here

 

 

About Foster Farms

Since 1939, West Coast families have depended on Foster Farms for premium quality chicken and turkey products. Family-owned and operated, the company continues its legacy of excellence and commitment to quality established by its founders, Max and Verda Foster. Foster Farms specializes in fresh, all-natural chicken and turkey products free of preservatives, additives, or injected sodium enhancers. Based in California’s Central Valley, with ranches in the Pacific Northwest, the company’s fresh chicken and turkey are produced in or near each region served. Foster Farms also produces delicious pre-marinated, ready-to-cook and fully cooked products that meet the quality and convenience needs of today’s home cooks, retailers, warehouse clubs and foodservice customers. The company’s commitment to excellence, honesty, quality, service, and people is a source of great pride, and a longtime family tradition.

Food safety is Foster Farms’ highest priority, and the company would like to remind consumers to always follow safe handling, preparation, and storage guidelines for the preparation of fresh poultry products. All fresh poultry products should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by a meat thermometer to ensure safety. Visit www.fosterfarms.com to learn more.

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Editor’s note: For interviews about turkey donations and accompanying community needs, photos and video footage of donations, please contact Heidi White at media@finemanpr.com

Hunger Report Shows Pandemic Related Food Insecurity Persists Despite Bay Area COVID-19 Recovery

 

SAN FRANCISCO (September 17, 2021) – Today, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank released its Hunger Report that included a survey of more than 7,000 Food Bank participants. The survey reveals that 81% of respondents have yet to recover from the pandemic’s economic impact. Many respondents reported they lost work or had reduced income due to the pandemic. 61% of respondents replied that a household member has lost their job or is earning less money. Nearly 50% did not receive food from a pantry before the pandemic.

 

While the pandemic shone a light on food insecurity and the inequities that underpin it, these are not new issues. Even before COVID-19 drove record unemployment, 1 in 5 San Francisco and Marin neighbors was at risk of hunger. The past year’s events were simply a catalyst that forced thousands more to turn to Food Banks and other forms of support for the first time. As entire industries eroded, the Food Bank saw nearly twice as many families turn to them for food, many for the first time.

 

“We’re heartened that we’re able to ramp up operations to fulfill the increase in the need for food. Yet, providing a bag of groceries will not solve the continued inequities of food insecurity in San Francisco and Marin,” said Tanis Crosby, Executive Director, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. We all need to push for policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels to address the root causes of hunger that predate COVID-19 and that were brought to light by the pandemic.”

 

The Food Bank continues to evolve operations to serve the community most effectively. Every week, over 50,000 households are served (before the pandemic, the Food Bank served 32,000 households per week), more than 8,000 of those received home-delivered groceries.

 

September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of community hunger and an ideal time to help. Visit www.sfmfoodbank.org for how to volunteer, donate, or advocate.

 

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ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO-MARIN FOOD BANK

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin. Before the pandemic, one in five neighbors was at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone can obtain enough nutritious food in a dignified manner to support the health and well-being of themselves and their families. We address hunger head-on – from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries to our nutrition-education classes and CalFresh enrollment, and we work in many ways to nourish and serve neighbors in need. Every week, 55,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Breaks Ground on Building Expansion

San Francisco, CA (July 26, 2021) – This Thursday the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank will celebrate the groundbreaking of its new San Francisco warehouse expansion. Speakers at the event will include Mayor London Breed, Food Bank Executive Director Tanis Crosby and members of the Food Bank’s Board of Directors.

The expanded facility – which is expected to open in Spring 2022 – will add:

• An additional 32,000 square feet, extending into the current parking lot on the north of the facility at 900 Pennsylvania Ave., San Francisco, CA.
• Two additional loading docks, adding 50% more capacity: from 8 inbound trucks per day to 12 to 15 per day.
• 5,200 square feet of cold storage space.
• The ability to engage up to 500 partner organizations compared to 380 currently.
• Space to host an additional 20,000 volunteers a year.

Together with the building it acquired in Marin in 2018, this will allow the Food Bank to distribute 75 million pounds annually from its two primary facilities, serving up to 200,000 people per week.

WHEN: 5 p.m., Thursday, July 29, 2021

WHERE: San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Warehouse, 900 Pennsylvania Ave, San Francisco, CA

EVENT SPEAKERS: Mayor London Breed; Scott Brubaker, Board Chair, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank; Joseph Sáenz, Board Member, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank; Tanis Crosby, Executive Director, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

SPOKESPERSON AVAILABLITY: Tanis Crosby, Executive Director of The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank will be available for pull aside interviews following the speaking program. Mayor London Breed’s staff will be on site and manage her availability.

PHOTO/B-ROLL OPPORTUNITIES: Construction underway; Food Bank facilities; b-roll of an active warehouse prepping for morning deliveries

ON-SITE MEDIA CONTACT: Keely Hopkins, khopkins@sfmfoodbank.org, (415) 792-8346

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ABOUT THE SAN FRANCISCO-MARIN FOOD BANK

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin. Before the pandemic, one in five neighbors was at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone can obtain enough nutritious food in a dignified manner to support the health and well-being of themselves and their families. We address hunger head-on – from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries to our nutrition-education classes and CalFresh enrollment, and we work in many ways to nourish and serve neighbors in need. Every week, 55,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org.