San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Ends
Pandemic Response Pop-Up Pantry Program

San Francisco, Calif.  (June 10, 2025) –The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank ended its Pop-Up Pantry program in San Francisco and Marin on Friday, June 6, 2025. The final day of service marked the end of the Food Bank’s pandemic response programs due to the loss of overall government funding. Pop-Ups were supposed to operate for just a few weeks when COVID-19 hit but continued for five years to serve those facing hunger.

“We are extremely proud of the impact the Food Bank has made in helping tens of thousands of people put food on their tables,” said Executive Director Tanis Crosby. “These required service cuts are coming at a time when food insecurity is now higher than at the height of the pandemic. And, it will only get worse with proposed federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/CalFresh in California) that will restrict critical benefits, eliminate 9 billion meals nationally for low-income families, and drive more people to food banks that won’t be able to provide adequate services to fill the hunger gap.”

The Food Bank joins with Feeding America, the California Association of Food Banks, and our community partners in sounding the alarm that proposed SNAP changes and other government cuts to food security programs will be devastating for low- and moderate-income families. The Food Bank is urging:

— U.S. Senators and House Members to reject the proposed cuts to SNAP at the federal level. These proposed cuts will be the equivalent of eliminating over 9 billion meals for low-income Americans.

— The Governor, state, and local leaders prioritize access to SNAP (CalFresh in California) and benefit adequacy and support charitable food access programs at a scale that meets demand.

The Food Bank remains steadfast in its advocacy for participants facing food insecurity and for coordinated resources to meet the needs of our community. We will continue to collaborate with our partners to address the hunger we see today and on solutions to end hunger tomorrow. Efforts to rebuild capacity in the neighborhood pantry network are ongoing, and the Food Bank is working with its partners to launch several Community Markets over the next year. Offering a grocery store-like experience, Community Markets provide participants with the dignity of choice in selecting healthy, nutritious food at flexible times and importantly connects them with supportive services to help address the reasons they are seeking charitable food.

While the Food Bank has successfully transferred more than 2,700 Pop-Up Pantry households to neighborhood pantries and to new Community Markets, regrettably, 6,500 households remain on the waitlist for available space and will go without services in the interim. The Food Bank will continue to work to transfer as many participants as possible to available spaces within our partner network. We encourage individuals and families in need of food assistance to contact the Food bank at (415) 824-3663 or email help@sfmfoodbank.org, and use the food locator tool on our website: sfmfoodbank.org/find-food. They can also find other resources by contacting 211.

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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, more than 50,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 70% of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit sfmfoodbank.org to learn more.

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s Response to Los Angeles Wildfires

San Francisco (January 15, 2025) – The San Francisco-Food Bank shares the nation’s concerns regarding the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the tragedy.

We are a member of Feeding America, and the California Association of Food Banks which are working closely with the LA Regional Food Bank and Westside Food Bank to assess damage, channel support and provide help where it’s needed most.

• If you know someone affected by the wildfires who needs help or would like to contribute, go here.
• If you know someone affected by the wildfires who is looking for food, go here.
• If you know someone affected by the wildfires who is looking for other resources, go here.

More resources:

• LA Regional Food Bank Updates
• CAFB Crisis & Disaster Response
• Feeding America Disaster Response
• CalMatters California Wildfires Updates
• American Red Cross

Hunger Report Shows Systemic Challenges are Driving Hunger

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank 2024 Hunger Report Reveals 70% of Food Bank Participants are Working

San Francisco (September 15, 2024) – The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank released its 2024 Hunger Report, showing that a stubbornly high cost of living and wages that can’t support basic needs are straining families.

Based on responses from more than 3,000 Food Bank participants and people on our wait list, the report shows our community continues to struggle:

• 77% of participants sometimes or often worry about running out of food. With even more stark numbers among BIPOC communities and those with children (especially single parents):
  • 88% of Latinx participants 80% of Black participants, 87% of single parents, and 83% of households with children sometimes or often worry about running out of food.
• 70% of respondents have at least one person in their household working, and 35% are working multiple jobs.
• 92% of those on our wait list are experiencing food insecurity compared to 75% of those who are enrolled.

“We see first-hand the tradeoffs our participants are making,” said Tanis Crosby, executive director of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. “The high cost of living means that participants just can’t afford to buy enough food. This is a policy choice. We must work with our community and elected officials to invest in safety net programs and find lasting solutions to the root causes of hunger.”

The cost of living in Marin and San Francisco is so high that an individual would need to work approximately 1.5 full time minimum wage jobs in San Francisco and 1.75 in Marin just to cover their basic expenses[1]. This financial reality is why even with 70% of respondents working and 35% having multiple jobs, many in our community are struggling to get by.

Solutions to End Hunger

While we are proud to see 96% of our participants worry less about having enough food thanks to our services, as we move to the future, we must transform our services and advocate for policy solutions that drive lasting change.

One such policy solution, was the passage of AB 518 earlier this year which will hold the state of California accountable for increasing CalFresh enrollment. There are currently an estimated 2.7 million Californians who qualify for CalFresh but are not accessing this critical anti-hunger program – placing California in the bottom 5 states for enrollment. This bill will require the state to develop a methodology to estimate CalFresh participation rates and identify characteristics of those who are eligible but not yet receiving the services.

CalFresh is one of the most effective tools we have to address hunger, which is why the Food Bank helped lead statewide advocacy efforts that resulted in the passage of this bill. We are tremendously grateful to Governor Newsom for signing the bill into law and Assemblymember Corey Jackson and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks for their leadership in the development of this bill.

Looking to the future, we will continue to advocate for systemic policy changes and are working to amplify the voices of those with firsthand experience with food insecurity. We are also collaborating with our network to expand capacity and working with other partner organizations to open community markets that imagine a new way of service that not only provides dignified food choices but also access to other support services.

Hunger Report Methodology

The Hunger Report is based on findings from the Food Bank’s annual participant survey. This year the Food Bank heard from more than 3,000 participants and wait listed individuals in Food Bank-run Pop-Up Food Pantries and partner-run Neighborhood Food Pantries. Surveys were sent via SMS or email through Survey Sparrow in spring 2024. The survey is a critical part of the Food Bank’s commitment to data driven decision making and ensuring participant feedback is incorporated in service planning.

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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. Almost 50,000 households count on us for food assistance. 70% of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit sfmfoodbank.org to learn more.

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[1] Based on United Way’s Real Cost Measure (https://unitedwaysca.org/realcost/) and a $16 minimum wage in Marin County and a $18.67 minimum wage in San Francisco County. Full time is defined as 40 hours per week, 50 weeks per year.

 

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Needs to Raise Two-Thirds of Annual Budget by Year-End

Declining Government Support Makes This Goal More Critical Than Ever

San Francisco, CA (December 18, 2023) – By December 31, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank needs to raise two-thirds of our annual revenue — so far, we’ve only raised 65% of that goal. With rising food insecurity and the doubling of child poverty, hitting that goal to ensure the Food Bank can serve as many people as possible is critical.

Our community is struggling. Historic inflation, coupled with a rollback of supports like the expanded Child Tax Credit and CalFresh emergency allotments, is forcing low-income people to make difficult choices. The rising cost of utilities, housing, childcare, and more means that participants just can’t afford to buy enough food. According to a recent survey of more than 9,000 Food Bank participants:

• 61% couldn’t cover a $400 emergency expense
• 83% worry about running out of food
• 54% have had to buy less food because of rising grocery prices

The Food Bank is not immune to rising food expenses and shrinking support: funding cuts from all levels of government are making it challenging to meet the ongoing need.

“We see first-hand the tradeoffs low- and modest-income people are making,” 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 and fewer donations. We need the community’s help now more than ever. Especially as we need to raise two thirds of our annual budget by December 31st.”

Stretching Every Dollar

The Food Bank can turn every $1 donation into two meals. Through the end of December, the Food Bank has secured matching gifts from its dedicated partners — meaning donations during this time will go twice (or even three times) as far. This efficiency makes monetary donations significantly more impactful than providing food by allowing the Food Bank to purchase high quality meat, eggs, produce, and more.

December 31st is the deadline for individuals to make their last tax-deductible gift of the year.

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank receives a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and 94% of the Food Bank’s donated resources go 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 the Food Bank’s 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, 50,000+ households count on us for food assistance. More than 70% 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 Announces Giving Tuesday Match from Wells Fargo 

All Gifts Tripled up to $25,000 

 

San Francisco, CA (November 27, 2023) – The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is teaming up with Wells Fargo to offer a triple match this Giving Tuesday, November 28, for all donations up to $25,000. Normally, a $1 donation to the Food Bank provides enough food for two meals – but this Giving Tuesday, a $1 donation will provide six meals for neighbors across San Francisco and Marin. That means a $50 donation will provide enough food for 300 meals! 

This generous match comes at a critical time: the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is now spending four times more on food than it was in 2019, and child poverty more than doubled between 2021 and 2022. Inflation combined with declining support for food security programs at all levels of government is hitting both food banks and participants hard. The Food Bank recently surveyed over 9,000 of its participants to learn more about the landscape of hunger in the region and learned: 

• 83% of participants sometimes or often worry about running out of food. 
• 60% of households have at least one person working, showing unemployment is not the driver of food insecurity. 
• 61% of participants could not cover a $400 emergency expense. That number is even starker for people who identify as Black or Latinx – 85% and 76% respectively could not cover a $400 expense.  
• 54% reported buying less food because of the rising cost of groceries. 

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is also seeing a decline in private donations, and it encourages supporters to join hands and invest in their community this Giving Tuesday. 

“The Food Bank and our participants are struggling right now. But I’m continually awed by what our community can do when we band together to uplift our neighbors,” said Tanis Crosby, Executive Director of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. “Wells Fargo’s triple match is a critical part of empowering people to create real, lasting change in the lives of those facing hunger.”  

Donating to the Food Bank will support services for neighbors across San Francisco and Marin. The Food Bank works with 345 community partners to bring food to 250+ pantries across both counties and home-delivers groceries to seniors, people with disabilities, and other homebound participants. More than 70% of what it distributes is fresh produce. It also helps eligible people sign up for CalFresh (food stamps), an essential anti-hunger tool that puts money for food directly into people’s pockets. The Food Bank doesn’t just work to manage hunger: it addresses the root causes of food insecurity by advocating at all levels of government to create real, lasting policy change. 

To learn more or to donate, visit sfmfoodbank.org.  

 

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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, 50,000+ households count on us for food assistance. More than 70% 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 (September 13, 2023) – The 12th annual SF Turkey Drive will kick off Saturday, November 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Emydius Church. The drive, which was started by San Francisco resident Pierre Smit, is a collaboration with St. Emydius Church in the Ingleside District and the San Francisco Zoo.

Individuals are encouraged to bring turkeys (preferably frozen), boxes of fresh vegetables and/or monetary donations to the SF Turkey Drive’s November and December drop off locations:

• Saturday, November 18, 2023, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  St. Emydius Church parking lot, 350 De Montfort Ave., San Francisco
• Monday, November 20, 2023, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  SF Zoo Main Parking Lot
• December 16, 2023, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  St. Emydius Church, 350 De Montfort Ave., San Francisco

“I started the SF Turkey Drive out of my home in 2012, and every year since we’ve been collecting turkeys on the Saturdays before Thanksgiving and before Christmas,” said Pierre Smit. “With food prices increasing rapidly, I’ve seen first-hand the impact on low-income people. But everyone needs to eat. And I believe with a meal, everyone finds hope for a better tomorrow.”

This is a critical time for neighbors facing food insecurity. As social safety net services are weakened, we’ve seen the number of people experiencing food insecurity in this country go up by 31%, and child poverty rates double from 5.2% in 2021 to 12.4% in 2022. In our very own community, we are seeing 83% of Food Bank participants worry about running out food, and 61% wouldn’t be able to cover a $400 emergency expense (2023 Hunger Report).

While the Food Bank is currently serving more than 50,000 households across San Francisco and Marin counties each week, it is also seeing cuts in funding and government support that are making this level of services unsustainable.

“We are seeing fewer and fewer industry donations of important items like turkeys. Coupled with inflation and declining donations from the USDA, this means we are now spending five times more on food compared to before the pandemic,” said Barbara Abbott, Chief Supply Chain Officer, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. “We are so grateful the SF Turkey Drive selected us to be their beneficiary for the first time this year.”

One hundred percent of donations to the 12th Annual SF Turkey Drive will go to the Food Bank. What began as a grassroots campaign has blossomed into a holiday tradition and chance for individuals to directly support their neighbors. The drive hopes to collect at least 1,300 turkeys.

 

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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, more than 50,000 households count on us for food assistance. 60% of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit sfmfoodbank.org to learn more.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Keely Hopkins, Senior Communications Manager

C: 415-792-8346

khopkins@sfmfoodbank.org

Cyclists Race to Collect Thousands of Pounds of Food on Their Bicycles

San Francisco, CA (November 2, 2023) – Supermarket Street Sweep will be off to the races for their 16th annual bike race to benefit the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank this Saturday. The race will start at Cupid’s Span on the Embarcadero in San Francisco. From there racers will ride off on independent routes to collect food from grocery stores throughout San Francisco to donate to the Food Bank. The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank warehouse will be a one-stop shop for both the race finish and the after party.

This annual bike race has brought in 131,954 pounds of food since it first started. During the last race, racers brought in 2,500 lbs. of food on their bicycles and raised enough money to purchase food for 4,600 meals.

“The Street Sweep is amazing – it supports community, promotes bikes as workhorses, and is just downright fun. We were thrilled to bring the event back after the pandemic, and we are so excited to hit the streets again,” says Bicycle Law’s Miles Cooper.

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RACE DAY SCHEDULE:

• 12:00p.m. – Riders begin Sweep at Cupid’s Span at Folsom and Embarcadero
• 1 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – riders begin to arrive back at the Food Bank (900 Pennsylvania Ave., San Francisco)
• 4:00p.m. – Sweep cutoff. Riders check in at Food Bank. Afterparty
• 4:00 pm. – 6:30 PM – After party and awards

*Press are welcome at the starting line during check-in before the start of the race or at the finish line. Food Bank and Bicycle Law spokespeople will be available at the finish line between 3-4 p.m.*

WHERE:

• Start: Cupid’s Span at Folsom and Embarcadero
• Finish: San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, 900 Pennsylvania Ave., San Francisco, CA

SPOKESPERSON AVAILABLITY: Miles Cooper, Partner at Bicycle Law, Supermarket Street Sweep; and Katy Mann McKnight, director of community engagement, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank will be available at the finish line at 900 Pennsylvania Ave. between 3-4 p.m.

PHOTO/B-ROLL OPPORTUNITIES: racers at the start of the race; cyclists taking off at race start; cyclists arriving at the finish with donated food; unloading of donated food; general warehouse activity; after party

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

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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.

ABOUT BICYCLE LAW

We believe bicycles and e-bicycles are the best way to better our world.

From reducing emissions and footprints to increasing our personal health and connectedness to our community, bikes are the key. Our goal is to get more butts on bikes by making it safe and easy for everyone.

Due to Budget Cuts, The Food Bank Will Scale
Down Pandemic-era Services Over the Next Two Years 

San Francisco, CA (October 17, 2023) – The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is announcing that over the next two years it will reduce its pandemic-era services due to the end of federal, state and local funding for emergency pandemic services. The Food Bank will close all emergency Pop-Up Pantries located across San Francisco and Marin by June 2025 and is currently reducing its Home Delivered Groceries enrollment. It will transition participants back to the pre-pandemic model of food distribution through a network of neighborhood pantries.

“Pop-Up Pantries are not closing immediately,” said Executive Director Tanis Crosby. “We are committed to serving our community to the best of our ability. Our goal is for this to be a thoughtful and planned transition, where we can eventually serve as many participants as possible directly through our pantry network as we did prior to the pandemic.”

To minimize the impact on participants, during the two-year period the Food Bank will continue to work with its community partners to expand existing food pantries and reopen those that closed due to COVID-19. Due to the pandemic, 33% of the food pantries in the Food Bank’s network closed. The organization is focused on working with partners to rebuild that network capacity. However, due to funding cuts there will be longer waitlists at pantries and some in need will no longer have access to Food Bank services. By the end of June 2025, the Food Bank projects it will serve approximately 40,000 households per week – about 20 percent more than pre-pandemic.

The Food Bank grew its staff to meet the emergency response demands of the pandemic. The reduction of pandemic-era services will also, unfortunately, require the Food Bank to reduce its workforce over the next two years. By the end of June 2025, the organization anticipates its staffing will reduce from 253 to below 200 employees through attrition, early retirements, and layoffs. No staff are losing their jobs immediately.

The Food Bank is announcing the planned changes in pre-pandemic services early to allow for a thoughtful transition over the next two years for participants and staff.  Planned benefits for staff who will be impacted include strong severance and career support packages to enable future employment opportunities. The Food Bank highly values its staff, many of whom served courageously on the frontlines throughout the pandemic.

“The impact of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank in providing groceries to tens of thousands of individuals and families in need during the pandemic was simply remarkable,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. “In the post-pandemic funding landscape, the unfortunate reality facing local governments is federal support for anti-hunger programs is dwindling. We must develop new approaches to address food insecurity. The Food Bank is working collaboratively on innovative and coordinated food access initiatives to end hunger in our city, and I look forward to working together in strong partnership.”

“Given the incredible need for food that still exists in our communities, it is simply no longer enough to manage hunger,” said Crosby. “We look forward to working with the City of San Francisco, our partners and supporters to accelerate equitable solutions to address the root causes of hunger.”

The Food Bank is extremely disappointed that the City of San Francisco has chosen not to increase funding for critical food programs in its budget. While we understand this is a difficult budget year, the decision to return to pre-pandemic levels of food funding ignores the realities of food insecurity we witness every day in our community. The decision to deprioritize San Francisco’s food safety net programs will cause great harm to low-income residents struggling to put food on the table.

Together with our network of more than 350 partner organizations, we serve thousands of people who are trying to balance the rising cost of groceries and other necessities while social safety nets like CalFresh are eroding. We had hoped our local elected officials would understand there cannot be economic recovery in San Francisco without first ensuring everyone in our city can meet their basic needs.

While the food security funding landscape has changed, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank remains committed to serving those who need food assistance to the best of our ability. But we also recognize the lack of funding for critical food programs will have consequences for those who rely on our services and will impact the programs we can offer. We are currently working through those plans and will provide updates to partners and participants as they are available.