Father Dan Madigan founded Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) in the basement of his Oak Park church in 1976. Pained by watching so many people go hungry on the streets of Sacramento, he called together a small cadre of compassionate volunteers to tackle the problem. Over time, the number of facilities, staff and volunteers grew to meet the ever increasing need in Sacramento. His passion for helping individuals and families in need is still alive and well in the wide array of programs and services offered by SFBFS.

SFBFS currently operates two large facilities, in Oak Park and in North Sacramento, serving neighborhoods with families experiencing some of the highest rates of poverty, unemployment and child abuse in the Sacramento area. Over three decades, the number of programs and services offered by SFBFS grew from food and clothing to include adult education, child development and technology.

SFBFS runs a very lean, grassroots organization with an incredibly efficient, professional staff of 40 and a volunteer workforce of over 4,000 annually. SFBFS continues to meet the increasing demands for services by leveraging donations when purchasing food, baby supplies and reading materials for pennies on the dollar.

SFBFS provides free emergency goods and services to nearly 20,000 men, women and children each month. All programs at SFBFS are offered free of charge.

• Food Assistance - Provides a five day supply of emergency, take-home groceries to thousands of clients every month. Individuals and families in need can receive fresh produce, dairy, grains and canned goods at mobile distribution sites throughout the Sacramento area.
• Clothing - Distributes donated men’s, women’s and children’s clothing items to those in need at no charge. Clothing articles include suits for interviews, school uniforms and seasonal weather attire.
• Mother-Baby - Guides parents in raising children in a healthy and supportive manner. Diapers, formula, food and clothing are provided for parents attending educational workshops.
• Adult Education - Provides one-on-one instruction to adults in reading, writing, math, computer skills, resume building and English.
• Women’s Wisdom Art - Offers a variety of art classes to women overcoming loss or depression, surviving cancer and helps build self-confidence. 
• PlayCare - Offers an enriching daycare for toddlers of parents attending classes through Adult Education. This co-operative program encourages parental involvement, interactive games and preparing youth for kindergarten.
• Youth Academy - Provides enrichment for elementary-aged youth focusing on literacy and independent thinking. This program encourages academic success, character building, social development and service.
• Computer Clubhouse - Encourages junior high and high school students to explore technology classes including web design, animation, basic computer skills and video production.

SFBFS provides these goods and services at no cost due to the generous support of donors through individuals and company contributions as well as special events. SFBFS hosts the annual Run to Feed the Hungry every year on Thanksgiving Day. Nearly 30,000 Sacramento residents turn up on their day off to spend time with family and raise awareness of those less fortunate in our community. This Thanksgiving will mark the 18th year for the Run to Feed the Hungry, an event that generates nearly $1 million to support programs and services at SFBFS. SFBFS also partners with Rogers Jewelry Co. to host an event each spring called Race for the Ring. This scavenger hunt for jewelry uses clues sent via text message to challenge participants to solve riddles throughout Downtown and mid-town Sacramento. Prizes include diamond rings, men’s watches, bicycles and more. Please join us on May 21 for a day of fun to support SFBFS!

If you are interested in becoming involved with SFBFS either by volunteering, leading a donation drive, participating in an event or referring someone in need, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org for more information.