Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Volunteers at SFBFS

2012-01-27T14:51:00.001-08:00

Nearly three years ago, I became Volunteer Services Manager here at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Despite my excitement at this wonderful new opportunity, I felt just a small bit of trepidation. At the time, I worked in SFBFS’ Clothing program and knew that I would miss working directly with my small group of Clothing volunteers on a daily basis. I’d miss our morning talks, catching up on their families’ news and going over the plan for serving our client shoppers that day. However, I now feel like the luckiest staff member at SFBFS, because I get to be in contact with volunteers from all 7 programs at our organization, not just those in the Clothing program.

I get to meet new volunteers when they attend the volunteer orientation. Speaking to a group of 20 to 30 excited faces is a little impersonal, so I look forward to getting to know each and every volunteer as I go over their application and place them into volunteer position. I recently ran into a mother and her two teenage children who started volunteering on Wednesday evenings in the Clothing program. It was great to see the connections they had made so quickly with Tasha, SFBFS’ Clothing Program Manager. The mom thanked me for giving her family the opportunity to serve. I got to thank her for her family’s generous spirit and excitement about serving families here in Sacramento. How cool is that?

I have also been extremely fortunate to form bonds with some of the older volunteers who have been connected to SFBFS for over 20 years. They have been so kind and welcoming to me. I enjoy hearing stories from them about how SFBFS has evolved over the years. I also enjoy benefits such as being gifted lemons from an older volunteer’s productive lemon tree, always being notified of home baked treats available in the Clothing program or receiving Christmas gifts of homemade preserves. Volunteers give more than just their time, they give friendship.

I’m always impressed and humbled by the things that our volunteers do for the community. One volunteer in the Parent Education program recently completed a lactation course on her own time in order to better mentor new parents in breastfeeding techniques. Another is a gourmet chef and takes time away from his own business to cook at SFBFS events for free. Countless others work full time and come straight from work, in full business attire, to bag and distribute groceries at food distributions. To have the privilege of getting to know these amazing individuals, and getting them involved in SFBFS, is something I appreciate every day.

Submitted by Robin Simpson, Volunteer Services Manager

Technology Lab

2012-01-26T21:40:00.000-08:00

With the ribbon cutting of the new Education & Technology Center now complete, the realization of more opportunities for families as well as individuals was kicked off on January 24 with a slew of phone calls regarding classes. The most amazing part is that SFBFS will no longer have to limit the activities in the lab to restricted days. The new Center offers so much space and allows three classes to take place simultaneously! With new computers and software upgrades, our clients will definitely enjoy their experience in SFBFS’ Technology Lab.

As a new addition to our technology class schedule, SFBFS created three new technology workshops: customizing your personal computer, file management, e-mailing & attachments. We have also added a Lab Instruction session within our classes to help ensure the success of our students. Clients will be able to take a class or use our open lab for job search and/or e-mailing, resume assistance as well as completing online job applications. We will continue our partnership EDD, facilitating their PC Basics & Caljobs Navigation workshops.

We are excited that Tech Skills of Sacramento is partnering with SFBFS to provide us with new interns from their Office Administration program. These students will be working in the Technology Lab helping to assist the clients with day to day activities as a part of their goal to gain more experience in an technology environment assisting them use their skills to be more prepared for future employment. For more information about classes, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org

Submitted by Shay Smith, Adult Education Technology Instructor

How Meng came to SFBFS

2012-01-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Meng Teurn. My family escaped from Laos in 1975 when communists took over the country. We fled to the refugee camp in Thailand so that the United Nations could protect us and the other refugees.

We stayed in Thailand for some time and learned that the US government was accepting refugees to the United States of America. We applied and we were some of the lucky ones who were accepted.

My family arrived safely to Sacramento. It was very hard for us because we did not speak English. I found Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) offered adult learning center with free classes. There I met my good friend Craig Usher, who was the Adult Education Program Manager. Through him I discovered that Leslie and Father Dan, the who were leading SFBFS at that time, were seeking a janitor.

I told them I was interested in the job. Leslie and Father Dan interviewed me and hired me in 1997 and I have been here ever since. I am very happy to get this job. I enjoy working with all the nice team members and I like my bosses. They are good people.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services helped me make my life better. It gave me an opportunity to meet good people, learn English and get a job so I can support my family.

Thank you to all the volunteers and donors for supporting SFBFS. Thank you to all those who continue to support and those who will support us in the future. I hope we all can work together to make a better future for SFBFS and the community.

Submitted by Meng Teurn, SFBFS Janitor

Senior program

2012-01-23T18:30:00.000-08:00

The Senior program was started by Blake Young after a Community Needs Assessment was done in April 2009. Because of the shortfall of senior programs due to governmental and social service cuts, a program was developed at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). The Greater Sacramento Chamber of Commerce Leadership 2010 Team helped create SFBFS’s collaboration with Eskaton’s Talking Listening Caring Program (TLC). Together, SFBFS and TLC created what is now SFBFS’ Senior program in June 2011.

Volunteer families or individuals reach out to socially isolated, yet independent, TLC seniors with two monthly meetings (or more) and bring a big box of groceries during one of the visits. Many of the foods are shelf stable but a variety of produce and dairy is included as well. This nutrition helps fill the gap that so many seniors living on Social Security face. With these healthy foods, seniors are more likely to remain independent, happy and healthy without governmental help.

The volunteers bring more than nutrition for the seniors. They bring companionship. This additional friendship forms bonds that can span generations and open minds. Frequently, both seniors and volunteers are overwhelmed with gratitude and each feel they are getting the better end of the deal. SFBFS is excited to see participation in the Senior program grow over time. Click here for more information about SFBFS’ Senior program.

Submitted by Marie-Louise Nelson, Senior Program Manager

Parent Education Program Opens January 2012

2012-01-10T00:16:00.000-08:00

The Mother-Baby program of Sacramento Food Bank & Family (SFBFS) had been around for almost twenty years and was initially created to service single mothers. A lot has changed since that time. We now know that there are other groups of caregivers that need support as well. For example, we are seeing more and more single fathers and grandparents or other family members as the primary provided for the child.

We also recognize a need for intensified parent education, mentoring and other support services. In 2010 SFBFS partnered with Betty Moore School of Nursing to conduct a series of client focus groups and surveys that stretched over a year. The results reinforced what we had already suspected.

Our first challenge was the name Mother-Baby. First, the name implies that the program is for women with babies only and excludes fathers, grandparents and other caregivers. Secondly, it does not mention classes or the program’s purpose of improving lives through education. Another challenge we faced was the perception the community had about the program. Mother-Baby was viewed as a distribution program that gave out free baby supplies with no consideration of the educational requirement.

After reviewing the results from the surveys and focus groups we knew we had to make some serious changes. In mid-2011, program managers drafted a proposal that included changes that reflected client and data feedback. After several revisions the proposal was approved and planning for a new Parent Education program began.

Effective January 17, 2012, SFBFS will launch its new Parent Education program designed to service families in the Sacramento County. Parent Education offers free, family-related courses on topics such as nurturing parenting, positive discipline techniques, budgeting, health, nutrition, stress management, school readiness and more. Families with children 0 – 5 years old will receive credits after the completion of each course that can be traded in for infant and toddler supplies.

Comparison Chart

Parent Education ____________________ Mother-Baby

* Assists families w/ children 0–5 years _____ * Assists families w/ children 0–24 mos

* Open to all Sacramento county families ___ * Zip code specific

* Inclusive name _______________________ * Name excludes fathers, grandparents

* Offers family-related courses, 4 – 12 weeks_ * Offers one day workshops

* Baby supplies must be earned ___________ * Baby supplies are given away

* Education focused_____________________ * Distribution focused

* Offers a hand up______________________ * Offers a hand out

Ways to get involved:

- Become a client or refer a family by calling the Parent Education hotline for up-coming orientation dates by calling (916) 313-7622.

- Volunteer your time and talents. Volunteers can assist with the day to day functions of the program, work one on one with clients as a mentor or present a special class on topics such as health, nutrition, arts, stress management, yoga and other specialty skills. To become a volunteer please register of an upcoming volunteer orientation at www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

- Donate new and gentle used baby supplies at one of our two facilities.

o Oak Park: 3333 3^rd Avenue in Oak Park

o North Sacramento: 2469 Rio Linda Blvd in North Sacramento

Monetary donations are also welcome.

If you would like more information new Parent Education program please visit our Web site at www.sacramentofoodbank.org or contact us directly by email us at parent.op@sacramentofoodbank.org for the Main Campus located in Oak Park or parent.saca@sacramentofoodbank.org for the Saca Community Learning Center located in North Sacramento.

Written by Mireya Estrella, Parent Education Program Manager

Rosa Comes to SFBFS

2011-12-28T09:15:00.001-08:00

Hello my name is Rosa Flores. I heard about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) when I moved to Sacramento in 1998. I used the services that SFBFS offered including Food, Clothing, Mother-Baby (now Parent Education) and, most importantly, Adult Education. I visited the Adult Education program several days every week to learn English, while my children participated in the PlayCare program. I loved taking group classes and working one-on-one with the volunteers.

Mrs. Carly, the ESL instructor, told me that there was a position opening at SFBFS and I might make a good fit. The position was to be the new cook. Mrs. Carly knew that I love to cook, so she and Davis, the Adult Education Program Manager at the time, recommended me to the organization to be the new cook. I was interviewed by the President almost ten years ago. That same day I was hired.

The ten years that I have been working at SFBFS have been incredible. I have grown since I’ve been here. I have become a better cook and I have improved my English since I started. I have learned a lot and I can now be flexible and improvise on my cooking, which gets better and better by the day. I have met a lot of great people at SFBFS and am thankful for the opportunity.

Written by Rosa Flores, Cook

AmeriCorps VISTAs join SFBFS

2011-12-27T16:57:00.000-08:00

Hi, my name is Jessy Wei and I am one of the new VISTAs (Volunteers in Service to America, a one year commitment to serve in a community through AmeriCorps) at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). SFBFS staff will see me hanging around the Volunteer Manager office, where I’ve inherited the desk of long time volunteer Tessie Ernst, who just completed her year of service from Xerox. Tessie, Jessy, yes I know. I’ve been called everything from the ‘new Tessie’ to ‘Tessie 2.0.’

One responsibility of my position will be to keep this blog updated with the latest on what’s going on here at SFBFS. So let me just start out by saying that the other VISTA, Courtney Jallo, who will be working on getting the new garden up and running, and I had our first day on the job during the Turkey Distribution.

It’s not an exaggeration to say then that our VISTA year of service started out with a bang! The mile long line winding from Third Avenue to McClatchy Park was just incredible to see. It was a fitting and almost overwhelming introduction to SFBFS and Oak Park. But what really continues to amaze me is the continual enthusiasm, energy and respect that all the SFBFS staff, volunteers and community members have for the people they are serving.

The enthusiasm and passion for the work and community at SFBFS is infectious. While speaking to the members of the Americorps NCCC Green 1 team, who just recently finished their six week service project at SFBFS, the one aspect about SFBFS that they could all agree on was the inviting atmosphere.

“It’s really a family feel here. Everyone knows us all by name,” NCCC team member Tara Benson said.

As a brand new member of the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, these past few weeks have become an invaluable learning experience. I’m heartened and encouraged by

the outpouring of support from the recent holiday events, like the very successful, albeit wet, 18^th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry. I also enjoy the groups of volunteers who tour the hallways and donate their time in all nine programs at SFBFS.

What I would like to be able to do through this blog, in the year that I am here, is to help capture some of the big and small moments that happen on a daily basis here at SFBFS. Whether it’s a profile on a staff member, a feature on a volunteer, or a blurb on the amazing happenings within the multiple programs at SFBFS, it is my hope that you will follow along.

Written by Jessy Wei, AmeriCorps VISTA

The Heartwarming Countdown to Christmas

2011-12-22T17:04:00.000-08:00

The holidays are always a busy time for organizations like ours. Not only are there more individuals and families turning to us for help, but we are also overwhelmed by the generosity of community members who want to lend a hand.

Last week, a group of seniors from Pioneer Towers, a downtown senior housing complex, took a cab ride to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services to donate six boxes of handmade items. These generous women, including a 96 year old woman, have been busy knitting beautiful scarves and hats for the last year. Every day, while carefully crafting, they are reminded of those out in the cold that will benefit from their hard work.

They left after each getting a big hug from Tasha Bryant, Clothing Program Manager. Tasha sees firsthand the number of people who come in to her program without a hat, gloves or scarf and all too often a coat. She knows the clients will feel the love that went into making these gifts.

Many people who don’t have the means to make a financial contribution don’t think they can help those less fortunate. But anyone can make a difference. We have students who get their classmates involved by collecting diapers, business owners who offer discounts when customers bring in canned food, business travelers who save hotel toiletries, youth groups who collect coats, and the list goes on and on.

Our nine programs all have wish lists of items they need. Take a look by visiting our Host a Donation Drive page. How can you make a difference? Don’t have a New Year’s resolution? Maybe now you do.

Written by Shauna Ross, Development Director

SFBFS' Urban Farm

2011-12-06T15:48:00.000-08:00

You are probably familiar with the work Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) provides to the Sacramento community. You may have heard about their recent Turkey Drive and Turkey Distribution for over 8,000 families and the annual Run to Feed the Hungry. But all of this is just the tip of the carrot. SFBFS will soon be offering gardening and cooking classes at their new Urban Farm where SFBFS’ clients can learn how to grow, prepare and cook the food that they cultivate. SFBFS’ Urban Farm will include a greenhouse, outdoor kitchen, composting and worm vermi-composting bins along with other demonstration areas.

The Urban Farm is just a watermelon’s throw from SFBFS’ new Education and Technology Center and lies adjacent to SFBFS’ edible playground with over 20 fruit and citrus trees and a children’s garden. The Urban Farm came about from the idea that families who receive food are very disconnected with its origin and they often do not know how to prepare and cook the fresh fruits and vegetables currently provided through SFBFS’ Food program. The Urban Farm will teach families how to grow food and how to prepare delicious, inexpensive meals and expose them to an opportunity to improve their health. Items grown in the Urban Farm will also be used to supplement SFBFS’ Food program, a distribution of fresh produce at 12 locations throughout Sacramento each month. This added approach to education at SFBFS aligns with their mission to assist families in need by moving them towards self sufficiency and financial independence.

2012 will continue to be a busy year for SFBFS as many more families turn to and utilize the organization for education and support through their nine free programs. SFBFS’ programs include Food, Clothing, Adult Education, Parent Education, Women’s Wisdom Art, Computer Clubhouse, Youth Academy, PlayCare and Senior. All programs are provided free of charge and are made possible through community support. Over 15,000 men, women and children receive services from SFBFS each month. The new Urban Farm will initially offer a resource and teaching tool for SFBFS’ clients, but will grow with time to serve more families in our community.

Did one of SFBFS’ programs listed above catch your attention? See a way you can make a difference? There are ample ways to get involved with SFBFS. If you are interested in volunteering your time to help with any program, including assisting with the new Urban Farm, please attend an upcoming volunteer orientation. Dates, times and locations for volunteer orientations are listed online.

For more information on the services provided by Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, along with upcoming gardening and cooking classes, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

Written by Bill Maynard, Garden Manager

A new citizen

2011-11-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is proud to announce that Seham, a student in SFBFS’ Adult Education program, took the oath of United States citizenship on November 16, 2011 at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Saham joined over 1,700 other new citizens in a ceremony that lasted over five hours. During the ceremony, the new citizens filled out Social Security forms and were encouraged to register to vote.

Saham, a native of Sudan, came to the United States six years ago after spending seven years in Egypt. In early April 2011, she enrolled in English as a Second Language classes at SFBFS. In August, she announced that she had two weeks to prepare for an English language test in order become a U.S citizen. Seham was tutored intensively by volunteers and she passed the test.

As a result of her hard work, she and her children, who automatically became U.S. citizens when Seham took her oath, now have all the rights and privileges that go with citizenship. Seham was joined at the ceremony by her husband, Mustafa, her son Ahmed and her daughters Amal and Mhath. Dan Allen, SFBFS Adult Education Program Manager, attended the ceremony on behalf of SFBFS. Congrats to Saham!

Written by Dan Allen, Adult Education Program Manager

Parent Education Program

2011-11-22T17:23:00.000-08:00

Cat (Caty) Gomez was born in Columbia, Tennessee. She is a mother of three wonderful children, a wife and has three cats and a dog that she adores very much. One might say that Cat has her hands full, but she still manages to volunteer ever week at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Even though Cat is so many miles from her hometown, she has found a second place to call home; at SFBFS where she volunteers her time in the Mother-Baby program. This program offers assistance to parents or guardians of a child between 0-24months, providing them with formula, diapers, baby food, clothing and a one on one visit with a volunteer mentor.

Cat has a lot of background experience working with children and families including experience at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, CA as a pediatric nurse and also at the children’s hospital in the well- baby clinic. Although, she has a heart for medicine she wanted to try something new and different for a while. She decided to get her paralegal certificate and work part-time in medical malpractice. She really enjoyed this experience which allowed for more time with her family. It also gave her the opportunity to enjoy her other interests like watching old movies, walking, hiking and yoga.

Cat is no stranger to volunteer work. She has been volunteering ever since she was a young girl in high school. She first started volunteering her time at the Nursing Mother’s Counsel in the bay area. For Cat, the rewards of giving to others are so much more than anyone could imagine, and this is just one out of several reasons why she continually volunteers her time. She is a woman who believes learning is lifelong challenge. Cat recently completed UCSD’s Certified Lactation Educator Program to help assist moms/families with breastfeeding. Cat volunteers at the Mother-Baby program as a mentor where she gives positive and informational advice to women regarding breastfeeding and offer any support to women who choose to breastfeed.

If you ask Cat why she thinks breastfeeding is so important, she shares, “I am passionate about helping mother’s breastfeed and receiving up-to-date information about the risks of not breastfeeding to help parents nurture healthy children.” She believes if more parents would breastfeed, the positive emotional and physical outcomes for both mom and baby would be incredibly positive for the environment and our society.

Cat is very excited about the Mother-Baby program relocating and expanding into SFBFS’ new Education and Technology Center across the street from SFBFS’ existing site in Oak Park. During this time, the name of the program will also change to Parent Education and is going to be offered at SFBFS’ North Sacramento facility as well. The program curriculum will change slightly to serve children up to age five and require an orientation and parenting classes where clients will receive points to acquire clothing, diapers, baby food, formula and other items. The program’s goal will continue to provide families and their children with the skills and resources to help enhance all the aspects of their lives – health, education, emotional development and safety.

When Cat first became a volunteer at the Sacramento Food Bank/Family Services (SFBFS), she had just returned back to California after twenty years. This experience reconnected her with her local community and she feels it is a gift to volunteer with all the moms and babies that come into the program. She is thankful for meeting such a great group of volunteers and is grateful for this experience and learns something new each time she comes while having the opportunity to help others.

Written by Lorena Carranza, Parent Education Program Manager

Computer Clubhose and Youth Academy visits UCDMC

2011-11-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

On Friday October 21, 2011 participants from Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services' (SFBFS) Computer Clubhouse Youth Academy attended a special field trip to UC Davis Medical Center. Mrs. Meyers , a mentor and tutor in the Computer Clubhouse, organized this opportunity for the students. The field trip was a great way for students to visit with an organization that is very important to our community. That afternoon, a handful of SFBFS staff and volunteers led 25 children to the UC Davis Medical Center.

Upon arrival, students signed in and made name tags at Education Building Lecture Hall with Felicia Espina Miller. This made the students feel like they were at an adult conference! Once everyone gathered in the classroom, we met Dr. D. Latimore, who is the Dean-Student Resident of Diversity. He spoke with the children about the importance of college and stressed how higher education is not an unreachable goal, but something that is attainable by every student in the room. One of the most memorable quotes by Dr. Latimore was, “School is not hard. What is hard is trying to raise a family on minimum wage or less is what will be hard.” Dr. Latimore’s speech was full of wisdom, encouragement and humor.

The excitement was not over; we were then introduced to some of the medical students who inspired the Clubhouse students to realize that a college education is attainable for everyone. Each medical student shared their background and their approach to pursuing their goal of working in the medical field. The medical students engaged us with a power point presentation about taking patient history. They ended the presentation with a Q & A informational session between the medical students and SFBFS youth.

The group then went upstairs to work with medical students and participate in hands on demonstrations called “Doctoring Skills Workshop.” The children role-played being doctors and nurses where the health screenings are performed. The students were very enthusiastic to work with the different tools used by doctors such as the stethoscope and blood pressure pump. Students also learned about how to know to engage with the patient to obtain a thorough medical history.

The field trip ended with delicious dinner and a promise to return to the School of Medicine in the near future. The youth at SFBFS wrote thank you letters to Dr. Latimore, Ms. Espina and the medical students for taking the time out of their busy schedules to conduct this field trip for us. We send out a very special thank you to Mrs. Meyers, who worked very hard to put this whole thing together for all of us - we can’t say thank you enough!

Written by Hope White, SFBFS Youth Education Program Assistant

Halloween Celebration at SFBFS

2011-11-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

All of the children in Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)’ PlayCare program, their parents and guests were invited to a fun Halloween party provided by SFBFS staff and volunteers. Everyone enjoyed various activity stations including a dress-up station for the children and moms who did not have a Halloween costume. A few of the children and moms visited the face painting station, while others painted a wooden mask of their choice; a monkey, pumpkin or Frankenstein. The children also had opportunities to win prizes playing bingo.

In the Halloween party not only did the children have fun, the moms, too, got to have fun with their children . Moms took part in most activities. We had a station where children and moms raced to eat worms from a muddy plate (gummy worms covered in chocolate pudding). In our last station we had a mom, who volunteered to be part of the activity, to be transformed into a mummy. The children covered her from top to bottom with paper towels. At the end each child had the opportunity to take a photo with the mummy.

After having a good time, our celebration had to come to an end. Even though we still had more activities planned, we did not have enough time. The children finished the day by trick or treating throughout staff offices. At the end of the party, the children left happy with their masks, treats, snacks and prizes.

Written by Antonia Ramirez, SFBFS' PlayCare and Youth Academy Programs Assistant

A volunteer benefits from SFBFS as well

2011-10-20T16:07:00.001-07:00

This entry is written by Helen Plenert, Women's Wisdom Art Program Manager at SFBFS:

Today I had a phone call from a fairly new volunteer. She had just recently begun to help out in Women’s Wisdom Art on Thursdays. She started out the phone call with a huge apology that she had found a job and would not be able to return to help out in the classroom. I was excited that she had found a job at all in this economy.

She had lost her job some time back and didn’t feel good about herself but realized that sitting around the house was only making things worse. That’s when she decided to attend a volunteer orientation. She went on to tell me that she was so impressed with the women in the collage class. They have such huge obstacles to overcome and every week they went one step at a time. She became inspired to get back out there and look for a job again. This time it worked and within a few days she was working full time again.

Usually I tell stories about the students/clients of Women’s Wisdom Art, but this time a volunteer has moved me. Her story could have been told by anyone –client or volunteer. Marilyn was a wonderful example of how the arts and our Women’s Wisdom Art and SFBFS community heals and supports. This time it was a loving volunteer who needed the uplifting moments. Marilyn was so grateful that she was able to help but told me in the end she didn't feel like she helped the women as much as they helped her.

Corbett's House of Horror

2011-10-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

The spookiest month of the year is here! Get in the spirit by attending opening night at Corbett's House of Horror. Today, October 11, bring canned goods to receive $5 off admission. Corbett's House of Horror will pass on the canned goods and also donate $5 of each admission ticket directly to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services! Check out www.sacramentohaunt.com for additional information. Please note, they only accept cash.

Corbett’s House of Horror is located at1120 Galleria Blvd, Roseville CA 95678. Conveniently located right across the street from the Galleria, nearby many shops and restaurants. Enjoy plenty of free parking in a well-lit lot. Don’t worry about rain, if it’s storming outside, there are lots of indoor activities.

Questions? Contact Corbett’s House of Horror at corbettshouseofhorror@gmail.com or (916) 905-7822.

Gather your friends and family for a spooktacular evening! Thank you for supporting Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

SFBFS is featurd on Groupon

2011-10-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

Groupon, the popular daily deals and discount site, has selected Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services as TODAY’S FEATURED CAMPAIGN from October 3-October 6, 2011!

What does that mean for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
This is a wonderful opportunity to share our mission with a wider audience in Sacramento. Not everyone in our community is aware that Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services distributes fresh fruits and vegetables 16-20 times per month at various locations to combat hunger, as well as poor nutrition, around town.

What’s offered by Groupon?
G-Team, the local philanthropic arm of Groupon, is offering a deal of $13 to purchase four days worth of healthy groceries for a family in need.

How much of the daily deal supports Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
100% of your donation ($13) directly purchases food for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ Food program.

How can you be part of this exciting deal?
Click on this link to make a $13 contribution. Make 1, 2 or 3 donations! 40 donations must be made through Groupon to trigger the tipping point. Please help us reach our goal of at least 40 donations to make a difference in the lives of families in need. Once you’ve made a donation, share information about your good deed with friends! A tweet or Facebook wall post is really helpful.

Thank you to all who are able to give a donation and share this offer.

How do I donate through Groupon?
1. Go to http://www.groupon.com/deals/gt-sacramento-food-bank-family-services?post_purchase=true
2. Click BUY and select quantity. 1 = $13, 2 = $26, etc
3. Complete your order

How can I help spread the word about this great deal?
1. Go to Facebook and share this link:
http://www.groupon.com/deals/gt-sacramento-food-bank-family-services?post_purchase=true
2. Follow us on Twitter and retweet about this great deal:
@SacFoodBank

2011 Back to School Community Service Day

2011-09-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

Check out this great new video highlighting activities from the 2011 Back to School Community Service Day!

2011 Back to School Community Service Day

Race for the Ring- A Huge Success!

2011-05-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Roger’s Jewelry Company’s Race for the Ring event held last Saturday at Raley Field was a huge success! From the beautiful weather to all of the enthusiasm from our event participants we could not have asked for a better day.

Mayor Kevin Johnson kicked off the event with a text message clue and before we knew it, hundreds of bicycling couples were headed downtown to hunt for clues that could bring them great prizes provided by Rogers Jewelry Company. The event culminated with food and beverage, silent auction and live music. Race for the Ring, much like our Run to Feed the Hungry, is about community building. An opportunity for folks to come together for a common purpose; a recognition that our organization provides quality programming for the residents of Sacramento and these efforts make Sacramento a healthier and better place to live. What a great thing to celebrate!

The people that reach out to our organization for help are provided opportunities to work towards improving their situation and the result of their hard work will pay off in the form of employment, improved education and healthier lifestyles. Funding from Race for the Ring will go directly into helping us achieve this goal. We would like to thank all of our wonderful sponsors such as Rogers Jewelry Company, Panera Bread, Five Star Bank, American Building Supply, SureWest Foundation, Mercy, California Family Fitness and Cornerstone Personal Fitness . Special thanks goes out to Roger’s Jewelry Company and the Mayor’s Office. Thank you to everyone for your continued confidence and support.

For photos, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/organize/?start_tab=one_set72157626778778477

Words from the President

2011-04-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

By Blake Young

Warmer weather is finally here and many exciting things are happening at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. The building of our new education center is moving along quickly with walls beginning to form. We have assembled two focus groups that are planning and working on our adult and children’s education programs and our Food Bank Farm is well underway. Our organization is very lucky to have such dedicated community members to provide excellent guidance and help us with curriculum development and identifying key potential partnerships that will help ensure quality programming for our clientele.

Just the thought of children and adults working on our year-around farm, harvesting food for our mobile distributions is unbelievably exciting. Healthier foods being distributed at our mobile sites has been met with enthusiasm and our cooking demonstrations, live music and health screenings all make for a very dignified experience. In order for our Food Assistance program to be successful, the people who reach out to us for assistance need to take advantage of the health and nutrition education and begin to consider more healthy food decisions. Our organization has placed this focus paramount to the success of the program.

Obesity and diabetes are prevalent everywhere. However, it seems to be worse in areas that are referred to as food deserts, places where people live that do not have grocery stores nearby. Our distributions occur in these neighborhoods at churches and community centers. If you would like to check out one of these events, please check out April’s food distribution schedule. Please stop by and see the great changes being made by SFBFS in the community. Really want to get involved? Consider volunteering. Click here for information on how to become part of the change.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services Welcomes Tessie Ernst to Our Team

2011-03-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Every year Xerox Corporation offers their employees the opportunity to apply for a Social Service Leave of Absence to work with a deserving non-profit organization and to give back to the community. Xerox and the non-profit organization is chosen and designed by the leave taker in conjunction with the sponsor from the organization. After meeting all of the qualifications and stringent application process, Tessie Ernst was selected as one of seven applicants NATIONWIDE to be granted the Leave of Absence and she choose Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services(SFBFS) to serve as a volunteer for one year leave of absence.

Xerox previously volunteered on several occasions with the Run to Feed the Hungry, SFBFS’ largest event on Thanksgiving Day. Tessie also brought a group of volunteers for the day to work in the programs and had also led many food, clothing and school supply and toy drives with Xerox. Based on her experience, Tessie felt that SFBFS would be a great organization to work with.

Tessie joined the staff of SFBFS in early February as a full-time volunteer as the Volunteer Services & Communications Assistant. Tessie provides support to volunteer services, sits on the Race for the Ring committee, spends time in various programs and helps to establish more efficient ways of serving clients.

In her first two weeks, Tessie volunteered in programs including:

· Clothing - sorting and hanging clothing

· Mother-Baby - sorting and hanging clothing; organizing the toy room

· Adult Education - correcting clients’ educational packets

· Food Assistance - distributing emergency food to clients

· Women’s Wisdom Art - assisting in the ceramics class

Tessie recently passed a background check is starting to volunteer in the Computer Clubhouse, Play Care and Youth Academy programs with the children.

Tessie is most excited to begin her volunteer time at mobile food distributions where volunteers set up an amazing array of food distribution stations such as fresh fruit and vegetables, produce, dairy, bread and more.

“I am very excited and honored to be able to take this year and work at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services organization,” shares Tessie. Stay tuned for more updates about Tessie’s involvement at SFBFS.

Maria and Javier Estrada’s Story

2011-02-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

The following success story received an award from California Lifeline, a partner of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services:

The Mother-Baby program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is dedicated to meeting the immediate needs of children and parents experiencing difficult times. Staff and volunteers at SFBFS provide these families with an emergency supply of formula, baby food, clothing and diapers as well as offer education and supportive parenting classes to help create stronger and healthier families. Recently, Maria Estrada made her way into the Mother-Baby program seeking supplies for her three month old son, Eric In addition to the baby supplies Maria received, volunteers connected her to other resources available for low-income families. One of the resources was a five-minute education session for California Lifeline.

Maria did not know the beneifts California Lifeline offers such as a a discount to ensure families in California have access to affordable home phone service. At that time Maria and her husband, Javier, both had a cell phone and didn’t see the need for a landline. After hearing the California Lifeline presentation, Maria realized that having a home phone was a great idea especially with a new baby in the house. With a low $10 connection fee and less than $10 a month, California Lifely was well within the family budget.

A few months after having their landline established, Javier was laid off from work and the Estradas were forced to make some dramatic cuts in their budget. Along with several other comforts, the family discontinued their cell phone service. They were so thankful to have learned about the California Lifeline program from SFBFS because with their new home phone service Javier could still make and receive calls from potential employers and Maria could call the doctor to schedule little Eric’s appointments.

While Javier continued to look for work, Maria utilized additional resources and attended classes at the Mother-Baby program. In one of the classes, Maria learned the value, benefit and savings associated with cloth diapering. She also learned that through their partnership with California LifeLine, SFBFS is able to supply cloth diapers to clients free of charge. Maria was excited to use the environmentally-friendly, reusable diapers and eager to start saving money.
By partnering with California Lifeline SFBFS sustained the cloth diapering project and provides a much needed solution to families’ diapering needs. By offering reusable diapers rather than disposable diapers, clients can save thousands of dollars, which can be used for other necessities. Since the collaboration with California, SFBFS has distributed over 200 cloth diapering kits to Sacramento families.

Maria continues to attend classes and Javier recently secured a full-time job. With the help of the services offered by SFBFS and the savings offered by California Lifeline, the Estradas were able to get back on their feet and are thriving.

Women’s Wisdom Art at Crocker, By Helen Plenert

2011-02-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

December 26th, 2011 Women's Wisdom Art celebrated their work at Crocker Museum of Art. The excitement had been building for months. We had 3 main group projects that allowed even the most timid woman to participate. We asked the women to bring in their best 5 pieces for us to decide what pieces would be submitted. The teachers and I sorted through and were looking for art work that would best show off the variety that makes Women’s Wisdom so special. 40 pieces of art were delivered to Crocker - 4 large group projects plus 36 individual pieces of art equals 60 participating artists from Wisdom.

On the day of the reception the women began to arrive. A concerned Crocker staff member pulled me asside to tell me that a few of my women were in tears. It turns out they were so overwhelmed by the beauty of how their work was presented that they became very emotional.

In Women’s Wisdom Art we strive to help women find the change within themselves using art as their vehicle. At the end of the reception I spoke to the Education Director, Emma Moore, of the Crocker. She made the comment that “none of these women will be the same after this; this experience will change their lives.”

We are planning a second reception for Sunday, February 20. This is a free day at Crocker so please join us along with your friends and families. The show runs though February 28th.

www.sacramentofoodbank.org/programs/womenswisdom.aspx

www.sacramentopress.com/headline/20111/spreading_joy_through_womens_wisdom

CalFresh Outreach: A New Focus for People in Need.

2011-01-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

“Are you eligible to receive CalFresh?”. Many clients at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services have picked up fliers asking this question. In response they want to know, what is CalFresh anyway?

CalFresh is the new name for the Food Stamp program for California, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (S.N.A.P). This federal program, administered at the county level, provides money for eligible households for the purchase of food every month. While the benefits were formerly received as “stamps” or coupons, for the last ten years they have come in the form of electronic benefits transfers (E.B.T.) on plastic cards that are used like debit cards. The new name seeks to reflect the change from stamps to cards and focus on fresh, nutritious food that comes from our region.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services has joined a host of non-profit agencies in carrying out CalFresh outreach: prescreening individuals to see if they might be eligible and assisting with the initial application and follow-up. This outreach is crucial as only about half of eligible people in California actually receive the assistance to which they are entitled. Enrollment in CalFresh assists individuals and families to need meet their nutrition needs in the face of economic challenges, in fact, most CalFresh recipients are children. Increased enrollment in CalFresh benefits the local economy as every $5 of new SNAP benefits generates $9.00 in total community spending. By reaching out to our clients, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services helps to overcome some of the barriers to enrollment in this essential program and end hunger in our region.

To learn more about S.N.A.P. outreach and the economic benefits of the program go to http://www.foodstampguide.org/
or http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/outreach/SNAPandSFSPmap.htm
or follow the link on the food assistance page of our website at www.sacramentofoodbank.org

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-30T17:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services!

We have lots to be grateful for this holiday season! The generosity of the community was evident as thousands rolled by on November 19th to donate turkeys for our annual Turkey Drive 7000. Over 7,000 turkeys were donated which were then distributed along with all the fixings the following Monday and Tuesday to over 6,000 families in need (the rest were distributed to other charities). Thanks to the generosity of the community, so many families who might not otherwise afford a nice meal were able to enjoy a hearty holiday meal with their families.

Of course we're thankful this holiday season for the over 25,000 participants who turned out for our 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry 5k and 10k walk and run. In spite of cold weather, the spirit of giving was evident at this event which has become a family tradition for many. Funds generated from the event go to support all eight of our programs year-round. We couldn't do it without the support of everyone!

And the holidays aren't over yet at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Opportunities abound to adopt a family for the holidays by purchasing gifts for the family, or start a food drive at your organization. There are always lots of ways to get involved to serve the need here in Sacramento.

For more information on volunteer opportunities see our website, www.sacramentofoodbank.org
To read more about the Run to Feed the Hungry, check your local news sources, The Sacramento Bee and Sacramento Press along with KCRA.

Run to Feed The Hungry!

2010-11-12T14:50:00.000-08:00

What are you plans for Thanksgiving morning? Start asking around, and you’ll likely hear one answer repeated again and again: “Run to Feed the Hungry.”

This event benefiting Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is a Sacramento tradition. Families from our town turn out by tens of thousands to take part in the biggest Thanksgiving Day race in the United States.

Parents with strollers, professional runners, high school athletic teams and out-of-town guests can all be found sprinting, strolling and jogging their way through East Sacramento.

The 5K and 10K fun run and walk is expected to draw nearly 30,000 participants this year. The event, which is owned and operated by SFBFS, raises funds to support eight different programs including food assistance, clothing, mother-baby, adult education and more.

These programs offer free goods and services to more than 20,000 men, women and children in need every month.

SFBFS has owned and been the sole beneficiary of Run to Feed the Hungry since its inception in 1994. Thanks to additional donations, generous sponsors, loyal participants and a very large number of volunteers, the event is able to operate with a very low overhead, and 100 percent of the profit benefits programs at SFBFS.

In 2009, nearly $850,000 were raised for SFBFS programs and services. The event will celebrate its 17th anniversary on Nov. 25, and we hope to see you there.

The registration fee is $35 per person or $20 for children 15 and under and includes a long-sleeved technical shirt designed by a Sacramento artist.

Out of town for the turkey holiday and can’t make the run, but still want to be involved? Become a virtual runner. For just $20, a virtual runner can sleep in, visit relatives out of town and even skip the exercise. And we’ll still mail you the cool shirt.

Want to get everyone at the office involved? Have an active boy scout troop? Belong to a group that loves to give back? Sign everyone up as a team. The group receives specialized shirts with just your logo on the back, great parking, a team photo, a kickoff breakfast and more.

Individuals wanting to make an even greater difference in the lives of families in need can take part in the give and win challenge. Run participants who raise donations to benefit SFBFS earn tickets to be entered into various drawings to win amazing prizes such as tickets to see the Sacramento Kings, an iPad, a flat-screen TV, bikes, Run to Feed the Hungry gear and more.

More information about this exciting event and all the ways to get involved is available online at runtofeedthehungry.com.

Groundbreaking Ceremony

2010-10-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is proud to break ground on a new building that will allow for expanded educational services to the over 20,000 Sacramento-area families we serve each month. Yesterday morning, people from all over the community gathered to celebrate with an official ground breaking ceremony. Father Dan Madigan, our founder, blessed the ceremony, while political representatives including Mayor Kevin Johnsons and Congresswoman Matsui voiced their continued support for our education and service programs. In the crowd, representatives from some of our partner agencies including Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, Soil Born Farms, and the Health Education Council, were there to celebrate with us. Four client success stories were shared and many clients and volunteers came out to the event to show their continued support and appreciation. Everyone enjoyed ice-cream from Gunther’s, located just down the road on Franklin Blvd.

The new building, which will host expanded Adult Education, Computer Clubhouse, Youth Academy, PlayCare and Mother-Baby programs, will also include an Urban Farm that will serve as an educational tool as well as a food source for an expanded Food Assistance program. The Urban Farm will reinforce our focus on health and nutrition education in all of our programs.

As the holiday season approaches we have so much to be thankful for. As we embark on this expansion, in order to meet the increased demand for services, we will continue to rely on the generosity of our volunteers and donors who make it all possible.

To hear more about the new building, check out the article in today’s Sacramento Bee (see link below) and look for SFBFS is other local media sources.

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/10/15/3105824/hed-here-to-fill-all-caps-deck.html

The Iron Chef- SFBFS Style

2010-09-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

Stuffed peppers, spinach salads, bruscetta, tomatillo and yogurt parfaits, these are only a few of the inspired dishes our competitors created using only food from the Food Assistance distribution. The challenge: Who can make the best, most delicious and creative meals using only food from our Food Assistance distribution and in a limited amount time? Five teams took this challenge last month as the Health Education Council hosted an Iron Chef competition here at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS).

The selection of fresh produce included tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, peaches, potatoes and corn; eggs and walnuts were also prized ingredients. Three guest judges from SFBFS staff were privileged to sample and score the delightful concoctions. Speaking as a judge, I must say we were very impressed. Not only were we impressed with the creativity of the chefs, but also we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients- the very same ingredients community members in need received that week from our Food Assistance program.

By distributing more fresh fruits and vegetables, SFBFS fosters healthy eating for those in need. Fruits, vegetables and physical activity are our best defense against the diet-related illnesses of diabetes, obesity and heart disease that currently plague our communities. Healthy foods along with health and nutrition education go a long way in the effort to improve the health of the entire community. In fact, the Health Education Council is a partner with SFBFS and several other agencies, working towards a common vision of a more healthy society.

For more information on the Health Education Council’s multifaceted programs, check out their Web site, healthedcouncil.org If you are a non-profit agency interested in using the Bridge Builder’s room for a training or event please contact the front desk at (916) 456-1980.

Youth Academy Organic Gardeners

2010-08-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

Fresh picked garlic planted way back in the winter, bright red tomatoes, and sweet, juicy strawberries, these are just a few of the garden-fresh goodies that youth academy students are bringing home from the organic garden here at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS).

The Youth Academy Program here at SFBFS accommodates 16 children from first to sixth grade for after-school tutoring and activities and, currently, a summer program. This summer we are happy to have volunteer teacher Venita Sivamani to help lead lessons in the garden. These engaging lessons center on sustainable environmental practices and principles such as food webs, ecosystems, habitat loss, plant life cycles, composting/vermiculture, pollution, garden animals and pesticides and herbicides. After engaging in the lesson the youth go into the garden with Carrie, our Adult Education Program Manager, who also oversees all garden activities. In the garden they plant, weed, compost and harvest. By getting their hands dirty, so to speak, the youth get a real feel for what it takes to produce food and they begin to understand and appreciate the many layers of the intricate web of life that sustains us and all creatures.

Volunteer teacher Venita Sivamani is happy to share these lessons with the children. A graduate of UC Davis with a degree in human development and education, Miss Venita now has two years of teaching experience under her belt through her work with Teach for America. In her experience as an undergrad she learned how much kids lack education in environmental principles and issues. Her hope for the program is that the youth take the knowledge and know-how home with them to their families and communities and put into practice what they learn here. We are grateful to have dedicated and passionate volunteers like Venita at SFBFS every day, enriching the programs that serve our community.

For more information about Youth Academy or to become a volunteer check out our website, www.sacramentofoodbank.org

WWA Portrait Project- Reception and Show

2010-07-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

You’re invited to yet another amazing art show featuring the lovely ladies of the Women’s Wisdom Art Program. This time not only will the women feature their own artwork which will be displayed for view and for sale, but also the women are featured subjects in portraits by local artists Ann Tracy and George Streng. Ann and George visited WWA to photograph and interview the women and transformed these images and stories into beautiful works of art that the women get to keep. Twenty eight women are featured in the portraits.

So come on down to the Bridge Builders’ Room at SFBFS on August 7th from 5-8PM for the art show and reception- it is not to be missed!

In related news, WWA is accepting pieces from the community for the Third Annual Art Bra Show. Anything bra-inspired fits the bill, but be sure to submit before the second weekend in August. The Art Bra Show will be Saturday, September 11th.

Fun in the Sun!

2010-07-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

On July 10th and 17th, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services hosted two Fun in The Sun Health Fairs: one at our Oak Park facility and one at the Saca Community Learning Center in Del Paso Heights. These events were open to the community to share in the spirit of health and wellness and enjoy food, games, fun, and community resources.

Many local agencies came out to provide attendees health information and services. Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation came out to provide free mammograms to pre-enrolled women. This wonderful partner organization visits SFBFS every month to offer classes on prevention and other relevant topics to our clients. Representatives from the American Red Cross were available for blood pressure screenings. In addition, several other community organizations were there to offer information about services to attendees including the veterans association, Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH), Women Infants and Children (WIC), Mosquito Vector, Sacramento Works, and SMUD.

In addition to learning about local resources, participants enjoyed a healthy lunch of grilled chicken and corn on the cob with vegetable kabobs. Children has a blast in the bounce house, got their faces painted, and had lots of fun paper windmills with glitter. Women’s Wisdom Art Program here at SFBFS had a booth where many came to try out the loom and also make handmade greeting cards.

This year marks the second anniversary of the event. We hope to continue this tradition of Fun in the Sun into the future so if you missed it this year, make sure to come out next July for some fun in the sun!

A Toy Story, By Paul Kessler

2010-07-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I enjoyed Disney/Pixar’s newest animated film Toy Story 3.

For those of you unfamiliar with the plot, the loveable Andy from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 is all grown up and is heading off to college, something I see coming at me faster and faster every day. Only one year left of high school for me.

In this film, Buzz Lightyear and Woody, voiced by Tim Allen and Tom Hanks respectively, haven’t been played with in years and since it’s time for Andy start packing up his things for college, he has to choose between donating the toys, throwing them out, or storing the toys in the attic where they will be kept safe.

I won’t give away too much, but there is a very happy ending to the movie and it got me thinking.

I went into my nine-year-old brother’s room and I got out some of my old toys. After playing with them for one last time, my mom and I weeded some of the ones out that were no longer of much use to either of us and partnered those with some old clothing.

I then took all of those items down to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services and dropped them off at the Guest Services area.

While it was tough to part with some of the glorious items from my childhood, I was able to get my mom to let me hold on to a special few like my Nintendo 64. But I know that donating those toys was the right thing to do and they will bring another kid the same amount of happiness they brought me.

If you are interested in donating gently used toys, school supplies, clothing or baby items, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org for drop of times and locations.

Computer Clubhouse, By Paul Kessler

2010-07-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

Today I spent a little time walking the grounds at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). I went to the Clothing program, the Mother-Baby program and eventually I wandered into the Computer Clubhouse. I found a group of 15 clients finishing a project on Microsoft Word 2007 as part of the Adult Education program. These learners of every age were learning basics in word processing to improve their skills and increase their chance of securing employment.

After finishing their projects, the clients munched on pizza while the program director, Charles Coger, sang “Dancing with my Baby” by Willie Clayton. After the perfect rendition, clients gave Coger hugs and said good-bye. They shared a last laugh and he told them that he would mail out their exam results in a couple weeks with their certificates. For some, this will not be the last they see of Coger.

Coger will be offering another technology class for adults starting in September. This 13-week comprehensive course on computer basics will build upon this introductory class.

Outside of class, Coger encouraged the clients to return during open lab hours to practice their newly acquired skills and search for jobs. Volunteers are at the ready to work with clients one on one during lab hours to brush up their resume, practice typing tests or peruse the internet for job openings.

If you know of an adult who would benefit from free computer classes, please refer them to SFBFS

Enter Laughing, By Paul Kessler

2010-06-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

By volunteer Paul Kessler

“Enter Laughing.” That is what the sign on the door to the Women’s Wisdom Art Studio reads, and the ladies inside fulfill that mission. Women sit and laugh while working on their watercolor paintings. Paintings are abstract or realistic. Conversations range from family members to upcoming events to songs from TV shows to movies. A light music plays in the background.

Sometimes, the ladies get up and dance, but mainly, the music is relaxing. In fact, the mood in general is relaxed. While the women take their art seriously, they often take breaks from their art to talk and laugh. There is no added pressure. Everyone smiles and laughs.

But what is Women’s Wisdom Art exactly? This program at SFBFS offers a variety of art experiences for women who want to broaden their creative lives. Designed as a uniquely feminine environment that supports the artistic and personal growth of women in all stages of life, Women's Wisdom Art believes that artistic exploration naturally brings greater self-knowledge. Classes, which include lunch, are free and taught by professional artists. They include drawing, textiles, clay, mixed media, poetry, gourd crafting, creative writing, and painting with acrylics and water color.

Lisa, one of the clients in Women’s Wisdom Art, took some of her time in the studio to talk to me. While she (and the rest of the ladies) was working on recreating the works of Vincent Van Gogh, Lisa told me that she really likes making collages.

“I make use collages on all sorts of things,” she said. “I’ll make birthday cards or Christmas cards with collages on them. It makes me feel very creative, something I can’t say I feel when I use mediums like pencils and pens.”

But it isn’t only the art that unites these women. There is a strong sense of unity amongst them. “We have a lot of camaraderie amongst the women,” said Lisa.

Lisa appears the most talkative of the group. She is always quick to compliment everyone on what they are wearing. It’s obvious that her compliments really unite the women and make one another feel comfortable.

If you are interested in participating in Women’s Wisdom Art or know of a woman who could benefit from these free services, please contact Helen at hplenert@sacramentofoodbank.org. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Robin at volunteer@sacramentofoodbank.org

Race for The Rock, By Paul Kessler

2010-06-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

Race for The Rock, By Paul Kessler

June 5th marked the second annual Race for the Rock, put on by Rogers Jewelry Co. in support of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

This year, more than 400 individuals participated in the citywide scavenger hunt, where clues were sent from a database to the contestants’ cell phones. All of the contestants strapped on their safety gear, donned their light blue t-shirts and rode all over downtown Sacramento trying to find the grand prize, a Hearts on Fire diamond ring, valued at over $20,000.

Different clues were sent to different phones to avoid participants following one another and each text messaged-clue sent the contestants to many Sacramento landmarks. Stops included the Raley Field, the courthouse, Old Sacramento and the Sacramento Convention Center.

My mom and long term SFBFS volunteer Mary Kessler shared her experience. “I got to see so much of the city that I didn’t even know was there! I was really excited to find out that Sacramento had a Chinatown”

In fact, she continued to talk about the event for the next few days, telling my brother and me about different landmarks around the city that she and my dad had not even seen before.

The event lasted just two hours but from my mom’s stories, I would have thought it lasted the entire day.

Starting on the steps of the Capitol at 10 a.m., the Race concluded with an after party at House Restaurant & Bar around noon, where the winners were announced.

“The final hint was for everyone to meet at 55th and Capitol, and when we got there, everyone was coming from different directions, all in the blue shirts, it was so cool,” my mom said.

While my parents didn’t come home with any diamonds, they did manage to get a $20 gift card to the Grange Restaurant.

It seems to me like this could be the next emerging event that SFBFS has to offer, after the well known Run to Feed the Hungry, and I can’t wait until next year when I can participate in the 3rd annual Race for the Rock.

Race for the Rock

2010-06-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Get ready to race for the rock! This Saturday, June 5th, Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services is hosting a huge fundraising scavenger hunt by bike in the downtown Sacramento area. Participants will race around the city in pairs by bike and foot, following clues they will receive via text message. The winning team will receive the "rock", beautiful jewelry donated by Rogers Jewelry Company, the host of this fundraising event, but there will be prizes for everyone- over $35,000 in prizes awarded at the after party, held at House Kitchen and Bar beginning at 10a.m. Registration is $40 per team, however the after party is open to all. This is the second year the event will be held and we expect about 2,000 Sacramento area residents to turn out.

For more information on volunteering or participation go to www.racefortherock.com and check out www.sacramentopress.com for more media on this exciting fundraising event.

Cook for Good

2010-05-26T09:55:00.001-07:00

Could you live off of less than $2 a meal for each person in your family? The average food-stamp allowance for a family of four with no other means is $1.99 per meal per person, meaning $2 per meal per person is the budget that many disadvantaged families in this country must survive off of every day. What kind of foods would you buy, how would you prepare them? Maybe you don’t even have time or know-how to cook....

Cook for Good is an educational program including a website, e-book, and live lessons and videos that teaches people step-by-step how to select, prepare and store meals within the $2 a meal budget. In fact, Cook for Good founder, Linda Watson, gives you all the tools you need to cook for less including shopping lists, recipes, rotating seasonal menus and more. Following this program you can cook for good for an average $1.15 a meal- even better, for $1.77 a meal you can cook for good using “green” or sustainable ingredients.

Participants in the Mother-Baby Program here at SFBFS had the opportunity to learn from Linda Watson herself in a presentation given here on April 30th. Linda showed us how to prepare a multitude of meals and snacks in 20 minutes a day- pretty impressive. Recipes included quick homemade bread, vanilla pudding, spicy peanut noodle sauté, and beans. The e-book includes even more great recipes with enough variety and flavor that nothing gets old.

Cook for Good and similar initiatives are essential to providing those in need with not only money or product, but also education and information to help them become more self-sufficient. At SFBFS we are proud to offer ever-expanding health and nutrition education and community resources at our mobile food distributions.

To learn more, visit www.cookforgood.com.

Cooking Recipes from a Bridge Builder

2010-04-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

We just love getting new recipes! As our mobile food distribution continues to feature cooking demonstrations and a plethora of recipes at more sites every month, we are always happy to get new recipes. Recipes and a host of cookbook are kept in our VISTA offices, where Courtney and I use them as raw material for health and nutrition education at mobile food distributions. The following great recipe for cornbread and cheddar casserole was given to us by Pat McManus, a Bridge Builder volunteer here at SFBFS. We are always happy to receive recipes, cookbooks, and health and nutrition-related materials from volunteers and donors.

Cornbread and cheddar casserole

Heat over to 425 degrees

2T butter

2 eggs

2T milk

2 cans creamed style corn

Grated onion if you like

Cornmeal muffin mix-15oz. package (note, I used 2 8oz boxes when I couldn't find a 15oz. package)

4oz. cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp is best)

1/2 pt. sour cream

Grated cheese for topping- I bought a package of shredded and used 4 handfuls-certainly you could use more if you wish but be sure to spead evenly. Be sure it is sharp or extra sharp.

Melt butter in oven n 9x13 casserole dish. Swirl casserole to coat bottom of pan entirely.

Whisk eggs and milk together. Stir in creamed corn, onion and muffin mix. Cut up the 4oz. of cheddar into small pieces and stir into batter. Pour batter into casserole and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of sour cream over top and spread to cover. Distribute the grated cheese evenly over the batter.

Bake for 35 minutes or until puffed and golden. Can be refrigerated overnight- Needs to be reheated for 15 minutes at 350 degrees

ENJOY

Thursdays at Women’s Wisdom Art, By Clio Muir

2010-04-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

By Clio Muir
February 21, 2010

Little did I know when I attended an orientation for volunteers at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, I would find myself one year later totally immersed in the Women’s Wisdom Art program. Originally, I thought I would volunteer my time, having found myself with some extra, and donate to a good cause by assisting in the art program; setting out paints, digging out canvases, helping organize the art shows, getting the breakfast together, serving the lunch of the day; just helping with a few things needed during a day spent with Women’s Wisdom Art.

My how things have changed! Now, I would never miss my volunteering Thursdays, where:

* I can’t wait to see what L.T. is going to do with her latest multi-media collage of combining ceramics leaves with a fabric and stick mask turning the whole enterprise into an inspired woodland creature.

* I’m dying to see N.R.’s next dreamy perspective of a faraway landscape by painting gradations of watercolor.

* Or the one-thousandth heart inspired piece done in all forms and mediums by L.A.

* And always no matter the project or assignment, how somewhere, someplace, a rich colorful, cascading waterfall will appear in L.’s work.

I could go on and on describing the art, but the inspiration and the thoughtfulness of the each person’s contribution has to be experienced.

This is what the program means to me: anticipating the fun, the joy and the process by which art is created, and the time spent with these lovely women. I can only imagine for the ladies who come every week from a variety of places and different circumstances, I can only imagine what it means for them…and I didn’t even get started with the glitter, or the conversations and the shared recipes taking wings that seemingly fly through the room.

March Mobile Health and Nutrition Education

2010-04-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

Our mobile food distributions currently serve individuals and families at 10 sites throughout the city each month. Not only do clients receive a 3-5 day supply of groceries, but also clients learn about community resources and health and nutrition. This March, we focused our health and nutrition education on healthy fats and oils, teaching clients about how to include healthy fats into our diets and how to read nutrition labels in order to look out for harmful trans fats.

Do you know the four different kinds of fats: monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, saturated and trans? Clients at this month’s mobile food distributions had the opportunity to learn to recognize these different fats by reading the nutrition label on several food products like olive oil, almonds, mayonnaise, yogurt, coconut oil, vegetable shortening and Ritz crackers, for example. Special attention was paid to recognizing trans fats in the nutrition label by checking the ingredient list for partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. The USDA recommends we have no trans fats in our diets. These harmful, man-made fats can never be fully broken down in our bodies. Furthermore they raise the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and other bad blood lipids while lowering levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), clogging the arteries and making them inflexible thereby potentially leading to heart attack, heart disease and stroke. By learning to read nutrition labels and guard against trans fats, clients are empowered to make conscious food choices and prevent diet-related diseases.

Children attending mobile food distributions this month had the opportunity to sample 5 different varieties of nuts. Nuts, they learned, are great for your brain and your heart- they have healthy fats and proteins to make you grow big and strong. Children and adults learned that natural fats are actually good for you. Children received a “Go Nuts” coloring book with images of all the nuts they had sampled and short descriptions of why they are good for you.

Finally, Mental Health America, the Sacramento Valley Pharmacist Association, and City Animal Shelter each joined SFBFS at a mobile distribution this month to offer their information and services to clients. We look forward to more partnerships with these and other area agencies at mobile distributions to come.

Support for Women’s Wisdom Art, By Steff Echeverria

2010-03-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

By Steff Echeverria - volunteer/substitute teacher

For some art is born from a desire to express lived experiences that require color, shapes and textures. A place for feelings to be put on a surface of some kind-possibly in a “coded” form to shield the inner sanctum. Art as healing- this is what the students of Women’s Wisdom Art produce everyday. The studio is a safe environment where the teachers offer projects that each woman then puts her own signature on, in more ways than one. Each piece of art is infused with each woman’s herstory, personality, color preferences and her sense of style. Perhaps sharing styles or methods, yet each piece created is as unique as the swirl of a fingerprint.

The women get their inspiration from their own lives; the multi-faceted teachers in the Wisdom studio; from donated art books and magazines; also from field trips the students take to museums and galleries. The women share with each other their favorite artists and experiment with their styles, such as Magritte, Picasso, and Chagall. Some of the women have been to school for art, or are currently enrolled, or they are self-taught.

There is a classroom budget to be adhered to, yet a lot of the supplies for the 10 classes currently in progress are supported through donations of supplies as well as monetary donations. It is stunning to see what creativity comes shining through each class, each day.

I believe one of the greatest gifts of Women’s Wisdom’s Art program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is witnessing the transformations in the women as creativity spills over into all facets of their lives, like a sort of magic mortar. Strengthening their self-esteem and building confidence in more areas of their lives. Creativity is as necessary as oxygen-it makes life flourish!

Good Health for Seniors, By Shannin Sauliner

2010-03-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

By Shannin Sauliner

Hurley Creek Apartments is an independent senior living community in the Natomas area. Most of the seniors are on fixed incomes and have little money or access for purchasing groceries, let alone healthy fruits and vegetables.

A group of residents began coming to our distribution at Peace Lutheran Church in early summer 2009. They quickly became some of my favorite clients. They were always quick with a hug for the volunteers and extremely appreciative of our efforts.

As our relationship with the Hurley Creek residents has developed, we have seen them grow and develop. They were very interested in giving back to the program, so they began talking in line to other clients about our resources and Change for Change drive. They have even become active volunteers at one of our other distribution sites; understanding that they cannot receive services and be volunteers at the same time.

The most exciting results though have been the ones they've seen in their own health. Residents have reported losing 10, 15, 20 pounds as a result of incorporating the fruits and vegetables we distribute. Some have seen a decrease in their blood pressure and others have even been able to go off of diabetes and hypertension medications as a result of changing their diets.

These seniors, their spirit, and their willingness to change "old" habits are an example of the success which can be achieved through our Food Assistance program when the people we serve are willing to invest themselves in making healthier choices.

What’s New at the Computer Clubhouse?

2010-03-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

There are so many great activities happening at the Computer Clubhouse right here at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services! Youth, ages 10-18, enrolled in the program flock to the Computer Clubhouse daily after school where they receive additional academic assistance and learn cutting-edge computer-based skills utilizing top software and program applications. In fact there is so much happening at the Computer Clubhouse that Program Manager, Mr.Charles, and Program Assistant, Michelle So, decided to divide the program into three modules from which each participant can choose his or her individual focus.

The first of three ongoing modules Computer Clubhouse participants can select as their focus is known as the Academic Assistance Module. In this module youth receive extra help with homework and one-on-one tutoring along with regular use of Clubhouse computers. The second module, Computer Clubhouse, allows participants to utilize Clubhouse software to learn skills such as basic computer animation, music and video production, and graphic design. Youth compile their work in a portfolio. The third module is Animation Academy in which youth are trained on a host of professional 3D animation software which they use to create 3D digital imagery, visualizations, scenes, and visual effects. With so many options for exploring technology and learning valuable skills, it is great that Clubhouse participants have the freedom to explore their own focus in one of three modules.

The Computer Clubhouse provides a creative and safe out-of-school learning environment where young people from underserved communities work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop skills, and build confidence in themselves through the use of technology. Computer Clubhouse is all about connections, not only throughout the international community of 100 Computer Clubhouses located in 20 different countries around the world, but also linking youth to their communities and opportunities to explore college or career in the future. The Clubhouse-to-College/Clubhouse-to-Career Program, also known as C2C, empowers Clubhouse participants to explore career and college opportunities to use and develop their technology skills and education in the future. As part of C2C, the Computer Clubhouse at SFBFS is planning a fieldtrip to VSP Vision Services in Rancho Cordova to see the career opportunities and technology utilized in this field and also to explore the possibility of establishing a scholarship for the winner of a video production competition.

For more information about enrollment in Computer Clubhouse or to learn about Computer Training for adults and seniors, check out our website, www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

Change for Change!

2010-02-17T15:31:00.000-08:00

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services runs on the giving spirit of so many generous volunteers and partners in the community. It is a general standard that clients who receive services here and wish to volunteer must wait a year after first receiving services before becoming a volunteer. Still, many clients express a desire to give back in some way. The “Change for Change” giving campaign was a response to the generosity of the community and their desire to give back.

Volunteers in the mobile Food Assistance distribution of the Food Assistance Program are familiar with the huge, purple “Change for Change” thermometer sign that has been set up at Mobile distributions since early fall of last year. This “thermometer” measured the rising numbers of donation dollars received by clients who contributed spare change in the donation box during Mobile food distributions. This season we earned an amazing $613.13! We are currently looking to find a sponsor to match this total in future campaigns. Look for the “Change for Change” campaign again next holiday season.

“Change for Change” is a testament to the spirit of giving in the community, a willingness to contribute whatever one can. Thank you to all who have supported our programs over the years.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services welcomes new Clothing Program Manager.

2010-02-05T10:17:00.001-08:00

Here at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services we are super excited to welcome a new employee, Tasha Bryant! Tasha joined our staff as Clothing Program Manager in January this year. I had the opportunity to sit down with Tasha and get to know more about her…

Tasha has a strong background working in social services. Before joining Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Tasha worked for WIND youth services for many years, running a program for homeless youth. Tasha offered great compassion and care to youth and their families in her former work and brings ideals of compassion and non-judgment to her new role here at SFBFS.

I asked Tasha why she chose to come to SFBFS and what she appreciates about our organization. Tasha has been familiar with our programs for some time and often referred clients from WIND to SFBFS for services. She appreciated the service clients received here, especially the fact that here clients don’t have to “jump through hoops” to receive service. Clients at SFBFS receive direct services at no cost and with minimal requirements. At SFBFS things are “really happening- definitely keeping it real at the Food Bank”.

I asked Tasha what she thinks some of the biggest obstacles are for receiving services in the community. She explained to me that core problems need to be addressed, not just the symptoms. For example, you can feed someone who is hungry or house someone without a home, yet that still may overlook the underlying issue. On the other hand, she continued, meeting basic needs is the beginning point for success, a concept that each individual can define for him or herself. Clearly her views are in line with the SFBFS mission of meeting people’s immediate needs while helping to move them toward self-sufficiency. Furthermore, Tasha believes each person should be greeted with an open mind and treated as an individual in a dignified manner. “You get my respect as soon as you walk in the door, you don’t have to earn it…” Similarly these values are in line with SFBFS core values: compassion, integrity, and community.

Outside of work, Tasha and her family are die-hard basketball fans. “Pretty much every male in my family has gone to school on a basketball scholarship”, she says. Her husband is a teacher and the head basketball coach at Encina Prep High School. For many of the players, basketball provides a support system and helps them succeed in all aspects of life. Tasha explains, “When you work for something, you don’t take it for granted”.

We are thrilled to have Tasha join our staff at SFBFS. Now that you’ve learned a little bit about her, be sure to meet her in person when you come out to volunteer or receive service at the Clothing Program!

Women Healing Themselves Reach out to Haitian Orphans, By Ann Robinson

2010-02-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

January 12, 2010: The pictures in the newspapers, on TV and the Internet are devastating. The massive damage of the 7.0 earthquake is hard to imagine even when faced with screen shots. The international response to pull people from the rubble and get supplies in is heartening as is the millions of dollars raised by individual donors and a national star-studded telethon. At the same time, however, it is disheartening to see the children.

UNICEF estimates 380,000 children had already lost one or both parents before the quake and were left homeless when their orphanages collapsed. Now, as many as one-million more have been left without one or both parents following the earthquake. UNICEF has warned the scale of the crisis has jumped to “unbearable proportions”.

Here in Sacramento, the members of Women’s Wisdom Art (WWA) swung into action. WWA is a program of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Many of the women in the program have been battered by poverty, abuse and illness and come to WWA to heal through art. But when the scope of the Haitian tragedy became evident, these women turned their attention away from their own struggles and focused on the orphans.

My name is Ann and I volunteer each week in WWA leading the yarn art class. I felt the women in WWA could have a direct impact, by creating dolls for these orphans. Immediately the women in the class began to produce great gifts. The energy spread throughout the entire program. The fabric art class began to create dolls, the collage class began crafting puppets and the ceramic class started sculpting small hearts. The energy that comes from helping one another is so healing in itself. The women have embraced the projects and are putting their whole heart into each piece. We hope to be able to send the toys near the end of February.

For more information about Women’s Wisdom Art or other programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org

Joy, By Helen Plenert

2009-12-23T10:11:00.001-08:00

Joy
By Helen Plenert

Seven years ago, as I lay in a hospital bed, amazed to be alive, depression knocking on the door, I made a commitment to find joy everyday. It’s that commitment to joy that led me to work at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services years ago.

I am the Manager of an art program for women who are going through hard times. "Hard times" is much more complicated than that very broad term. We tend to visualize the women working the streets or men panhandling at the intersections, and shopping carts with worldly belongings. I don’t expect an explanation from the women who come to this program but eventually their story comes out. Stories of illness, lost jobs, lost love, lost dignity, expensive medication and eventually, lost hope. I was surprised to find out that we have women who had worked in the legal field, military, medical field, and yes, state workers. Their illness, whether mental or physical, or income has sapped the joy out of their lives. They’ve come to this place to look for it among the art supplies.

This has been one of those days that I can only explain as pure Christmas joy. Monday morning I pack up 2 vans with women to go on a tour of the EPA building’s fabulous collection of art. One of my students, Judy, came running up last minute and apologizing for her late arrival. Our tour guides were waiting and took us up and down the 25 story building to view the amazing fabric art of Merle Serlin and glass art of Dale Chihuly. The women just stood in amazement at every turn.

Two hours later we were in the wonderful Ten22 restaurant in Old Sacramento. We were seated at a long conference type table to accommodate all 15 of us for lunch. The women were all buzzing about the art they had just experienced when the waiter brought bread to the table. The conversation went softer and soon to a dead silence. There is a sacredness to breaking bread among friends.

I was seated across from Judy and watched her slather the butter 1/2 inch thick on her slice. All I could think of was how much fat was on her bread. She took a bite and with pure joy in her voice said,” I haven’t had real butter in years.” Suddenly the whole fat in butter thing went out the window. We were all trying the butter and smiling the biggest smiles. We were instantly transformed into giggling little girls at a birthday party. When the soup arrived Judy spoke up again and started to explain that her sense of taste was coming back. She could actually taste the subtle flavors of the butternut soup. She had spent 20 years addicted to medication and eventually crack which ruined her sense of taste. For years her idea of a good meal was McDonalds. Judy is now clean with a new outlook on life and a new job. It’s a humbling job and I’ve never seen her happier.

The conversations at the table started up again and I really took to heart what Judy had said about the sense of taste. The women sitting at the table all around me have such different stories. We had 2 women in wheel chairs who didn’t want to miss our adventure. Neither one of them started out in the world in this condition. One worked as a civilian on the air base where she was severely and permanently injured. The other woman has Multiple Sclerosis. Each woman has a story and was eagerly spreading the joy to the others. The women in the group include injured military veterans, a medical doctor who gave up her practice because of her own illness, and mothers who spent 30 years raising children, in this group. One woman had a traffic accident that left her with no job, medical bills and no insurance.

How did this motley group get to a place where we could enjoy a tour of some of the best art in Sacramento and enjoy a beautiful meal where we are treated like princesses? Short answer is that the women earned it. While I was busy finalizing details for an art show, the women had created a cottage industry to raise money for their program, our program, Women’s Wisdom Art. When all was said and done and they handed me the money jar, I insisted we use it to have a fun-filled field trip.

Spreading the joy has become contagious in our classroom. Soon we will gather again for our annual Holiday Tea Party/gift exchange. This year I suspect we will be overflowing with joy and giggles as we all talk about our favorite moments in 2009.

Spread JOY daily, at least ½ inch thick, on everything you do and watch it blossom.

Merry Christmas.

For more information about Women’s Wisdom Art, a program of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit http://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/Programs/WomensWisdom.aspx

Adopt a Family and Holiday Meal Baskets

2009-12-11T10:37:00.000-08:00

December 11, 2009

What better way to celebrate the holidays this season than to get in the spirit of giving! Here at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services there are two great ways that families and individuals can contribute to making the season brighter for others in our community.

Adopt-a-Family allows us to get into the spirit of giving by donating gifts specifically selected for a family in need. Contributors recieve the names, genders, ages, clothing sizes and any specific needs of family members and gather gifts for the family or individuals. Families then receive these gifts just in time for the holidays. This project benefits than 500 local families right here in our community who otherwise could not afford to shop for holiday gifts.

Holiday meal baskets are another great way to share in the spirit of giving. SFBFS is accepting donations of holiday meal gift baskets. The composition of the baskets is up to the donor, from hams to rolls, canned goods and pies. This project will benefit an additional 500 families this season!

Make the season brighter for a local family and share in these projects. Consider collaborating with friends, family or co-workers to adopt-a-family or create a holiday meal basket! If you are intereseted, contact Genevieve Deignan at gdeignan@sacramentofoodbank.org or by phone at (916) 648-8736.

A Big Thank You for your continued support this holiday season!

Happy Holidays from SFBFS!

Turkey Time!

2009-11-24T12:04:00.001-08:00

November 24, 2009

Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services collected 6,600 turkeys last Friday during our "Turkey Drive 3000" event! Thanks to generous donations from so many, there is plenty to go around this holiday. Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services staff and volunteers were joined by Americorp NCCC Green Team crew and Army volunteers to help direct traffic, collect turkeys, and keep enthusiasm going throughout the day. In spite of the rain, everyone had a good time and danced the day away as we collected turkeys for the hungry. For some great media coverage of the turkey drive and distribution run a search on KCRA.com.

This Monday and Tuesday, November 23rd and 24th, our holiday distribution served thousands of clients- 2,500 the first day alone. After waiting in a line so long it wrapped around the block, individuals received a turkey and a holiday box made up of stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, potatoes, onions, apples, bread, and a bag of mixed canned goods.

With so many turkeys, Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services was able to donate almost 2,000 turkeys to 18 other charities in the area. The generosity of so many who gave this year and throughout the year ensures that SFBFS continues to fulfill our essential goals of feeding the hungry and maintaining all nine of our education and distribution programs.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support. Happy Thanksgiving!

Women's Wisdom Holiday Show

2009-11-24T11:48:00.001-08:00

November 15, 2009

Women from the Women's Wisdom Art Program here at SFBFS held a reception on November 14th for the Holiday Show. Women's Wisdom offers free art classes and a network of support to women overcoming any kind of difficulty in their lives. At the reception, women displayed many of their pieces and sold quite a few. All proceeds go directly to the women. Guests were entertained by a rock-a-billy band that featured Sacramento Food Bank and Family Service's very own Shannin Saulnier from Operation.

Wall pieces from the show will be displayed at the Food Bank until December 4th. Come check it out!

Raffle for the Rock

2009-10-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

Now- January 4th, 2010

Come down to our Oak Park facility to pick up your Raffle for the Rock tickets today! We are raffling a beautiful, Hearts on Fire diamond ring, donated to Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services by Rogers Jewelry Co. The ring is valued at $25,000; tickets are just $5. Make sure that you enter for a chance to win! All proceeds go to support the wonderful programs and services offered here at SFBFS. The drawing will be held January 4th, 2010. Good Luck!