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.

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Hires Tanis Crosby as Executive Director

After More Than 32 Years of Leadership, Paul Ash is Retiring

San Francisco and San Rafael, CA (January 26, 2021) – The Board of Directors of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank hired Tanis Crosby to serve as the organization’s new Executive Director starting January 11, 2021.

Paul Ash is retiring after more than 32 years of leadership. Paul initially planned to retire last year, but due to the unprecedented events of 2020, agreed to stay on to help the Food Bank adapt and respond to the impacts of the pandemic. Going forward Paul will serve as an advisor and consultant to Tanis and the Food Bank as needed.

“During Paul’s three decades of leadership at the Food Bank, the organization’s food distribution increased from just three million pounds of food to 67 million pounds, ensuring hundreds of thousands of Bay Area families had access to food,” said Scott Brubaker, Board Chair of The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. “We are grateful for Paul’s commitment to the Food Bank and the people of San Francisco and Marin. The full extent of his impact is truly immeasurable; he leaves behind an enduring legacy.”

Tanis Crosby previously served as a leader in the YWCA movement for almost 20 years, most recently the CEO of the combined YWCA Silicon Valley and YWCA San Francisco & Marin. Tanis has dedicated her career to advancing the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. She brings a deep understanding of the root causes of food insecurity to the Food Bank’s mission to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin. Her energy, passion, and dedication will help lead this organization into a transformational next chapter.

This is a unique and challenging time in the Food Bank’s history. The need for a strong social safety net has never been more apparent. Under Tanis’ leadership, the Food Bank will remain committed to providing food to all our neighbors who need it most and advocating for stronger policies around food security.

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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.

MEDIA CONTACT

Keely Hopkins, Communications and Social Media Manager

O: 415-282-1900, ext. 292 | C: 415-792-8346

khopkins@sfmfoodbank.org

Foster Farms’ donations will feed an estimated 15,000 in the community amid a surge in demand for the Food Bank

 

WHO:	San Francisco-Marin Food Bank and Foster Farms
WHAT:	With Thanksgiving around the corner, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is receiving a donation delivery of more than 12,000 pounds of Thanksgiving turkey from Foster Farms (that’s more than 1,000 turkeys – 6 tons). The turkeys will be distributed in the coming weeks to help feed 15,000 in the Bay Area this Thanksgiving. Representatives from the food bank will be on hand to speak to the area’s level of food insecurity and surge in demand resulting from COVID-19. Earlier in the pandemic, Foster Farms donated to San Francisco-Marin Food Bank enough chicken to feed more than182,000 individuals in need.
WHEN:	Monday, November 9, 2020, 11:00 a.m.
WHERE:	SF-Marin Food Bank900 Pennsylvania AvenueSan Francisco, CA 94107
VISUALS:	Foster Farms semi-truck delivering more than 12,000 pounds of turkey – 1,000 whole turkeys. That is six tons or enough to serve more than 15,000· Forklifts transporting cases of turkey donations into San Francisco-Marin Food Bank· Food bank warehouse display of holiday meal ingredients to be distributed to local families· Oversized check presented to San Francisco-Marin Food Bank· Interview opportunities with San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Services representatives and Foster Farms
WHY:	Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather around a meal, yet pre-pandemic one in five people living in San Francisco and Marin were food insecure, now the need is even greater. Statewide, one in eight adults and one in five children, struggle with food insecurity despite the fact that the state produces nearly half of America’s fruits and vegetables. The Food Bank is calling on others to join Foster Farms and contribute turkeys, food, monetary donations, and support to help Bay Area families in need.

 

Background

Family-owned Foster Farms is stepping up its COVID-19 hunger relief efforts, increasing its number of donated Thanksgiving turkeys by close to 60 percent over last year to help meet the staggering need for food assistance. The 96,000 pounds of donated turkey will help feed more than 120,000 individuals struggling with food insecurity. The Thanksgiving turkey donations are an annual tradition that Foster Farms began in 2008. In the coming days, Foster Farms will deliver the turkeys to West Coast food banks from San Diego to Seattle. Earlier in the pandemic, the company donated more than three million servings of poultry to food banks in California, Oregon, Washington, Alabama, and Louisiana.

 

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 is able to 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 food-stamp enrollment, we work in many ways to nourish and empower neighbors in need. Every week, 60,000 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.

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 also 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

Media Contact

Gunilla Bergensten, Marketing and Communications Director

(415) 767-8331 | gbergensten@sfmfoodbank.org