The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Asks for Community Support on Giving Tuesday
The Food Bank offers behind-the-scenes tours, launches “3 Million Meals” campaign
CONCORD, CA, November 26, 2024 – For this year’s Giving Tuesday on December 3, the global day of giving, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano is asking the community to come together to fight hunger as it meets high demand during the holidays and prepares for the upcoming year. Throughout the holiday months, the Food Bank typically sees a 20% increase in neighbors utilizing its services. Further, as the organization prepares for the year ahead, they expect the need to remain high as cost-of-living, food, and gas prices strain household budgets for local families.
Currently, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano serves over 65,000 households throughout the community, providing 2.7 million meals monthly. During the holiday season, the Food Bank focuses on providing holiday-specific foods for local families and vulnerable populations, including seniors. For example, the Food Bank will distribute chickens, seasonal produce, and staple condiments, like butter, at its Senior Food Program sites, and through its 260 agency partner sites in both counties.
Looking ahead into the new year, despite government uncertainty and decreased funding, the Food Bank is focusing on providing its high level of services and community support. During Giving Tuesday, the Food Bank asks for the public’s engagement and help.
Local community members can make a significant impact:
- Reserve a tour: The Food Bank welcomes anyone looking to support the Food Bank to reserve a tour on Tuesday, December 3rd, to experience its operations and services during the holiday season and beyond. Tours are 30-minutes long and will take place throughout the day between 8:30AM – 4:00PM at both the Fairfield and Concord locations. Tours must be reserved in advance.
- Donate: The Food Bank is looking to raise enough funds to provide 3 Million Meals for its annual campaign. In partnership with Pacific Service Credit Union and the Donald Zonshine Family Foundation, every dollar donated up to $85,000 on Giving Tuesday will be matched! This means that every dollar will provide at least four meals for our neighbors in need.
Caitlin Sly, President and CEO, comments: “Giving Tuesday reminds us that, no matter how uncertain or unpredictable the future may be, we can still collectively make a difference and give back to our local communities. Nearly 50 years ago, the Food Bank was founded on the promise of being our community’s safety net, like a balm during difficult times for our neighbors. Many of our clients work multiple jobs and are just one paycheck or medical emergency away from needing our services. They are at the heart of everything we do. We wouldn’t be able to do the work without our supporters and their continued generosity this Giving Tuesday. Whether you are able to donate your money or time, we’re grateful for the continued support – not just today, but every day.”
Supporters can sign up for a tour today or donate online to help fund and deliver 3 Million Meals.
About the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County:
Founded in 1975, The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano is a critical resource for residents in our local communities. Our mission is leading the fight to end hunger, in partnership with our community and service of our neighbors in need. Through our partnership with Feeding America, the Food Bank distributes nutritious food directly to clients as well as through a network of over 260 partners and nonprofits — serving 65,000 households every month. The Food Bank also strategically engages in advocacy work to raise awareness and mobilize support to end hunger, and we are recognized as one of Feeding America’s Hall of Fame honor roll members for excellence in advocacy.
During times of crisis, the Food Bank team serves as second responders by providing food for communities impacted by natural disasters and emergencies. As Feeding America’s hub for disaster relief on the West Coast, we’ve helped respond to disasters in 14 Northern California counties and beyond.
With 97 cents of every $1 donated going toward food distribution, the Food Bank is committed to financial transparency and consistently earns Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating. To learn more about the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, visit www.foodbankccs.org.
