There’s no getting around it – 2022 could be challenging at times. But while need in our community grew alongside inflation, our hunger fighting family helped us remember an important truth: When we all come together we can make a difference for ourselves and others.
As we reflect on the year that was and look ahead to 2023, here are 10 of our favorite stories that show how we all worked together to make our community a better place.
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You braved the weather
“My pastor always says it doesn’t matter about the heat, you’ve still got to eat,” Susan, a volunteer at partner agency Grace Temple COGIC, told us during this summer’s major heatwave. Even as temperatures soared above 110 degrees, dedicated volunteers still came out to make sure food got to those who needed it. Thank you for facing the elements with us!
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Finding food got easier
Can you believe our Find Food Map is already a year old? This interactive tool allows people to locate free food by zip code and day of the week, and lists hundreds of food distribution sites operated by the Food Bank and our 260-plus partner agencies. You can also navigate the map in Spanish.
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Kids led the way
Young people in our community made a big impact in 2022, including Girl Scout Troop 31927 who donated birthday bags, students at Alcalanes High School who raised funds for more than 30,000 meals, and the De La Salle High School soccer team who volunteered in our Concord warehouse.
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You helped put food choice in their hands
Thanks to our supporters, we were once again able to offer grants to help our partner agencies expand their services. Our partners at First Baptist Vallejo used their grant funds to create a new mobile sandwich bar, so neighbors can have something that’s rarely on offer at soup kitchens: food made to order, just the way they like.
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We marked 10 years of freshness
We celebrated a decade of making fresh fruit and veggies accessible to all through our Community Produce Program. The program provides up to 20 pounds of produce to neighbors twice a month. Since its launch in 2012 we’ve distributed more than 30 million pounds of fresh produce at more than 150 sites across Contra Costa and Solano counties with your support.
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You became hunger heroes
During Hunger Action Month (September), our community leapt into action in-person and online to show support for ending hunger. We especially loved this behind-the-scenes look at volunteering created by one of our heroes.
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Our drivers shared their stories
For National Truck Driver Day we introduced you to some of the people who make sure food reaches all corners of our community, including Gee, Ramon and Will. Find out why working at the Food Bank is more than just a job for these three dedicated drivers.
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We reduced our personal food waste
In 2022, communities across California rolled out organic waste disposal programs to reduce the amount of food scraps in landfills – and the greenhouse gasses they create. But, there are also plenty of ways to reduce food waste before your compost bin gets involved. We shared 10 of our favorites here.
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You helped us get prepared
When wildfires hit Northern California, you helped ensure we had emergency food and water ready and waiting for our neighbors in the North State who were displaced by the disasters. Agencies on the ground told us the Ready, Set, Meals boxes volunteers packed made a big difference for evacuees facing uncertain and difficult times.
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We went to Washington
Keva Dean, our board member and community advocate, shared her experience of traveling to Washington D.C. to attend the White House Conference on Food and Nutrition. As part of the conference, the White House pledged to end hunger nationwide by 2030.
Thank you for all your support in 2022.
As we enter the new year we’re continuing to serve more than 300,000 people each month. Can you help us continue to provide food to all who need it in 2023?
