One of the most inspiring experiences I have had so far has been with the Sacramento Food Bank. I accompanied Tim Johnson, CRC President and CEO, to the food bank’s office to discuss a possible partnership with California rice farmers and the Sacramento Food Bank. Oak Park is fittingly home to both the office and distribution center for this unique food bank that has become more of a community center to the surrounding neighborhood. Having never previously visited a food bank, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I was completely shocked.
Unlike most food banks in the United States, the Sacramento Food Bank is not solely funded by government aid. Instead, this food banks funds its $10.5 million annual budgets by private donations and grants. An army of 5,200 volunteers helps run the day-to-day programs and feeds more than 21,000 people each month. These programs include parenting classes, GED courses, after school programs, a community garden and mobile farmer’s market-style distribution centers that serve struggling community members healthy meal choices. The mobile distribution sites also serve to give visitors information on eating and cooking healthy.
The CRC has begun dialogue with this food bank to see if it would be feasible for rice growers to supply the food bank with rice. As with all other farm partnerships, the food bank will look to buy the rice for a reduced cost. Rice growers are looking to food donations as a way to give back to the communities they are a part of. Barring some logistical challenges, the Sacramento Food Bank may be a promising fit. Mirroring the efforts of California rice farmers, the Sacramento Food Bank has reached its success through creativity, ingenuity and hard work. In fact a recent story from the Associated Press provided more information on their work. This food bank looks to empower its visitors with a hand up, not a hand out – quite a refreshing message.
Maddie Dunlap is a senior agricultural communication student with a minor in agribusiness at California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo. She is the eighth generation of Dunlaps born and raised in Colusa County agriculture.
When Maddie isn’t studying hard at Cal Poly, she enjoys traveling throughout California, Giants baseball and attending county fairs.
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