We are very grateful for the Thomas J. Long Foundation’s support that has given the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano the opportunity to increase the number of Community Produce Program distribution sites throughout Contra Costa County.
The Food Bank’s Community Produce Program was originally created five years ago because many of our neighbors do not have the financial or transportation resources to be able to get enough fresh produce in their diet. This new funding is allowing the Food Bank to go from twice-a-month distributions at 56 sites, 5 days a week to 68 sites, 7 days a week. By now having distributions on Sundays, more working families will be able to attend. The dozen new sites are projected to be fully operational by the end of October.
A recent World Health Organization report on diet recommends an increased intake of fruits and vegetables to help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. That seems simple enough, but the reality for many local families is they do not have easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Many of the new sites will be at County Health Centers, furthering the connection between eating healthy and diet-related disease prevention. The Food Bank believes the healthier our community members are, the better off our entire society will be.
For more information about where to access fresh produce visit www.foodbankccs.org/getfood.
Do you want to make a difference within your community? We need volunteers to assist in bagging produce for the Community Produce Program and to help at distribution sites. Please sign up at foodbankccs.org/volunteer.
