Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "food bank"

Photo essay: 18th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry

2011-11-24T21:27:33Z

Thousands of Sacramento participants toughed out the rain this Thanksgiving morning as they participated in the 18th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry. The event is benefiting the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

For more information and race results visit www.runtofeedthehungry.com

Photos from this morning's event:

Turkey Distribution

2011-11-18T00:29:57Z

On Monday, November 21, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), a local non-pofit organization serving families in need, will host its annual turkey and holiday food distribution. On this special day SFBFS will serve thousands of Sacramento families experiencing hardship this season. There are no zip code restrictions to receive holiday food, only a limit of one per household.

This year's distribution is different from previous years in that SFBFS will offer one longer day of service instead of two days of morning-only service. In an effort to assist working families, SFBFS will begin service at 8am and go well into the late afternoon/early evening.

Turkey distribution will begin at 8am and tickets will be distributed, one per household, beginning at 6am - first come, first served. SFBFS will distribute all of the turkeys that are collected on Friday, November 18 during the annual Turkey Drive with KCRA. Any turkeys collected over the goal will be shared with other pre-determined charities.

The line to receive a turkey moves very quickly and there is no advantage to arriving at SFBFS before 8am. Some individuals who arrived around 10am or 11am last year to receive a turkey reported only waiting in line for 15-20 minutes and that the line moved the entire time. While there is no specific amount of time an individual may stand in the line, SFBFS' primary goal is to serve famlies in need as quickly as possible.

No camping will be allowed overnight, please do not arrive to line up before 6am. No preference will be given for any family or individual over another, everyone must wait in the same line. There are no pick-ups allowed on behalf of other family members, neighbors, friends, relatives, etc. - families must be present to receive a turkey and fixin’s. It is recommended that individuals bring a cart to transport one turkey and two bags of fixin’s. Every family will receive the exact same items and turkeys will be passed out in random order - household size does not determie turkey size. Parking is very limited so please be prepared to park and walk a few blocks to reach the distribution line. It can be very cold so please bundle up, but remember to removed your gloves at the front of the line to receive a hand stamps. The event will take place rain or shine.

Volunteers from PG&E along with SFBFS staff and volunteers will be working to serve as many families in need as fast as possible. SFBFS strives to create a positive atmosphere and serve all families with respect and dignity. This is a fun day filled with music and greetings from a turkey mascot!

It is very important that all families have the opportunity to be together on Thanksgiving with a meal. If anyone is unable to attend SFBFS' one day distribution on Monday, November 21, they are encouraged to contact InfoLine Sacramento by dialing (916) 498-1000.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Disclosure: Kelly Siefkin is an employee of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Servieces

Turkey Drive 8,000

2011-11-09T00:43:32Z

The morning air is crisp and cool. The signs of fall are all around and one of the most exciting and busiest seasons is fast approaching for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

KCRA and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services are hosting the 4th annual Turkey Drive on November 18, 2011. Last year, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services collected 7,053 turkeys thanks to the generous support of local residents. The need is even greater this year and the goal has been set to collect 8,000 turkeys from individuals, families, classrooms and local businesses in a single day.

The Turkey Drive will take place at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services' Oak Park facility (3333 Third Ave - near 34th & Broadway) between 4:30am and 7:00pm .

Please consider dropping off a donation of a frozen turkey or packaged side dishes during the day. Representatives from Papa Murphy’s, Wells Fargo and SaveMart will be onsite to assist SFBFS' staff and volunteers to thank donors and unload turkeys.

This is a great opportunity to bring kids downn and show them the benefits of helping someone less fortunate. Consider posting this flyer at your school or office to let others know they can participate.

KCRA will be onsite broadcasting throughout the day. Smile for the camera as you drive through and drop off your turkey. No need to even get out of the car!

Every donated turkey will be distributed the week of Thanksgiving to a local family in need.

Event details :
Date: November 18
Time: 4:30am-7pm
Location: 3333 Third Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817

Disclosure: Kelly Siefkin is an employee of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Racing for a Reason: Tonja Field

2011-10-31T19:05:38Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 18th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a few weeks away.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) encourages you to be part of Sacramento's Thanksgiving tradition. The 5K and 10K fun run and walk launches from Sacramento State, 6000 J St., on Thanksgiving morning. With 30,000 participants expected to be involved, you are guaranteed a morning of fun with family and friends.

Every week up until then, we will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry runner. We will ask a handful of different past and present runners the same questions. We have found that people are motivated by many different reasons to be involved in this incredible event.

There is still time to sign up to participate and help keep this the largest Thanksgiving Day run in the country. Go to the Run to Feed the Hungry website for more information and ways to register. We hope to see you there!

Name: Tonja Field
Occupation: X-ray/CT/Mammography Tech

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Tonja Field: I've participated every year since 2001.

SP: How many people do you run with?
TF: Every year it is different. In the beginning I would run/walk it with two of my best friends, one year I did it by myself because the race started before I could even locate any of my friends and another year I did it as part of The Sacrament Press team.

SP: Do you run or walk at RTFTH?
TF: Lately I've mostly walked it as I find it more enjoyable to enjoy the scenery and a little more difficult to get my legs moving in the cold weather as I have gotten older, but one day I may want to try running it again.

SP: Do you run or walk outside of the event?
TF: I ran a half- marathon for the first time in March and have run only twice since then. I ran again on Sunday [at the Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series] and the last time I'll probably run in 2011 is the Run to Feed the Hungry. I'm a Beachbody coach so thankfully those workout programs have kept me in shape so that I can run these sort of events when I want to and not feel like I am going to die for the cause.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
TF: People going hungry has always been something I've been concerned about. I don't have to know why they are without, I just know that no one should be without food. The fact that this event allows Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services to provide so much for so many people is just one of the reasons I participate in this event each year.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
TF: My favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry is the fact that I am getting a little exercise before I consume more food than my body probably needs in a week. Also, even if I am just walking it, the fresh air and happiness around me is enough to make me be positive about the whole day.

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
TF: I do have a favorite t-shirt design! I can't recall the year *digging up all my millions of t-shirts* but it was the white one with blue & yellow writing - turkey legs in running shoes. FOUND IT! 2005 :)

SP: If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be?
TF: If I could have one wish (I always make wishes!) this Thanksgiving, it would be for me just to come to the CLEAR realization that all I have and all the people I have around me is enough. I don't need anything else and I need to learn to be content and thankful in this moment. I am getting better with this over time, but it still is a struggle.

Corbett's House of Horror Benefits SFBFS

2011-10-11T17:22:32Z

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

Disclosure: Kelly Siefkin is an employee of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Composting, cover crops, and red worms

2011-10-11T01:20:16Z

Saturday morning was warm enough to draw more than 38 people to Martin Luther King Junior Community Garden for seminars and discussions on composting, cover crops, vermicomposting and the benefits of ladybug larvae.

More than a dozen people attended the first of two composting seminars, led by Bill Maynard, master gardener and director of community gardens for the city.

Sacramento waste reduction coordinator Doug Houston opened the 8 a.m. event by speaking about waste reduction and the cost of green waste. Houston told the group that Sacramento pays for green waste disposal. Bins cost residents less money each month, and they are environmentally friendly because green waste is kept out of the storm drains, he said.

“Food waste in the garbage means organics go into the landfill,” he said. “The organics create methane which becomes greenhouse gas. Yard waste is a valuable resource.” He then confessed that he keeps a composting bin in his office.

Each attendee received a kitchen composting bin, a container of parsley to plant, a composting booklet, seeds and a discount coupon for a composting bin at Home Depot.

Houston introduced Bill Maynard, who told the group there will be 11 community gardens in Sacramento by the end of the month. Each plot could generate $400 worth of food per year.

“Fall is my favorite time of year,” he said. “Free carbon falls from the sky,” referring to leaves.

He led the first of two lectures on composting and discussed the differences between hot and cold composting, saying that hot will happen faster but takes more effort, and cold takes about nine months and will happen whether we want it to or not. Both require carbon and nitrogen layers.

Carbon should be both the top and bottom layer and consists of leaves, twigs, newspaper using soy-based ink like Sacramento News & Review or The Sacramento Bee, hair and cotton dryer lint, Maynard explained.

Nitrogen layers should be living or still green, like lettuce and spinach, but not Bermuda grass or diseased plants.

“Look under leaves for aphid eggs,” Maynard said. “The eggs are laid in the fall and hatch in spring. Most of the year aphids are all female and are born pregnant.”

Plant materials were circulated for attendees to examine for evidence of disease or eggs.

A short question-and-answer session followed with questions about whether the heat would kill Bermuda grass and seeds.

“If the compost pile gets to 133 degrees for several days, the heat may kill the seeds,” Maynard said. “The temperature can rise to 160 or 180 degrees, but it’s best to let the Bermuda grass dry out and use as part of the carbon layer.”

Maynard warned against using weed seeds or morning glories due to flower overproduction, or too many coffee grounds, because of the acidity. He added, though, that rhododendrons and azaleas prefer more acidity.

When asked how moist to keep the pile, Maynard said “like a wrung-out sponge,” adding that the pile can be in the sun or the shade, but that worms prefer cool, and the pile should be protected from rain.

Maynard suggested using compost at the root zone of plants or to place around the plants, and said of the odor that “it should smell like a nice, earthy scent.” A stinky pile needs more nitrogen.

“Always end with a layer of carbon, to act as a cap to prevent flies from laying eggs in the pile and deter rodents,” he reminded the group before leading them to the cover crop demonstration.

Cover Crops

Maynard called cover crops green manure that “enrich the soil.” He said the crops should be cut down by Feb. 15, and by March 15, “the average last frost date,” gardeners may plant at their own risk, reminding attendees that frost does not mark its calendar.

Fava beans, bell beans, field mustard and winter wheat are good winter cover crops. Buckwheat is good for summer. Maynard demonstrated the planting of both fava beans (in rows) and mustard (scattered).

Maynard also mentioned that he is working with the Sacramento Food Bank (3rd Avenue and 33rd Street) and will manage the garden education center. Monthly gardening classes will begin in 2012.

Vermicomposting

The group moved to hear about the benefits of composting with worms and how to build and maintain a worm farm. Worm Fancy’s Michelle Himed, a self-described “compulsive recycler” and Kate Waldo, a “vermaholic,” led the discussion on vermicomposting.

Himed opened by speaking about the history of Worm Fancy and their goal “to educate, build worm bins, and get into classrooms.” They want to reach the youngest generation, the kindergartners, and teach them what happens when they throw a banana peel into a worm bin.

Waldo described the difference between the bins for the classroom, which are single unit bins, and manufactured, multi-layered bins that can be kept in a house or office. Plans for building a classroom unit were available. A plastic bin, water or soda bottle plastic top and some black shade screen were the primary materials used.

Worms require bedding, which can be almost any type of paper. It cannot be the glossy pages from many magazines. They approved the pages from Edible, which was available at the event, as bedding material.

“Worms eat paper as fast as they eat kitchen products,” Waldo said. “They eat the microbes on top of the food.”

Worms cannot be fed everything, though.

“No dairy, no meat and no oil,” she said. “Worms breathe through their skin, and being coated in oil will kill them.

“It’s best to begin with a pound of worms, which is between 800 and 1,000,” she continued. “They are voracious eaters and can eat up to one half of their body weight each day. One pound of worms will eat about three pounds of food each week.”

Attendees were warned not to overfeed or to permit the bins to “get too hot or too smelly.”

“Worms are prolific,” she said. “One adult worm can have up to three cocoons per week and can have between one and 20 worms per cocoon.”

If people were concerned about overcrowding, Himed reassured “the population will regulate itself.”

Waldo reached into the school bin and pulled out a handful of paper. She discussed the types of paper products to use, adding that layering should be used like in composting. Several worms tried to burrow into the paper.

“Worms need to be trained to burrow down, so when first adding works to the bin, it’s best to begin by exposing them to about an hour of light so that they learn to stay down,” Himed said.

The bin’s temperature should be cool, and the bin should be kept in deep shade or inside the house. Mini swamp coolers made from frozen water bottles can help keep bins cool during temperatures above 90 degrees. Worms should also not be too cold, so sometimes miniature holiday lights might be used.

Harvesting should occur every three months and will produce five to six gallons of casings, which equates to nearly one cubic foot. This is enough to start planting in spring. Some casings sold in the store are dry and do not offer the same benefit.

Ladybug larvae

Several people remained to speak about worms, while Maynard led another group to the pumpkin plants and discussed the benefits of ladybugs in the garden.

“Many times, gardeners will kill the ladybug larvae because they think it’s a bad bug,” Maynard said. “In fact, it’s a good bug that eats a lot of aphids before it changes into a ladybug.”

Yes to composting and community gardening

Most attendees were seeking out composting information for their home gardens. Several people said they enjoyed the seminar and discussions very much and had gained a lot of information. Some people had not yet begun their gardens; others had just started; others had been gardening for a long time.

Heather and Joseph Cromartie said they would probably use both traditional composting and vermicomposting at some point in their home gardens, where they are growing greens, carrots, bell beans and tomatoes.

On this visit, one community gardener harvested Swiss chard, saying the rain helped a great deal before she attended the day’s second composting seminar.

Maynard reminded attendees that there are still several plots available. The next plot sale at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Garden is Oct. 18.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is featured on Groupon

2011-10-03T19:55:19Z

Groupon, the popular daily deals and discount site, 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 around town to combat hunger, as well as poor nutrition.

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 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
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
2. Follow us on Twitter and retweet about this great deal:
@SacFoodBank

Disclosure: Kelly Siefkin is an employee of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Tessie is Racing for a Reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-05-19T23:54:57Z

This week’s interview is with Tessie Ernst, who has worked for the Xerox Corporation for 24 years and is currently on a one year Social Service Leave of Absence volunteering her time at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. She enjoys the outdoors, especially playing golf!

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
My favorite piece of jewelry is a diamond ring that my mother gave me when I graduated from high school. It was my Grandmother’s ring that she gave to my Mom when she graduated from high school so it holds a lot of sentimental value since my Grandmother passed away in 2005.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
Yes, but only as part of the committee that is organizing the event. Next year I plan to participate because I LOVE the Amazing Race.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
It is a fantastically fun event for a wonderful cause. It allows teams, business and companies to all be part of helping the community in a creative way.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
I did not participate but I did see all the great footage of the event and looked like everyone enjoyed themselves.

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
Volunteering at Sacramento Food Bank & Family services for the year as the Volunteer and Communications Assistant and part of the Race for the Ring committee.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is so much more than food!

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
Everyone should come out to participate in the Race for the Ring event. It is a great way to get some fresh air, exercise and be part of the entire experience. Whether you participate in the race or you volunteer, there is still plenty of time to sign up for either one. There will also be a silent auction at the after-party with some awesome items that participants can get at a screaming deal. You can bid on the items and if you win, we can hold the item for pick up at a later date. Don’t let anything hold you back. Going once, going twice,…SOLD!

Volunteer Spotlight - May 2011

2011-05-10T21:20:18Z

Charlotte Hansen is one of those “can’t live without her” volunteers. She has been volunteering at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) in the Mother-Baby program for just over one year, and the program staff cannot imagine the program without her. “Her commitment to the Mother-Baby program is fantastic,” says Lorena Carranza, Mother-Baby program manger. “She does it all.”

Indeed, Charlotte wears many hats in the Mother-Baby program. She can be found on Mondays and Thursdays in the Mother-Baby clothing area, sorting baby clothing, hanging items, talking to new mothers and babies, training volunteers, and more. You may also find her sitting down with a new parent in the mentoring room, making referrals, offering advice, and being a shoulder to lean on. On special event days, Charlotte is serving food, facilitating art projects with the kids, helping with set up, clean up and more. She is currently being trained to lead parent education classes on the use of cloth diapers. She really does it all. She has a pleasant and welcoming demeanor that makes everyone feel comfortable in the program.

“When I moved to Sacramento not too long ago, I wanted to find a worthwhile place to spend some time,” says Charlotte. An online search led her to the Mother-Baby program at SFBFS. Charlotte retired from a career in retail a few years back and came to Sacramento to spend time with her daughter’s family and new grandchild. “I love clothing and I love kids, so this sounded like a great fit,” she says. Charlotte is one of the first friendly faces that new clients see when they arrive to receive help with their brand-new babies. “It’s so nice to see people helping others. I enjoy being a part of that.” Families receive a generous supply of gently used and new baby clothing, maternity clothing, blankets, and other baby supplies. “They just can’t believe how much they are able to receive. It’s fun watching the kids pick out their own toys. Both mom and kids are so grateful,” she comments.

Charlotte’s current challenge is learning how to sew cloth diapers. The Mother-Baby program will soon offer a class teaching new parents how to sew their own cloth diapers for use at home. The moms will be able to take home all the diapers they sew in class. Charlotte has been experimenting with the pattern on her home sewing machine and is feeling confident that she’ll be able to teach the parents how to do it. The diapers are created by donated t-shirts and fabric scraps. “The response from the community is great,” she says. “We’re doing this because the parents want to learn how. It’s wonderful to see.”

For Charlotte, the joy of volunteering is creating a welcoming space for clients. “SFBFS fulfills important needs. It’s very family-oriented,” she says. Her focus is always making the families feel comfortable inside the Mother-Baby program. “We have a very happy environment here,” Charlotte says. Lorena agrees wholeheartedly, saying “Charlotte spreads love and compassion to the families enrolled in the Mother-Baby program. Everyone loves working with her because of her warm personality.”

Jackie is Racing for a Reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-05-09T21:58:09Z

This week’s interview is with Jackie Goree, the Database Manager at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. She has been an employee with SFBFS for a year and a half. This enthusiastic and compassionate woman is also a massage therapist who is passionate about travel, recently visiting Paris with her mother.

Participants will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
My Tanzanite earrings from Mazatlan, Mexico.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
Unfortunately, it's the same day as my niece's graduation so I can't volunteer, but I wish I could be there! I loved meeting all of the participants and the After Party was a hoot!

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
It’s a great way to raise funds and awareness for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. The organization continues to impress me with the scope of programs and the number of individuals served each month.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about Race for the Ring?
Last year I volunteered at the After Party distributing water and goody bags. It was fun to see everyone's excitement as they entered the After Party. Everyone was discussing the clues and how much fun they'd had racing around downtown Sacramento. They seemed very greatful to take a break, enjoy lunch and rest a bit.

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
As Database Manager at SFBFS, I oversee the tracking of donors, volunteers and clients in our database. I work closely with donors and volunteers to thank them for their support.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?
How dedicated each employee and volunteer is to the organization's mission and the clients we serve. The compassion is extraordinary and I love seeing volunteers and staff members going the extra step to make sure families are really taken care of when they ask for assistance.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
Race for the Ring is fantastic and I hope there's a great turnout again this year. Please tell your friends and family to sign up!

For more information about this event or to register to participate, please visit www.raceforthering.com. To learn more about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

Eat at Joe's

2011-05-03T17:17:24Z

What do Joe’s Crab Shack and Cinco de Mayo have in common? Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services' fundraiser night, of course! Please come out and join the fun on Thursday, May 5 between 5:00pm and 11:00pm. You can enjoy a delicious meal while helping raise funds for a worthy cause. Simply bring THIS FLIER with you to dinner and present it to your server. It is that easy. At the end of the night, 10% of your evening’s total will be donated to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. We included three coupons on this flier so you can post a few at work, give one to a friend or share with a fellow diner.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services has been making a difference in our community since 1976. Eight diverse programs at two sites, along with mobile distributions, are designed to combat hunger, improve literacy, strengthen families, educate youth, foster technological skills,m entor parents, build self-esteem and provide hope.

Not able to join us for dinner on Thursday? Consider being part of the exciting Race for the Ring coming up on May 21. This text message based scavenger hunt on bicycle promises to be the most fun time you'll have helping a local charity. Visit www.raceforthering.com for more information.

Ole'!

Pat is Racing for a Reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-05-02T19:29:58Z

The third annual Race for the Ring is coming to Sacramento on May 21, 2011. This text messaged based treasure hunt on bike through downtown Sacramento is sponsored by Rogers Jewelry Company and directly benefits programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Teams of two will pedal, scoot and wheel their way through downtown Sacramento guided by text message clues in search of over $35,000 in prizes. Each week leading up to the event, we will interview someone who is involved in the race to find out why they are racing for a reason.

Today's interview is with Pat McManus, a volunteer from last year’s event. Pat was born in the Midwest, but moved to Sacramento in 1987. She and her husband began volunteering at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) in 1989. Upon retirement, the pair became very involved with programs such as Sunday Lunch with her husband volunteering five days per week for 10 years until he passed away. Pat came back to volunteer on her own in 2006 and has been helping in Food Assistance and with other volunteer activities ever since. Not even two hip replacement surgeries can slow her down. This canning pro and baker extraordinaire helps families in need several days a week as a regular volunteer at SFBFS.

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
Oh my, I have a lot (chuckles). The pearls my daughter gave me 20 years ago are probably my favorite. I wear them a lot. They are very special to me.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
Well, kind of, but not as a racer. I'm going to be a clue! Last year, I volunteered as a clue about SFBFS for the racers and I enjoyed it so much, I’m looking forward to doing it again this year.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
Many things. Mostly giving back. I’ve been blessed through my whole life and I am so thankful I can give back through Food Assistance at SFBFS. I strongly support SFBFS in all aspects.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
Being a clue! All the participants raced up to me (I was hidden along the course) and asked me information about the Mother-Baby program at SFBFS. Everyone was very enthusiastic and excited!

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
I currently volunteer at SFBFS and I’m excited to be a clue for this year’s Race.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services (SFBFS)?
The public should be aware that SFBFS does not only provide food to the needy, but we provide additional services such as PlayCare, Youth Academy, Computer Clubhouse and Adult Education. These services can help everyone.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
Come on down, a fun time awaits! Look for me as a clue!

For more information about the event or to register to participate, please visit www.raceforthering.com. For more information about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

Chris is racing for a reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-04-25T18:51:49Z

Interview with Chris Wallis, a participant in last year's event and a member of the 2nd place finishing team in the 2009 event. Chris is a researcher and grad student at UC Davis. He has lived in Sacramento for most of his life yet admits he still doesn't know where anything is. However, he believes it's still more pleasant to be lost here than to be lost in most other places.

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
I swallowed an earring when I was 5 and it never came out. You could say it's near to my heart, pending x-ray confirmation.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
A full day of good, clean, safe, wholesome fun. And winning, duh.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
Some combination of good times, good causes and the opportunity to collect shiny things.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
Doing arithmetic in the dirt when we didn't have a pen or paper.

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
Novice on all counts.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services (SFBFS)?
It's not an acronym, it's just pronounced "sfbfs".

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
I'm looking for a replacement main wiring harness for a '97 Toyota Avalon, if anybody is letting one go on the cheap.

For more information about the event or to register to participate, please visit www.raceforthering.com. For more informaiton about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

Lily is racing for a reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-04-18T18:36:14Z

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
Yes, but I need to borrow a bike! I love getting outdoors, walking around and being out in the sun. Sacramento is a great place for a treasure hunt!

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
I love the significant impact that Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services has on families in our community. I am motivated because of the people I work with at SFBFS. I enjoy everyone from the clients to the volunteers to the staff. I like to think I’m making a real difference in people’s lives.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
Last year I got to spend a lot of time with a friend I don’t get to see very often, which was really nice. This is a really great event to do with a close friend who can finish your sentences and knows how you think - a great recipe for an efficient racing team!

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
I am a current volunteer in Clothing and Women’s Wisdom Art programs at SFBFS and a 2011 Race for the Ring hopeful!

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?
I wish people knew about all of the other services the organization provides, not just food. A lot of people don’t know that, but they should! Every time I mention the organization, everyone thinks it’s just food, but it’s so much more!

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
I challenge everyone to come out for a day of fun to support a great cause!

For more information about this event or to register to participate, please visit www.raceforthering.com. To learn more about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

Jason is racing for a reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-04-11T21:27:54Z

Interview with Jason Hone, who placed in last year's event with his wife Stephanie. Both Jason and Stephanie hail from Southern California’s Inland Empire. Jason grew up in Redlands and Stephanie was raised in nearby Riverside. The pair married, moved to Sacramento and Jason started a new job all in the same week. After living downtown for nearly five years the Hones recently moved into a home in West Sacramento – so they are definitely excited that the race is headquartered on the westside . . . of the river.

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
The Tissot watch I won in last year’s race. Oh, Stephanie might be reading this, definitely my wedding ring! For me jewelry is best when it is reminiscent of something - so whether it’s a hard won prize or a symbol of commitment, I like having a reason to wear it.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
You bet! And I’m looking forward to out-smugging certain Land Parkers this year. But failing that, at least toasting the hallowed afterbeers with good friends.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
Where else can you find such an “amazing race” experience in Sacramento? As for the cause, I’m definitely impressed by the committed people and the good works you find at SFBFS. I’ve volunteered in their warehouse, tutored in their afterschool programs and helped out at special events like the Turkey Drive. It’s a great feeling to be part of something special like this and to have fun doing it too!

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
The thrill of solving a puzzle and the frenzied dash to the next clue. That’s two things.

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
We’re going to be racers and hopefully winners.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?
It’s way more than a food bank! Not only do they distribute food and clothing to Sacramentans in need, they have programs serving children, expectant and new mothers, English language learners, and teens, just to name a few.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
This may be the only time this year I ride a bicycle. The only legitimate reason for not racing is not knowing about the race.

For more information about this event or to register to participate, please visit www.raceforthering.com. To learn about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

HEALTH-CHALLENGED, LOW-INCOME POPULATION GOES PLANT-BASED TO LOSE WEIGHT AND REVERSE DISEASE

2011-04-05T22:50:28Z

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) embarks on a new partnership with the EarthSave International, a non-profit organization that will launch an exciting new program called Meals For Health (MFH) on April 8, 2011. MFH is a 30-day intervention that provides low-income families with education and support to eat a healthy, low-fat, plant-strong diet in order to dramatically improve their health. There is no cost to participants and all support, food (donated by Whole Foods) and materials will be provided. MFH participants are individuals who currently receive services from one of SFBFS’ programs such as Adult Education, Mother-Baby or Women’s Wisdom Art.

Health improvements, weight loss and disease reversal of MFH participants will be measured and tracked under medical supervision of physicians throughout the 30-day program. Local food coaches and dozens of volunteers will assist participants in completing their journey. Food coaches provide regular support, ongoing education, potlucks and video presentations.

MFH is a health program which has been shown to reverse high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Experts on the MFH team have run similar programs and seen results in tens of thousands of participants. However, this pilot program is the first of its kind in a low-income population. The groundbreaking intervention takes a selected group of very low-income clients from SFBFS who suffer from serious health problems and turns them into plant-strong eaters. Participants learn about healthy nutrition, easy food preparation, exercise options and low cost shopping strategies in order to successfully transition their families to a healthy, unprocessed, whole food plant-strong eating style.

MFH will plant seeds and spread sensible nutrition to interested families and individuals across the Sacramento community and has the potential to significantly decrease health problems while increasing energy and self esteem, across this challenged population.

The participant roster for this MFH pilot program is complete, but we invite you to SFBFS and see what new and innovative steps are being taken in our community to improve the health and wellness of those in great need. A list of seminars, exercise classes and group meals is available for members of the media interested in covering the program. Participants are also available for before and after interviews/photos. Dramatic results in blood pressure, weight and medication intake is expected by the end of April. EarthSave plans to grow MFH in the Sacramento community with subsequent waves of increasing size, as members of this early intervention groups may go on to become plant-strong leaders and coaches.

For more information about EarthSave International, please visit www.earthsave.org. For more information about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

Volunteer Spotlight

2011-04-05T16:51:48Z

During the Christmas season of 2009 a strong desire came over Becky Starr to help a family in need. She knew she wanted to give back somehow and immediately went on-line in search of volunteer opportunities. Having worked in the food industry for 30 years, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) seemed like an obvious fit.

However, after attending SFBFS’ volunteer orientation, Becky realized she might fit better into the services offered in the Mother-Baby program. “I have a four year old granddaughter and a two year old grandson that live in Champaign, IL and I don’t get to see them much,” confesses Becky. “I liked the idea of working with women and children, so when the Volunteer Manager mentioned that there was a need in the program that was it.”

“I love what we do here,” reflects Becky. “It’s so different from my day to day work and I really enjoy the change of pace.” Becky is the Western Region Sales Manager for a prominent food ingredient company and travels about six months out of the year. “I make sure to schedule all my trips on Tuesday”, she informs us so that she can volunteer on Monday evenings at the Saca Community Learning Center, SFBFS’ facility in North Sacramento.

“I’m so impressed with the services this organization can offer the parents and children,” she says with a smile on her face. “I remember how scary it is having babies and not knowing where I was going to get the next gallon of milk,” Becky says as her tone becomes rather somber. “I love what we what we’re doing here. The classes are great and I feel good at the end of the night” says Becky as an even bigger smile returns to her face.

“I also love working with the other volunteers and would absolutely recommend it to another person looking to get involved in our community. We could definitely use more help…Spanish-speakers a plus.”

When Becky is not on the road with her company she provides bookkeeping services for her daughter’s young adults appeal shop Cuffs located in midtown on J Street. Her experience at Cuffs has helped make Becky the perfect candidate for organizing, displaying and pricing of Mother-Baby’s Baby-Buck Boutique, an incentive driven store that allows parents to shop using the Mother-Baby Bucks they earn by attending multiple workshops in the program.

Whether she is traveling, crunching numbers or organizing baby supplies, it is certain that Becky does it from the heart with a grace and compassion that comes from a dedicated volunteer. Hats off to you Becky Starr, we appreciate all that you do.

Written by Mireya Estrella

Tom and Jessica are racing for a reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-04-04T20:16:06Z

Interview with Tom and Jessica Pearson, finishers in last year's event. Tom hails from eastern Washington and fancies himself a bit of a mountain man. Jessica grew up in the Inland Empire (San Bernardino/Riverside area) and learned to snowboard on fake snow. They met in Spain while trying to make the most of their undergraduate opportunities via studying abroad. The couple now live in Land Park and spend entirely too much time working.

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
My wedding ring and my engagement ring (Jessica) . We have matching wedding bands with inscriptions. My engagement ring was picked out by Tom from a little celtic jewelry shop in Jackson, CA.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
Yes, we are both looking forward to dominating. And gloating, gloating is good, too.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
Tom used to work for SacramentoFood Bank & Family Services and had a great experience supporting their mission by teaching English to adult language learners. Now he is getting his Masters Degree to do the same. So many of our friends work at or volunteer for SFBFS that it seems like an extended family.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
Winning fourth place, and getting to feel smug for knowing downtown Sacramento really well (this helped with the clues), a skill that normally generates little fanfare.

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
Just a pair of ring hopefuls this year.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?
That they have tons of family programs for kids, adults and seniors alike. They really try to meet a variety of family needs to allow families to help themselves through classes and other offerings, the Family Services part is larger than most people realize.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
We had so much fun last year that we’ve recruited lots of friends for this year’s event. We look forward to some friendly competition. And the refreshing quench of afterbeers.

For more information about this event or to register to participate, please visit www.raceforthering.com. For more informaiton about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

Race for the Ring 2011

2011-03-31T18:45:34Z

Fans of TV’s globetrotting race game can now test their game play right here in Sacramento! Rogers Jewelry Company is preparing to host the 3rd annual Race for the Ring on May 21, 2011 to benefit Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). 2,000 Sacramento area residents are expected to turn out for this exciting, location-based game where clues and answers are sent via text messages. Participants race from location to location in Downtown and Mid-town on foot and bike solving riddles and challenges while earning points. The team with the most points at the end wins! Prizes include over $30,000 worth of jewelry from Rogers Jewelry Company.

The $40 registration fee for any team includes two race shirts, entrance into the after-party, lunch, a chance to win amazing prizes and a guaranteed day of fun. 100% of the proceeds benefit SFBFS to help in their efforts of serving families in need.

What: Race for the Ring
Where: Downtown Sacramento (kick-off and after-party at Raley Field)
When: May 21, 2011, 10 am
Who: Anyone age 18 and up
Why: To support Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Registration is now OPEN! For more information, including video from last year’s event, please visit www.raceforthering.com

Interested in sending many people from your company or becoming a sponsor? SFBFS is looking for sponsors to help brighten the future of families in need. Please check out this sponsorship flier to see if your business would like to be part of the Race for the Ring as a sponsor. Sponsors will receive booth space at the kick-off event and after-party held at Raley Field, logo placement on participant t-shirts, complimentary registrations and scavenger clues with information about your company!

Know others who might want to participate? Please consider posting this participant flier where customers, friends, neighbors or fellow employees can learn about this fun event and encourage them to form a team.

About Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, a local non-profit organization serving families and individuals in need since 1976, offers eight diverse programs at two facilities in Sacramento. A staff of 40 employees and several thousand volunteers accomplish SFBFS’ mission of assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pain and problems and by moving them toward self-sufficiency and financial independence. Additional SFBFS information is available online, including how to volunteer or lead a donation drive, at www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

About Rogers Jewelry Company
Rogers Jewelry Company has been helping clients celebrate their stories of love, success and commitment for over 70 years. Rogers was founded in Modesto, CA in 1937 by Harry Marks, a young jewelry professional, and Dr. Robert Moon, a partner with equal vision. These two entrepreneurs built Rogers Jewelry Co. on the foundation of honesty, trust and integrity that continues to permeate the company and the communities they serve. Rogers has grown from a single location in downtown Modesto to a chain of nine stores stretching from Bakersfield, CA to Reno, NV. For more information about Rogers Jewelry Co, visit www.thinkrogers.com.

SFBFS - Serving our community since 1976

2011-03-31T18:34:27Z

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.

Peter's Racing for a Reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-03-28T16:53:54Z

Interview with Peter Skipper, a finisher in last year's event. Peter teaches 5th grade math in Brooklyn, New York. In his free time, Peter writes screenplays, plays guitar and travels as far away from home as possible.

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
I have a watch from Rogers Jewelers that I won at last year's Race for the Rock, and it brings me good fortune whenever I wear it.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
I wish! This event is so fun, but NY is a bit of a bike ride for me this year.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
People shouldn't go hungry in the richest country on earth.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
Challenging our friends Chris Suter and Chris Wallis and beating them significantly.

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
Race participant/Sacramento enthusiast/stand-in for all Tobey Maguire look-a-like related emergencies.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?
It's more than just food. Everybody forgets the Family Services part.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
Please come out! It's the most fun you'll have volunteering all year.

Race for the Ring is almost here!

2011-03-26T21:07:37Z

The third annual Race for the Ring (formerly Race for the Rock) is coming to Sacramento on May 21, 2011. This text messaged based treasure hunt on bike through downtown Sacramento is sponsored by Rogers Jewelry Company and directly benefits programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Teams of two will pedal, scoot and wheel their way through downtown Sacramento guided by text message clues in search of over $35,000 in prizes.

Check out the recap from Race for the Rock 2010 and 2009

"Like" Race for the Ring on Facebook

Dave's racing for a reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-03-15T17:36:33Z

The thrid annual Race for the Ring is coming to Sacrament on May 21, 2011. This text messaged based treasure hunt on bike through downtown Sacramento is sponsored by Rogers Jewelry Co and directly benefits programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Teams of two will pedal, scoot and wheel their way through downtown Sacramento guided by text message clues in search of over $35,000 in prizes. Each week leading up to the event, we will interview someone who is involved in the race to find out why they are racing for a reason.

Interview with Dave Katten participant in last year's event.

A bit about our racer

Former Sacramento resident and connoisseur of fine Californian burgers. Oh Squeeze Inn, how I miss your cheese skirt.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?

No, sadly I'm no longer in Sacramento, which is a bummer since the Race is literally my favorite event of the year.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services does so many great things for the community, that the Race is really a privilege to participate in. Sure the prizes are great, but it's such a fun morning, and it's for a great cause. There is absolutely no downside to this race - it's fun, it's good exercise and it helps people who do great things for the the Sacramento area.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?

Easy - me and my buddy had only lived in Sacramento for 2-3 years, but our friends were lifelong residents and knew midtown back and forth. On top of that, neither of us biked much at all, and our friends were supercyclists. Like, Ironman-quality. Heck, those guys even scouted potential locations and questions. So when we won something and they finished just outside of the prizes...oh man, that was sweet. But even before I found out we did well, it was just a great, fun adventure around the city. With the added bonus of a competitive spirit :)

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?

I know a few staff members and volunteers at SFBFS who who told me about the Race.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services does so much more than distribute food. It offers adult classes in many areas, computer courses and clothing. SFBFS is there to help the community in myriad ways, and it's run by top people; really, the folks that volunteer and coordinate are just top notch.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?

Best. Event. Ever. Defitely the most fun I had in Sacramento.

Michelle's Racing for a Reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-03-07T19:10:01Z

Interview with Michelle McCauley, contestant in last year's event.

A bit about our racer

Michelle grew up in Southern California and moved to Northern California in 2001 to attend University of California, Davis. While at Davis I was a coxswain on the women's crew team for 4 years and met my husband Scott. In 2006, the pair married, moved to Sacramento and Michelle began working in the fund development department at WEAVE (Women Escaping a Violent Environment) located in downtown Sacrmento. While working at WEAVE she met staff members at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) who introduced Michelle to the wonderful programs and volunteers at SFBFS. Michelle began participating in SFBFS' infamous Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving Day. Michelle enjoyed supporting the organization, but her slight obsession with the CBS show Amazing Race drove her and her husband to immediately sign up for the event. The pair had even applied to be participants on the globe-trotting show and Michelle knew they would do well. "It's such a good fundraiser, who would not want to participate?" Last year Michelle and her husband created "Team Rock Solid" and the pair really enjoyed biking around downtown Sacramento. The two hope to participate again this year. Michelle currently works for Media Solutions, a local women owned media buying agency as a Media Buyer. In her spare time, she enjoys serving on public relations/events commmittees for various non-profits in Sacramento, running or biking on the beautiful American bike trail and spending time with friends and family enjoying all Sacramento and the surronding areas have to offer.

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelers. What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?

My wedding ring

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?

I would participate if I wasn’t going to be 8 months pregnant. I LOVE this event and can’t wait to participate in 2012!

What motivates you to be part of this cause?

I love knowing that every dollar I give to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services goes directly to Sacramento families in need. I realize all non-profits have overhead cost, however when you give to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services you see exactly where your dollars are being spent. It’s our responsibility to give back to the community we live in...why not have fun doing it? This event is unique, fun, well organized, and most of all provides services to Sacramento families in need!

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?

I love participating with my husband. We had the best time biking around Sacramento and pretending we were on the Amazing Race. The clues were fun and we loved learning more about Sacramento!

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?

I will help out in any way I can! I am sure my friends and husband will participate this year.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?

Anyone in Sacramento County can utelize various services at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. They have a wonderful volunteer program and great staff.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?

I encourage everyone to participate in this event!

Empty Bowls serves up soup to fight hunger

2011-03-02T02:01:35Z

Since stormy winter days have almost everyone thinking about soup, it's a good thing River City Food Bank's 8th annual fundraising event is just days away. As in previous years, Empty Bowls features some of the area’s finest restaurants serving up their best soups- all to raise awareness about hunger in the region.

Everyone who attends Empty Bowls chooses from among 1,500 bowls, hand-crafted by Sacramento students and professional potters. The bowls represent people across the region who don’t have enough to eat. As many as one in seven people report that they don’t always have enough money to provide their families with food. After picking a bowl, attendees choose soup from one of these restaurants: Café Bernardo, R15, Scott's Seafood Grill and Bar, Chops Steaks Seafood and Bar, Michelangelo's, Vizcaya, Lucca, The Broiler, Greek Village Inn, and L Wine Lounge & Urban Kitchen.

The Empty Bowls evening event, on Monday, March 7, is already sold out. A limited number of tickets are still available for Tuesday, March 8 at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Both seatings feature plenty of beautiful bowls, gourmet soups and desserts. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased on River City Food Bank’s website. All events will be held at the Sacramento Masonic Temple, 1123 J Street.

River City Food Bank is the only Sacramento- area food bank open every weekday to anyone experiencing hunger from anywhere in Sacramento County. RCFB offers nutritionally-balanced 3-day emergency food, as well as compassion. In the wake of the food bank's October fire, this year's fundraising goals are ambitious. River City Food Bank hopes to raise over $100,000.

For more information, and to purchase tickets online, visit www.rivercityfoodbank.org.

Disclosure: Lesley Miller works for 3fold Communications, a local marketing agency. River City Food Bank is a client of 3fold Communications.

Sacramento Food Bank benefits from "Giving Day" sponsored by local realty

2011-02-18T04:29:56Z

The Midtown Office of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Mason-McDuffie is sponsoring "Giving Day" to benefit the Sacramento Food Bank’s Mother-Baby Program.

Kristina McBurney, an agent at the Midtown branch says, “Our office is taking donations now through March 4th. The most needed items include diapers, wipes, baby clothes, feminine hygiene products, personal care products or cash all going to this worthwhile cause.”

The Sacramento Food Bank was founded in 1976 and provides various outreach services to the community. According to the Sacramento Food Bank’s website, the Mother-Baby program helps “guide and empower mothers to give their babies a bright and healthy future.”

In addition to meeting the foods needs of the community the Food Bank has events and fundraisers throughout the year with the 3rd Annual Race for the Ring scheduled for May 21st.

To get more information about the Mother-Baby Program, go to the Food Bank website or contact Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Mason McDuffie at 1819 K Street, Suite 100 in Midtown Sacramento. The phone number is 916-491-1516.

Sacramento Area Could Win $1 Million to Fight Hunger!

2010-12-30T22:33:09Z

A Wal-Mart Facebook campaign is helping to raise awareness of hunger in our communities while offering $1 million dollars to the fight. One in five Californians is food insecure and in the Sacramento area 17.7% of families (national average: 9.2%) cannot afford regular meals.

Sacramento needs your help! Anyone with a Facebook can participate and support the fight against hunger by visiting the website and “liking” Sacramento. Wal-Mart will donate $1 million to the community with the most support and $100,000 each to the next five communities. The Sacramento area is currently in 7th place. The deadline is December 31, 2010, 4pm PST.

Spread the word
Once you've “Liked” Sacramento, there's still more you can do. Share it with your friends. Get their support. You'll not only be helping out the Sacramento area, you'll be raising awareness of the hunger problem in America.

Thank you for your support and let’s get voting!

River City Food Bank opens door to new location

2010-12-02T04:53:01Z

Community leaders and supporters congregated at the corner of N and 27th streets to see the beginning stages of the new River City Food Bank. After a four-alarm fire destroyed the RCFB’s original location Oct. 21, the community immediately responded, and the Sutter Medical Center donated this space for the Food Bank to rebuild.

The blaze, determined as arson by the fire department, heavily damaged the building and destroyed about 10,000 pounds of food.

Though still a large empty room, save for a few hanging lights and fold-up tables, the new location promises to give clients a more comfortable space and volunteers a better ability to help the community, RCFB Executive Director Eileen Thomas said. Compared to the previous food bank location, the new spacious area will allow for additional privacy for clients and more room for donation storage.

The event “celebrate(s) moving out of a truck and into a real space,” Thomas said, pointing to the Goodwill truck parked across the street from which the RCFB has been operating for the past few weeks.

She told the crowd that building projects rarely go according to plan. “Whatever you do,” she said, “you double the cost and triple the time.” She apologized for the building not being ready, but said they expect to have the space filled and operable by the middle of next week.

A burnt and warped laptop was on display as a remnant of the October fire, which Thomas considered a powerful symbol of the RCFB’s rebuilding process, since every program and document on the hard-drive was able to be restored.

The crowd huddled around a podium while Thomas introduced key supporters of the Food Bank’s recovery, including Councilman Steve Cohn, RCFB Board President Susan Timmer and Sutter Health Sierra Region Director of Community and Government Relations Keri Thomas.

“It’s a day to recognize those who responded on the day of the fire and to thank the community,” 3fold Communications Director of Media Lesley Miller said. 3fold has helped the RCFB with marketing and outreach, and helped organize the morning’s debut of the new space.

Timmer began the presentation by thanking everyone for their support and saying she never expected to be board president of a food bank rebuilding from a fire. “It was hard to imagine how we’d ever get started again, but here we are,” she said.

Cohn thanked the Trinity Episcopal Church for its continued support of the RCFB.

“We have a commitment to make sure this fire is turned into something that really rises like a phoenix,” Cohn said, “and the city will do all it can to help.”

Helping the homeless and those in need has always been one of the main priorities of the mayor and the council, right up there with job creation, he said.

Keri Thomas spoke on behalf of Sutter Health.

“I’m really proud to be part of a business community that steps up in a time of crisis and need,” she said. “We understand that if people don’t have access to basic needs – food, shelter – they can’t live a healthy life.”

Other supporters included Ruland’s Used Office Furnishings, which was at the event bringing tables and furniture into the empty building; Borges Architectural Group helped coordinate permits; Western Health Advantage donated computers; CalTronics donated a fax machine and Downey Brand offered IT technical assistance.

Grant donations were given by Wells Fargo, Kaiser Permanente, Golden One Credit Union, Delta Dental and The Sacramento Bee.

The event was also a memorial for Mac, a well-loved cat who was lost in the fire. The food bank’s other cat, Cheese, was found safe and later given up for adoption.

The rebuilt River City Food Bank is located at the corner of N and 27th streets.

SFBFS program highlight: Clothing program

2010-12-02T01:41:16Z

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) offers eight varied programs, including the greatly impactful Clothing program. For more than 20 years, the Clothing program has grown and expanded to provide a wide range of service to over 100 clients every weekday. Having recently undergone some organizational changes, the shopping area now offers distinguished sections for men, women and children’s clothing, plus sizes, active wear, business attire, a small teen department and school uniforms. Additionally shoes, accessories, books and toys are often available. The best part of the Clothing program is that all items are available at no costs to individuals and families in need.

Similar to a thrift store, donated items are arranged by size, season, gender and age and clients peruse neatly organized racks and shelves for desired items. However, all items are available at no cost, which can greatly impact a family facing financial challenges.

Volunteers who share their time in the Clothing program aim to provide each client with a dignified and specialized shopping experience. Clients who access the program may choose from thousands of different items on any given day and if their needs are not met, special requests are always welcome. The Clothing program has been able to provide prom dresses and suits, christening gowns and even wedding dresses to extremely thankful clients. In the back room where donations are sorted, volunteers can be found with a smile on their face when they find a specific item that a client is looking for, often an obscure size. Recently clients have been happily surprised to find that the program can satisfy their need for rollerblades, cleats, suitcases, Halloween costumes, new socks and school uniforms.

Many of the clients comment on the warm customer service they receive and the vast range of items available. And no matter what a client receives, it is always free of charge. Everyone involved in the program prides themselves on that ability, but it would not be possibly without generous donations from our community. Every year the Clothing program distributes more than 450,000 donated articles of clothing. Even with this incredible amount of items, the program desperately needs new socks and underwear, plus sized women’s clothing and big and tall clothing for men to continue to meet our client’s needs.

By providing our clients with clothing, SFBFS is able to meet one of their most immediate needs. However, the program is able to go much further than that by providing integrity and compassion with the warm respectful shopping experience. Volunteers hope to enhance client’s self-esteem and by offering business attire, school clothing and exercise gear, SFBFS can help open up opportunities to clients that can help them move more quickly back towards self-sufficiency. That noble task is possible with the donations of time and items from our community. The program’s volunteers are extremely grateful and thankful for all past and future contributions.

If you’d like to drop off gently used clothing at our facility, lead a donation drive or schedule a volunteer opportunity to assist in the Clothing program, please visit our Web site for more information.

Racing for a Reason: Chris Suter

2010-11-23T20:52:32Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only two days away.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) encourages you to be part of a Thanksgiving tradition. The 5K and 10K fun run and walk launches from Sacramento State, 6000 J St., on Thanksgiving morning. With 30,000 participants expected to be involved, you are guaranteed a morning of fun with family and friends.

Every week up until then, we will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry runner. We will ask six different past and present runners the same questions. We have found that people are motivated by many different reasons to be involved in this incredible event.

There is still time to sign up to participate. Go to the Run to Feed the Hungry website for more information and ways to register.

Name: Chris Suter
Occupation: Fire Protection Engineer for the Sacramento Fire Department

SP: How many years have you been doing the run?
CS: My first year was 2006, so this will be my fifth year.

SP: How many people do you run with?
CS: I can usually roust a sibling and cousin or two to run with me.

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
CS: Every possible chance I get.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
CS: Having volunteered with SFBFS for several years, I’ve seen firsthand the beneficial effect that the organization has on those that they help and the community as a whole. Being a part of so many people working toward such a positive goal is really a wonderful feeling.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
CS: Who doesn’t love seeing all those thousands of people pounding down J Street? It’s phenomenal. That and the fact that because of this event, Sacramento Food Band & Family Services is able to provide so much to people in need.

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
CS: The brown shirt with the turkey legs in the New Balance shoes (2006) is my favorite. I wear it all the time.

SP: If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be?
CS: I think the Run getting 30,000 people this year would be pretty cool.

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
CS: family and friends. They really are truly wonderful.

Racing for a Reason: Paul Kessler

2010-11-22T20:51:01Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a couple days away.

There is still time to sign up to participate. Go to the Run to Feed the Hungry website for more information and ways to register.

Name: Paul Kessler
Occupation: Student, Sacramento Country Day School

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Paul Kessler: Since I was six or seven (I’m 18 now).

SP: How many people do you run with?
PK: I usually run with a friend or two from school.

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
PK: I play soccer and basketball so I run a lot.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
PK: Just helping the community; SFBFS is a great organization.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
PK: Joining with thousands of other people who want to see hunger come to an end.

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
PK: I don’t know.

SP: If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be?
PK: That everyone could get a hot Thanksgiving dinner (and that I get into the University of Maryland).

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
PK: The people who have helped me with my college applications, like late nights working on essays and people who wrote recommendation letters for me.

Below is a statement from Paul's college application about Run to Feed the Hungry and his school’s fundraising team.

“Paul, it’s 5:45, time to get up.”

Thanksgiving morning always starts early with a 5K run. My family and I participate in the Run to Feed the Hungry with thousands of fellow citizens in support of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

In eighth grade, I pitched the idea of a Sacramento Country Day fundraising team to Student Council by stressing the importance of helping our community.

Our first year, we raised over $5,000, the most in the Sacramento area, as the first school-based team ever. We responded with three more excellent years, winning the fundraising trophy each year and raising $34,000 in total.
Our impressive results spurred fifteen other schools to form teams. The local NBC affiliate even interviewed us.

In addition to fundraising, this year’s goal is to ensure continuity. I have stepped aside as captain to mentor another student so our team keeps the chalice for years to come.

Change a life with mobile giving

2010-11-17T22:11:36Z

Nonprofit organizations are feeling the tightening of belts as much as everyone else, so staying current with giving trends is critical for every charity.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is no exception and now offers an opportunity for supporters to give via their cell phones. Donors can now easily make a $10 contribution by texting SACFOOD to 20222. A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance*. In less time than it takes to log on to a website and enter your credit card information, you can help make a difference for a family need.

You might ask, “What does $10 do?” Well, at SFBFS, it can do a lot:

* $10 = 20 articles of clothing for five people – Clothing program
* $10 = 2.5-day supply of quality, healthy groceries for four families of four (40 meals) – Food Assistance program
* $10 = 36 hours’ worth of formula, baby food and clothing for an infant – Mother-Baby program
* $10 = five art classes for two students – Women’s Wisdom Art program
* $10 = one day of technology-based after-school activities for one child – Computer Clubhouse

Due to the great partnerships with local vendors, SFBFS is able to leverage funds to turn every $1 donated into $10 worth of products and services for the Sacramento community. This means your $10 donation quickly becomes $100 worth of goods and services given to families in need at no cost. Want to see your donation in action? Come down to SFBFS for a tour, attend a volunteer orientation or schedule your office to spend a few hours assisting in programs. It’s never been easier to get involved. More information about SFBFS and ways to help is available online at sacramentofoodbank.org Thanks for making a difference in the life of a family in our community. Happy texting!

*All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the “Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services” by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at hmgf.org. Messaging and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to short code “20222”; reply HELP to “20222” for help.

Today: Change a life for just $13

2010-11-16T18:21:17Z

Since the launch of Deal Ticket in July, tons of great products and services from local businesses have been featured every day.

Today, Deal Ticket and The Sacramento Press are excited to partner with Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services to switch things up and offer a chance for you to donate just in time for the holiday season.

For today only, you can visit the Deal Ticket website and donate $13 or more directly to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). One hundred percent of the price will go directly to the Food Bank and assist those less fortunate in our community.

All donations are 100 percent tax-deductible, and all donors will be issued vouchers that serve as receipts and include tax ID numbers. To give you an idea of how far your donation will go, here are some of the ways individuals and families will benefit from just $13:

· $130 worth of goods and services for individuals and families in need.

· A three-day supply of quality, healthy groceries for four families of four (48 meals) (Food Assistance program).

· Three days’ worth of diapers, food, formula and educational workshops for a family in need with an infant (Mother-Baby program).

· Twenty-six articles of clothing (Clothing program).

· Three art education classes (ceramics, watercolor, poetry, etc.) for four students (Women’s Wisdom Art program).

· Two days of technology-based education for one child (Computer Clubhouse program).

If you are unfamiliar with Deal Ticket, here’s a quick rundown. Every day, we feature a fantastic deal from a local business. That deal is featured for one day only. You click to buy the deal and save money (51-90 percent to be exact) by doing so.

To receive a deal directly in your e-mail inbox, all you have to do is sign up for the daily Deal Ticket e-mail so you don’t miss out on deals you’ll love. Just visit our Deal Ticket website to sign up.

All it takes is one click to help those less fortunate in our community. This special Deal Ticket only lasts one day and we’re asking for your help in making this donation drive a success.

Spread the word to your friends, family, coworkers, everyone! Help make a difference this holiday season.

Read about the history of SFBFS and the services they provide here.
Read about the Food Bank's expansion here.

Photos courtesy of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Volunteer Spotlight: Cynthia Bows

2010-11-09T23:10:28Z

Cynthia Bows, a volunteer in the Women’s Wisdom Art program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) recently celebrated her 80th birthday in June 2010, and her energy and passion for serving others has continually grown over the years. The Women’s Wisdom Art program offers free art classes to adult women of diverse backgrounds and situations who benefit from a supportive and healing environment through art. Cynthia has been an important part of this program since March 2009 when she started volunteering in the Friday ceramics class, one of the most popular forms of art in the Women’s Wisdom Art schedule.

Just walking into the ceramics class on a Friday, one can feel the enthusiasm that Cynthia spreads to all the students. She works with each student individually, offering tips, ideas, hugs, and support. The students call to her to ask for advice or critiques. The class has grown to maximum capacity over the past year. Cynthia is not the only volunteer on Fridays, but there has been weeks when she has had to lead the entire class by herself and has done so with ease. Her presence and knowledge have been essential to maintaining this popular class. Not only that, she is also an accomplished sculptor and brings her creative ideas forward, as well as going above and beyond to make the women feel good about the art they are creating.

One of Cynthia’s major contributions has been the development of a scholarship fund for the Women’s Wisdom Art students. In 2009, the program applied for and received a grant to send five Women’s Wisdom Art students to advanced ceramics classes at a local studio, Alpha Fired Arts. Because the program received the grant in 2009, it was not eligible to apply in 2010. When Cynthia heard this, she began to spread the word to her families, friends, neighborhood association, her fellow artists, clubs, and anyone who would listen. With their help, Cynthia has raised close to $1,000. With these funds, SFBFS will be able to send five women to a month of advanced ceramics classes, all supplies included. For the women receiving the scholarship, this is a one in a lifetime opportunity to develop their artistic talent and continue to heal.

Cynthia has been volunteering at SFBFS for 5 hours per week since March 2009. She has contributed over 200 hours in the Women’s Wisdom Art program. Her enthusiasm, her passion for art, and her ability to share both of these with the students in the program have made a difference in many lives. Women in the program are often suffering from an illness, disability, or loss, but Cynthia always finds a way to make them feel as if they can accomplish anything. She has a unique spirit and makes everyone feel welcome to sit alongside her at the ceramics table.

Cynthia Bows was recently nominated as Volunteer of the Year Supporting Arts and Recreation at the 2010 Volunteer Spirit Awards, presented by the Volunteer Center of Sacramento. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is thrilled to announce that Cynthia received the award in this category. Congratulations, Cynthia, and thank you for your continued dedication to SFBFS and the Women's Wisdom Art program!

Racing for a Reason: Brielle Kruger

2010-11-08T22:02:24Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a few weeks away.

There is still time to sign up to participate. Go to the Run to Feed the Hungry website for more information and ways to register.

Name: Brielle Kruger

Occupation: Admitting Clerk

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Brielle Kruger: This will be our 4th year

SP: How many people do you run with?
BK: Three

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
BK: I walk and my son and fiance run.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
BK: It is a great way to start Thanksgiving.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
BK: The amount of people that attend, you will run into people you probably wouldn't see on Thanksgiving morning.

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
BK: No, not really. They are all great.

SP: If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be?
BK: My wish would be for my fiance to be able to get a job

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
BK: My family that is healthy and happy!

Photo courtesy of Brielle Kruger
Caption: Mac Tiner and Brielle Kruger in back and Matthew Kruger in front

We want turkeys!

2010-11-04T22:36:16Z

Start scouring the circulars for good deals on holiday fixings: It’s time for the third annual Turkey Drive.

Each year families visit Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) for holiday food assistance to help make their holiday a bit more merry. This year’s turnout is expected to be the largest in the organization’s 34-year history.

SFBFS is anticipating and prepared to provide food for 7,000 families this year. But here’s how you can help. Drop off a fresh or frozen turkey at SFBFS’ location in Oak Park (3333 Third Ave.) from 4:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19. You don’t even need to get out of your car. Just pull up, and a volunteer can unload the turkey.

In 2008, SFBFS put a call out to the community to help collect 500 turkeys. Sacramentans donated 2,677.

In 2009, SFBFS raised the bar to try and raise 3,000 turkeys. Sacramentans turned out in full force dropping off 6,583 turkeys.

With more families to feed than ever, SFBFS challenges you to help provide 7,000 families with a holiday meal. In addition to receiving a turkey, every family will receive a large supply of ingredients to prepare the remainder of its holiday meal.

For the price of a turkey, you can dramatically impact the lives of families in our community. Bring one turkey by. Put the call out to your office and drop off a dozen. Bring all the kids from carpool along and share in the experience of helping others.

Out of town on Nov. 19? Donations of nonperishable or fresh food items are always accepted at SFBFS. Visit sacramentofoodbank.org for more information.

Disclosure: Kelly Siefkin is Communication and Devlopment Director at The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services

Join us Thanksgiving morning: Run to Feed the Hungry 2010

2010-11-04T22:19:54Z

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.

Sign-up timelines and deadlines/REI locations and hours 

The time has come to register!

It’s time for the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry, and signing up couldn’t be easier.

Visit runtofeedthehungry.com and click on the “Register Now” button. In just a few easy steps you can sign up yourself, spouse, child, out-of-town aunt, the neighbors and your paper delivery boy all in three easy steps.

Enter your basic info: name, address, shirt size, etc.
Verify your info: This is where you have the option to add more people to your registration.
Check out: You’re registered!

You can sign up online now through Tuesday, Nov. 23 at midnight.

Registration is $35 for adults and $20 for children ages 15 and under. Would you like to be timed? For an additional $5 fee you will receive a timing tag that will record your official time. Select the “timed event” during registration if you would like your race results recorded and posted on the Run to Feed the Hungry website.

Prefer to keep the U.S. Post Service busy this time of year? You can mail in your registration with a check or credit card number. Just download the printable registration form and make sure it’s postmarked by Nov. 13.

Love to wait until closer to the date? You can register at any REI location Nov. 19-24.

Sacramento REI:  1790 Expo Pkwy.
Store Hours:  10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.
Folsom REI : 2425 Iron Point Rd.
Store Hours:  10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.
Roseville REI : 1148 Galleria Blvd.
Store Hours: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.

Once you have registered, you may pick up your race packet. Your packet includes your bib number, your official Run to Feed the Hungry T-shirt and your timing chip if applicable. The ONLY location for packet pickup is the Sacramento REI. Packet pickup occurs Nov. 19-24. You can also pick your bib and T-shirt from 7:30 - 9 a.m. the morning of the event.

Only a few weeks are left until Thanksgiving Day, so register soon! Pre-registration is encouraged, as shirts are only guaranteed for those who sign up in advance. Timing chips are also limited to the first 7,000 people who sign up to be timed.

Check out runtofeedthehungry.com for more information about this great event to benefit Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Disclosure: Kelly Siefkin is Communication and Devlopment Director at The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services

Racing for a Reason: Pam Farley

2010-11-01T17:09:32Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a few weeks away.

There is still time to sign up to participate. Go to the Run to Feed the Hungry website for more information and ways to register.

Name: Pam Farley

Occupation: My husband and I own and run Comics & Collectibles in Sacramento, and I have a gardening and thrifty living blog at www.brownthumbmama.com.

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Pam Farley: Three years.

SP: How many people do you run with?
PF: Our son and I participate—we see many friends and acquaintances each year and it turns into a big party!

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
PF: [ahem] Nope!

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
PF: Our family has supported SFBFS for many years. There’s more to social justice than handing out food, and I admire SFBFS for teaching people to fish. In addition to the run and monetary donations, we hold a Spirit of Giving food drive each Christmas at Comics & Collectibles, and I donate extra produce from my garden. SFBFS provides a way to contribute and help others no matter what your talents are.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
PF: Starting the day bright and early with thousands of Sacramento’s best!

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
PF: The green one from a couple of years ago. I like colorful shirts.

SP:If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be?
PF: Holidays are crazy and chaotic for most people. There’s so much pressure to visit everyone and buy lots of presents. My wish is that we could slow down and express our love and appreciation for each other throughout the year, not just on a whirlwind weekend dictated by the calendar.

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
PF: There have been some health scares in our extended family, so I’m thankful we’re all here to celebrate together.

Photos courtesy of Pam Farley

Mountain Lions Back Local Food Bank

2010-10-26T21:55:52Z

Game day discount for fans who bring in food for River City Food Bank

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – SACRAMENTO, CA – Tuesday, October 26, 2010 – The Sacramento Mountain Lions and Goodwill Industries are partnering to offer a $5 ticket discount to fans that make a donation to the River City Food Bank. Donations will be accepted at all Goodwill locations as well as the Goodwill truck in FanFest at Saturday’s game.

The food bank, which burned down early last Thursday morning, is in need of supplies and food to continue to serve the community members who seek aid every day. As the Mountain Lions’ charity partner, the Goodwill has been offering a $5 ticket discount to people who make a donation to one of their stores. The new offer extends the $5 discount to food bank donations of at least three canned food items as well as clothing and household item donation.

“The fire was a devastating loss, especially with winter around the corner. But now more than ever, people have the power to make a difference. We’re hoping the known generosity of Sacramento area residents can help the River City Food Bank to make a quick recovery and continue its vital services to people in need,” said Joseph Mendez, CEO of Goodwill Industries Sacramento Valley and Northern Nevada.

All donations collected at the game will be delivered to the River City Food Bank by the Mountain Lions players on Monday following the game. The ticket discount effort is only one of the ways the Mountain Lions have made themselves a part of the local community. Players and coaches regularly volunteer with area organizations including Shriner’s Children’s Hospital and the Boys & Girls Club.

“We saw this as one, small way we can help generate some donations”, explains Joe Wagoner, Director of Business Management for the Mountain Lions. “We hope our fans will take this opportunity to do something good for the community while having a little fun as well”. Discount vouchers will be honored at this Saturday’s game against the Hartford Colonials, or the season finale on November 13th against former 49er quarterback Jeff Garcia and the Omaha Nighthawks.

Saturday’s festivities begin at 5:00pm in the parking lot for tailgating and FanFest featuring performances by Lincoln Brewster. Game kickoff is at 8:00pm. Tickets for the game start at just $10, with the donation discount. Parking in the Sac State lots is an additional $5, FanFest activities are free to those attending. Vouchers are redeemable at the tickets windows located at the stadium and in FanFest.

For ticket information, fans may visit www.SacMountainLions.com. Fans can also visit www.buyufl.com for merchandise.

###

About The United Football League: The UFL provides high-quality professional football during a traditional fall season while embracing innovation and fan interaction with an exciting and memorable game experience. The inaugural 2009 champion Las Vegas Locos will battle the Florida Tuskers, Hartford Colonials, Omaha Nighthawks and Sacramento Mountain Lions for the Williams Hambrecht Trophy in 2010. The UFL is led by Commissioner Michael Huyghue and is funded by a consortium of private investors. For more information on the league and to interact with passionate football fans, please visit www.UFL-Football.com.

Please contact Kat Haro at 916-494-8694 or kharo@rs-e.com with any questions

Disclosure: Nick Cronenwett is the assistant to Public Relations Director Russ Edmondson

Volunteer where the action is at Run to Feed the Hungry

2010-10-26T02:25:09Z

The Run to Feed the Hungry is a Thanksgiving Day tradition for many Sacramento area families. This event, the largest fundraiser for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is a 5K and 10K run/walk, utilizes approximately 400 volunteers on Thanksgiving morning. Not a runner or a walker? Volunteering is the way to go.

One of the most exciting volunteering positions is Crowd Control at the starting or finish line. Volunteers placed at the starting line get to see all the runners pass through the starting line and ensure everyone gets a safe start to the run, keeping runners and walkers on course and everyone moving smoothly. Crowd control volunteers at the finish line get to experience the thrill of runners and walkers triumphanty completing the race and help to prevent bottleneck past the finish line. Volunteers at both the starting and finish line get to cheer on the runners and keep the energy and enthusiasm going.

Gather your friends, family and neighbors and volunteer for the Run to Feed the Hungry. Volunteers for Run to Feed the Hungry must be age 18 and up. All volunteers receive a free volunteer t-shirt on event day. All volunteer opportunities are listed on the volunteer calendar on www.sacramentofoodbank.org (view November 25 on the calendar). Or, sign up for Crowd Control here.

Racing for a Reason: Shauna Dalton

2010-10-26T00:29:13Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a few weeks away.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services encourages you to be part of a Thanksgiving tradition. The 5K and 10K fun run and walk launches from Sacramento State, 6000 J St., on Thanksgiving morning. With 30,000 participants expected to be involved, you are guaranteed a morning of fun with family and friends.

There is still time to sign up to participate. Go to the Run to Feed the Hungry website for more information and ways to register.

Name: Shauna Dalton

Occupation: Regional Catering Sales Manager for Panera Bread Bakery-Café

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Shauna Dalton:This will be my third year. The last three years of being involved with the run, I have been the team captain for Team Panera.

SP: How many people do you run with?
SD: Last year, Team Panera had over 50 people, and we expect even more this year.

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
SD: I do now! Run to Feed the Hungry got me started on running, and I just finished my first half marathon. Last year, I planned on running the 5K for Run to Feed the Hungry but accidentally missed the sign and took my sister along for a 10K run instead. I was so excited to complete a 10K that it motivated me to continue running.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
SD: I love this event.I think it is so important to be involved in the community, and this is such a great way to give back while involving others. What’s great is that the funds raised at this event goes toward supplies such as food, diapers, clothing and so much more for families in need.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
SD: Not only has it become a Thanksgiving tradition in my family, but it has also become a Thanksgiving tradition for many of Panera’s associates and managers as well as their friends and family. It’s the most amazing experience to be there on Thanksgiving morning coming together with so many other people and raising funds for such a wonderful cause.

SP: Do you have a favorite T-shirt design from over the years?
SD: Oh yes! I’m such a foodie that my favorite shirt was the 2008 T-shirt with the fork on it. Also, I loved how it conveyed the message for Run to Feed the Hungry.

SP: If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be?
SD: So many to choose from, but one of my wishes would be that more people get more involved with their local community organizations. It’s so important to give back, and there are many great organizations that need our help on supporting those that need it the most.

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
SD: I am thankful for so many things, but I am most thankful for my wonderful family and friends, my loving boyfriend, our good health and for having God in my heart.

Photos courtesy of Shauna Dalton

Local Organizations Step-In to Help River City Food Bank Recover From Massive Fire

2010-10-22T00:37:56Z

Local organizations are coming forward to help River City Food Bank after a massive fire destroyed their building early on Thursday morning.

Sutter Health is donating $30,000 and holding an employee food drive to help raise the 8,000 lbs of food lost in the fire. The food bank has also received a $5,000 donation from the Golden 1 Credit Union, seven PC computers from Western Health Advantage, and office furniture from Ruland’s Used Office Furnishings. The community has also responded with generous monetary donations.

“This morning’s fire is a devastating loss for thousands of people in Sacramento who rely on River City Food Bank for nutritionally based emergency food,” said Eileen Thomas, Executive Director at River City Food Bank. “We are very thankful for the community’s generous support, as its imperative we are up and running again before the busy holiday season hits.”

Ways the public can help:
• River City Food Bank is accepting donations of all kinds. Online monetary donations are preferred at www.rivercityfoodbank.org
• A list of immediate needs can also be found on at www.rivercityfoodbank.org
• Goodwill Industries is accepting donations of canned and non-perishable food items. Donations can be made at any of 47 Goodwill Donation Xpress locations, all of which are listed at www.goodwillsacto.org.

Information for people who are hungry and need food:
• The food bank has temporarily suspended services but hopes to be operating from a temporary location by sometime next week.
• People in need of food should go to Central Downtown Food Basket or Sacramento Food Bank. Both food banks are prepared to receive an influx of people.

Facts about the fire:
• A cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
• The building has been heavily damaged by flames, smoke and water and will need to be re-built.
• Many people have asked about the food bank’s resident cats. One of cats, Mac, did not survive the fire. The other cat, Cheese, is still missing.
• Approximately 8,000 to 10,000 pounds of food were lost.

Facts about River City Food Bank:
• The food bank has been operating for 40 years, and provides three-day packages of nutritionally based emergency food.
• Clients represent every age and income group living in urban and suburban neighborhoods throughout Sacramento.
• The food bank serves around 3,000 individuals every month, or approximately 100-150 people every day.

As soon as any new information becomes available it will be posted on www.rivercityfoodbank.org or www.facebook.com/RiverCityFoodBank.

SFBFS October Volunteer Spotlight

2010-09-29T00:35:19Z

Now more than ever, young people, working professionals and families are looking to make an impact in their communities. Over the past year, SFBFS has seen an increase in families volunteering as a unit, looking for opportunities to spend time together and make a difference. Bob and Anne Jensen and their son Andy are one of those outstanding families actively involved as volunteers at SFBFS.

In January, the Jensen family was looking for a volunteer opportunity where they could all help simultaneously. Bob had recently retired from his job as a psychology instructor at Sacramento State University. Bob and Anne were both raised in families where volunteer work was a part of life, so as soon as Andy was old enough, it was natural for the family to find opportunities to contribute and give back. Andy, now in his junior year of high school, is homeschooled, providing the Jensens with lots of options to volunteer. While enjoying the Second Saturday art walk in January, they saw a group of SFBFS volunteers dressed as a bridal party promoting the Raffle for the Rock fundraiser. Meeting the enthusiastic volunteers “sealed the deal!” Anne laughs. The Jensens attended orientation and started right away.

Every Friday since then, Bob and Anne volunteer their time in the Clothing program, while Andy assists in the Guest Services area, receiving donations. “I want to ensure this is a comfortable place for folks that need clothes,” says Bob. “It’s really funny,” adds Anne. “Bob couldn’t care less about clothing at home, so it’s kind of ironic how much he enjoys it here!” The couple helps sort and hang donated clothing, keep the entire program tidy and assist guests in finding specific items. They have even recruited Anne’s nephew Kyle to complete his school-required volunteer hours with them at SFBFS over the summer. Anne
recalls one homeless teen who had been asked to the prom, but had nothing to wear. They spent extra time finding a nice outfit for him and recall how grateful he was. “He left happy and looking great,” Anne shares.

Andy, whose interests outside of volunteering include engineering and design, enjoys his post in the Guest Services area. He assists donors by helping unload donations, sort donated goods, write receipts, answer questions and assist clients. “I like answering all their questions,” Andy says. “We’re helping people who have lost everything to find the things they need.” Chelsea Williams, Guest Services Coordinator, has worked with Andy over the past six months. “I love the way that that Anne and Bob have set such a positive example for their son Andy by teaching him how important it is to have compassion and service incorporated into everyday life,” she says. “In turn, Andy has set such a positive example for not only the donors, clients and volunteers of SFBFS, but for young people in general.”

The Jensen family has inspired SFBFS by illustrating the impact of family volunteering, not only on the clients and donors served, but on family itself. They plan to continue their volunteer work together while Andy is in high school. They all agree that their time at SFBFS has been a great experience. “The staff and volunteers are committed to the services and the community,” says Bob. “They’re always interested in what changes might better the community and the people served. I’m just glad SFBFS is here.”

Julie Ann Twyman serves love, great food to community

2010-09-18T01:20:54Z

The spirit of giving lasts all year for Julie Ann Twyman, who spends her time coordinating a number of programs benefiting the homeless.

The mother of two runs a catering business, takes culinary courses at American River College and reaches out to the community for donations.

Eight years ago, after shedding the weight of a troublesome past, Twyman devoted herself to bringing improvements to the homeless and needy citizens of Sacramento. With sponsorship from the Sacramento First Church of the Nazarene, she began with a coat and backpack collection drive. When many other similar drives began around the community, Twyman refocused her programs on the needs of the homeless that other drives were overlooking.

Thanksgiving to the Streets was born. This event was a way to bring a full meal and donation baskets directly to needy families. Everything was donated – from the turkey dinners to the baskets set about town that collected donations. Some years she’s had between 80 and 100 volunteers helping her feed the community.

Next, Twyman began the Sacramento Blanket Drive. For this she asked the community to donate blankets and socks and other things to keep the homeless warm during the winter.

“Sponsorship from Starbucks,” Twyman said, “helped us collect almost 1,000 blankets one year from a single store.”

She soon began organizing another holiday event, Christmas Baskets to the Streets, which she coordinated with a donation program named Sacramento Poverty Reach Back. For this drive, Twyman asked for hygiene products like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors and other such “staples of comfortable living.”

Most recently, Twyman began the One Can CAN Do drive, aimed at collecting canned foods to be distributed through the holiday baskets. The name of the program was meant to inspire everyone to donate something, no matter how small.

“One can goes a long way,” she said. “If everybody could contribute one can, we could feed a multitude of people.”

With all of these programs collecting donations year-round, Twyman has found it difficult to maintain them on her own. “Most people call to volunteer two weeks before Thanksgiving,” she said, “but we need people more than just once a year. The volunteering really starts in January.”

Twyman had been using donated space in a building to host these holiday events that consisted of a fresh home-cooked meal for the community, live music, raffles, crafts tables, donation distribution, prayer gatherings and information about where to get free medical examinations.

“It was really wonderful,” Twyman said. “We had stations for the food and for the donations. There was a stage for the band. We had prizes, too, for vacations that people could win. And places where people could gather and pray together.”

In 2008 the building owner lost the property, and Twyman had to make a few changes to her programs. She said she is still looking for a new building to keep her various community events going and would only require the space for about a week in order to set up decorations and bring in supplies.

“If anyone were able to donate their space,” she said, “they would greatly help serve the community.”

She continues to be a big part of the Sacramento First Church of the Nazarene homeless ministry, and is busy getting the word out about her donation programs.

Stacey Hernandez, an administrator from the Nazarene Church, said, “This is a passion for Julie. She gives up lots of her time to help others and does a wonderful job of knowing resources for people in need.”

Hernandez said the Thanksgiving to the Streets event on its own helps about 100 families, and with Twyman’s involvement and the various other programs she has created, the number of families aided year-round is likely closer to 400 or 500.

Twyman said she loves helping others and “seeing expressions on their faces of joy, transformation and happiness, knowing they were loved and that someone cared. People feel honored and valued for who they are.”

“It’s completely life-changing,” Twyman said, “for me and for those we help.”

Twyman explained how some of those she has served and helped over the years now come back to be on the other end – to help serve. The homeless are now working, in school, making life changes.

Hernandez commented that “Julie has been an enormous help for us. She is getting so busy with her other programs, but she still works with the food closet to help bring donations.”

Her community-oriented lifestyle is not without challenges, however.

Twyman said she suffers daily from fibromyalgia and spinal neuropathy. This includes swelling, spinal problems and pain in her hands and arms. Some days she has to use a walker to get around and really relies on her family and her employees to help her.

“I’m definitely in the wrong line of work,” she said with a laugh. “Sometimes after a catering job I’m down for three days.”

Her 15-year-old son, John, and 18-year-old daughter, Jessica, have been helping her for the past eight years by cooking, prepping and serving food as well as gathering donations from the community.

“I’d be lost without my children,” she said. “When I’m down and out, they’re my lifeline.”

Twyman was not born disabled. Her disabilities were the result of injuries from physical abuse in her past. Now she uses her disability as fuel to continue giving back to the community, to prove that “it doesn’t matter where you are in life, everyone has something to contribute.”

She spends a lot of her time working at Two Moms Catering, which is going on its third year of business and growing in popularity. She learned to cook at home and is currently taking classes in the culinary program at American River College. The profit from Two Moms helps fund her various community donation programs.

Two Moms Catering operates in kitchen space rented from Mass Appeal at 2135 Dale Ave.

To volunteer for or get more information about this year’s Thanksgiving to the Streets and Christmas Baskets to the Streets events, e-mail Twyman at thanksgiving.to.the.streets@gmail.com.

Photographs:

1. Mixed green salad with olives, baby corn, carrot, red onion and feta cheese.
2. Julie Ann Twyman.
3. Christina, Julie and Julie's son, John.
4. John helping in the kitchen.
5. The front entrance.
6. The side entrance to the kitchen.
7. Julie Poirier and her children, helping at last year’s event.
8. Julie Ann's daughter, Jessica, and friend Thomas Cosby.

SFBFS September Volunteer Spotlight

2010-09-03T22:53:43Z

Markus Mar-Liu volunteered at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) as a student with Mc Clatchy High school. Markus is an incredible young man with high ambition and drive to make the world a better place. Markus recently completed a project that took a great deal of planning and organization to complete. As a final project for Eagle Scouts, he painted a nook, built a desk with three chairs, hung a modern and very fashionable curtain with rod; which, can now be used as a divider of the two rooms. This project has built a safe haven for the young children who attend Play Care in which they can relax and read a book or prepare for Kindergarten.

Markus showed great deal dedication and drive to accomplish this project for the children of Play Care. He organized a group of friends and other eagle scouts to help him with the painting of the nook. Markus solicited donations from local businesses and received many supplies he needed from Home Depot, Emigh Hardware and Kelly Moore. With the help of all those who donated towards this project he was able to finish this project in roughly 296 hours.

In fall Markus will graduate from the Eagle Scouts program shortly thereafter he will graduate High School where he will then follow his dreams towards one day becoming an FBI agent or an Aerospace Engineer. Markus continues to volunteer at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services in our Mobile Food Distribution program. We encourage all to come down to our Saca Center to see the work this courageous young man has spent many long hours working on.

We are very thankful for all the hard work Markus has put into this project. The children’s spirits lit up once they were able to see their new room. This means a lot to all of us and we wish Markus the best of luck in all that he does. Markus is an inspiration to all and we are blessed to have him continue to volunteer his services at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Please note: This month's Volunteer Spotlight was written by Kristina Rodriguez

SFBFS July Volunteer Spotlight

2010-06-29T00:31:14Z

If you happen to walk past the Women’s Wisdom Art program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) and hear the room fill with laughter, chances are Steff Echeverria is behind the amusement. Steff brings a contagious energy with a positive vibe to clients in the Women’s Wisdom Art program every day since her internship through Sacramento City College began in the spring of 2009. “There is nothing like experience and you cannot trade hands on experience for the world,” shares Steff. She was aiming to gain experience in a creative arts field when Women’s Wisdom Art volunteer opportunities appeared as a suggestion in class. Having been a client in the same program six years prior, she knew of the wonderful power art can have on a person’s life. So much so, that her career path now has a clear direction of becoming an Expressive Art therapist.

Steff exemplifies an individual with a desire to love and serve others. Hailing from San Antonio, Steff worked for the American Red Cross forming her passion for helping others. Steff proceeded to volunteer as a member of WEAVE’s crisis line and helped open the WEAVE thrift store in Carmichael. Steff emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community in any way you can, even as basic as making the clients in Women’s Wisdom Art laugh. Steff not only volunteers multiple times a week in this program at SFBFS, but she also fills in as a substitute teacher for many art classes if an instructor is unavailable. On Fridays, she oversees three other volunteers during the week’s most popular ceramics class.

Steff stresses the importance of community that accompanies the art, the healing and the experience of Women’s Wisdom Art. “Our own little creative community in Women’s Wisdom Art helps women struggling with so many things in life.” Steff credits the support and encouragement from Women’s Wisdom Art Program Manager, Helen Plenert. Steff shares, “Helen is the best manager I have ever had. She’s very behind the scenes, allowing volunteers to connect with clients, but her energy and enthusiasm trickles down through the staff, volunteers and clients. I am grateful to be surrounded by that caliber of people. People dream of volunteer jobs like this.”

When Steff’s internship came to an end she committed her time to remain a part of this creative community. She continues to be an encouraging and upbeat presence in Women’ Wisdom Art. “When it comes to art as healing, it is just amazing to see what can be created by these women. We might think we are having a bad day, but when you hear some stories about what these women have endured, it just puts things into perspective. It’s inspirational.”

Watch Race for the Rock kick-off celebration here!

2010-06-04T23:52:59Z

Thank you so much to everyone who has helped registered and helped spread the word about the 2nd annual Race for the Rock. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is thankful for the support of race participants as 100 percent of the event registration fee benefits programs and services at SFBFS. If you haven't registered yet but still want to join in the fun it's not too late! You can still sign up at the official Race for the Rock website or show up at 8 AM at the Capitol tomorrow and register in-person! We will be live streaming the kick-off festivities right here on The Sacramento Press Saturday, June 5.

The schedule of events is as follows:

8:00 Check-in begins (West steps of the Capitol): Racers receive t-shirts, meet local mascots such as Dinger, Scooter and professional dancers.
10:00 Kick off ceremony: Mayor Johnson will send out the first text and send the racers on their way at 10:15.12:00 Race wraps up: Racers are notified the final clue has been solved and everyone is invited back to the after party to celebrate.
12:30 After party is underway (House Kitchen & Bar 555 Capitol Ave) – valet bike parking, local band The Detours perform, lunch provided by House Kitchen & Bar.
2:00 Award ceremony. Prizes include $20,000 diamond ring, earrings, necklace, 2 beach cruisers, watches, gift certificates and much more!
3:00 Event wrap up

We hope you can to join us on Saturday with the hundreds of teams that will be racing through downtown Sacramento on bikes, scooters and foot using theirtexting skills to solve clues that will lead them to fabulous prizes.

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

One week left to sign up for Race for the Rock

2010-05-29T00:42:25Z

There's one only one week left to sign up to participate for the second annual Race for the Rock! See the beautiful jewlery prizes you will have a chance to win, including the grand prize Hearts on Fire $20,000 diamond ring, along with $15,000 worth of prizes donated by event sponsor Rogers Jewelry. All funds raised from this exciting text message-based scavenger hunt on bike will go directly towards the programs and services at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Find out more details by watching our interview on News 10 interview this morning:

To register, please visit the official Race for the Rock website.

Who's Steve Knieriem's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-05-27T21:18:06Z

The second Race for the Rock, benefitting Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, will take place on June 5. Participants will pedal, scoot and wheel their way through downtown Sacramento guided by text message-based clues in search of over $35,000 in prizes, provided by Rogers Jewelery Co. Each week leading up to the event, we will interview someone who is involved in the race to find out who their "rock" is.

Interview with Steve Knieriem, Operations Manager for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Who is your "rock" and why?
My Family has been my rock in my life. With all the things that I put them through, I am very blessed that I have their respect today. I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without their love and forgiveness.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?
I hope that through my life I have been someone else’s rock but many of my ex-girlfriends would probably disagree.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?
I wasn’t that involved with last year's Race for the Rock, I just played a small logistical part delivering and picking up before and after the event.

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?
This year, as the Operations Manager for SFBFS, I have been involved from the beginning stages of planning and will be one of the last people to leave when the after-party is finished at HOUSE Kitchen & Bar. I will participate at the re-cap meeting and start planning for the 2011 Race.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?
I have had the opportunity to be a part of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services Family for about 5 years. I started as a seasonal/temporary Holiday Spirit of Giving driver/warehouse worker and have been a staff member for 3 years; the most rewarding job I have ever had.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most?
I am setting up for the race so all the people participating will have fun and enjoy themselves.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?
All the dedication that the volunteer and staff have to make the SFBFS operate.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I'm very thankful to the Sacramento community for their support to the SFBFS.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com

Who's Chris Suter's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-05-17T23:50:29Z

Interview with Chris Suter, SFBFS volunteer and contestant in last year's Race for the Rock

Who is your "rock" and why?

I would have to pick my sister, Emily. Simply put, she is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. Somehow, she effortlessly balances an engineering workload at a top Ivy League school, career internships, and a full social schedule. Also, she is the most wonderfully sweet person you could ever hope to know. She’s seven years younger than I am, but she’s who I want to be when I grow up.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?

A close friend of mine recently lost someone dear to her. Looking for distractions and fun she turned to me, and never one to turn down the opportunity to spend time with her I was more than happy to oblige. Despite her loss, she was able to put on a brave face and have a good time whenever we hung out. She would later tell me how much our time together during this emotional period meant to her. It was a sad time, but this has definitely brought us closer as friends.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?

The event was fantastic! It was so much fun. My teammate Chris and I were fortunate enough to place second amidst some tough competition, so that was a bonus.

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?

Chris and I will be participating again. Being a competitive pair, we already have the standard of last year’s performance to live up to, but now some of our friends have dubbed us as the “pre-race favorites” so we’ll have that pressure to deal with, too. Thanks guys.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?

I’ve been involved with SFBFS since the summer of 2007 when I met Genevieve (Saca Center Director). As we became closer friends I started volunteering at their events like Run to Feed the Hungry and Broker Punt Pass and Kick. For the past year, as I was unemployed, I volunteered a couple times a week with their Adult Education and Mother Baby programs and also was given the opportunity to lead some of their bigger events like Adopt A Family and the Turkey Drive.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most?

A great day of fun, racing hard, avoiding some of the mistakes we made last year, and seeing if we can’t take that one step up to the top of the podium. But mostly just going out and having a good time.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?

That SFBFS is more than just food. While that is technically the name of the organization and they do it extremely well, their true quality and value shows through in the ability to engage the community. My time there has really shown me how much the community can benefit from well-planned events and programs done by staff that truly cares about their clients.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com.

Also, visit the Sacramento Press "Race for the Rock" page

Who's Linda Meyers' 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-04-12T21:11:06Z

Interview with Linda Meyers, mentor/tutor at the SFBFS Intel Computer Clubhouse

A little about Linda:
I retired "early" from my job as an adminstrator for the UC Davis Health System to obtain a teaching credential. For the past 10 years I have worked as a subsitute teacher at Sierra Oaks School in the San Juan Unified District. I have been a volunteer in various community activities my entire adult life. Working with the children who come to the Intell Computer Clubhouse for academic assistance is the most gratifying of my activities, both past and present.

Who is your "rock" and why?
My husband, Fred. At the core, our family believes that the bedrock for improving the health and wellbeing of others is education. Fred reminds me regularly that my work with the students enrolled in the Academic Assitance component of the SFBFS Intel Computer Clubhouse is far more important than bringing home a paycheck. He is supportive in every way and beyond that, he encourages me to accept new challenges, to move forward, and to be who I am. I admire his intelect , his humility, and his passion for helping others. We are a rock-solid team.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?
For the purpose of answering your question, I will define "rock" as someone who shows up consistently, who listens, who encourages, who guides, and who teaches. The time I spend with the wonderful children at SFBFS adds value to my life, and is clearly appreciated not only by the students but also by their parents. I know this because I see their delight when the mentor/tutor arrives and I hear their expressions of appreciation at the end of each session. One rainy evening a few weeks ago, as I was walking to my car one of the students with whom I work on a regular basis noticed me as she was walking home with her father. She waved and said, "Bye Mrs. Meyers." I responed, "Bye, .......[name withheld]" Hearing all of this, her father said something to her in Spanish. Despite the pouring rain, she brought him over, and introduced us. As he shook my hand, he said in heavly-accented English, "Thank you for helping my daughter. I cannot help her. Thank you." Needless-to-say, I went home on cloud nine. He has since thanked me every time he sees me. These experessions of thanks not perfunctory, rather they clearly come from his heart. So, have I been anyone else's rock? I am honored to say yes. Yes because I can be there for the students (and their parents) enrolled in the Academic Assitance Program of the SFBFS Intel Computer Clubhouse.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?
I loved the idea of purchasing raffle tickets last year but I also think that the race is a clever and interesting idea.

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?
My official roll at SFBFS is as a mentor/tutor in the Intel Computer Clubhouse. I also help out occasionally at other SFBSF events. Although I don't have a defined roll in the Race for the Rock, I will support it in whatever way I can.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?
Three years.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most?
If raffle tickets are sold, I'll purchase some and if volunteer help is needed, I can help in that capacity.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?
Although our food closet is a very important part of what we do, we are a "Family Services" organization. I believe the general public is unaware of the variety and scope of the programs offered at SFBFS.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com

Vista del Lago students "bowl" against hunger

2010-02-24T22:53:35Z

As part of a “Bowl-a-Thon” event, art students at Vista Del Lago High School in Folsom today finished off the last of 200 bowls they donated to River City Food Bank for its upcoming Empty Bowls event. The fundraiser, slated for Monday, March 8, and Tuesday, March 9 at the Masonic Temple, 1123 J Street in Sacramento, aims to raise at least $80,000 to feed growing numbers of hungry adults and children in the greater Sacramento area.

“We are deeply grateful for the energy and dedication of Marianne Dana’s art students, especially during this time of difficult budget cuts for public schools,” said Eileen Thomas, Executive Director of River City Food Bank (RCFB). “Many more people are turning to food banks for the first time, especially seniors, so funds from the Empty Bowls event come at a critical time.”

More pictures of this morning's activities are available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/rivercitycommunityservices/.

RCFB served nearly 40,000 people in 2000, primarily working poor adults, adults securing food for children, seniors and pregnant women.

Vista Del Lago students were among 19 schools and 32 groups and individuals that created bowls for the event. Vista Del Lago students donated the second largest number of bowls. The school had originally expected to donate 150 bowls but ended up creating 200. Although this is only the second year that Vista Del Lago has participated, the school has shot nearly to the top of the list of schools donating bowls.

For the first time, organizers have expanded Empty Bowls to include a preview evening event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 8. At the evening event, attendees will select a handmade bowl and enjoy gourmet soups in addition to hors d'oeuvres and wine provided by Bogle Winery. The popular luncheon on Tuesday, March 9, with its 11:30 and 12:30 seatings, will continue as before with a delicious array of soups made by area chefs and restaurants. Attendees at both events choose from hundreds of handmade bowls made by students and artists from throughout the region, as a powerful reminder of the many empty bowls in our community.

The event is an important source of funds for River City Food Bank, a 501(c)(3) charity that provides food and emergency housing aid to anyone in need in Sacramento County. It also raises awareness about the often-invisible problem of hunger in Sacramento. Seniors are being hit particularly hard by the current economic problems because their fixed incomes are not keeping pace with rising food and other costs. Many seniors live at or below the federal poverty line, an income level that covers only half of their most basic living expenses. RCFB also helps meet the nutritional needs of many children in the area.

Tickets may be purchased for $25 each for the luncheon event, and $50 each for the evening event. Tickets are through the agency’s website at http://www.rivercityfoodbank.org.

Delicious soups are being donated by Scott’s Seafood Bar and Grill, Lucca Restaurant, Café Bernardo, R 15, Michelangelo’s Italian Art Restaurant, The Broiler, 33rd Street Bistro, Vizcaya, L Wine Bar and Greek Village Inn.

RCFB is the only Sacramento food outreach program that serves all of Sacramento County and that provides nutritional counseling in addition to food supplies. It is also unusual for its provision of frozen meat or protein. Most of the small organization’s manpower comes from volunteers, who donate more than 11,000 hours of service each year.

Cash donations are welcomed and may be made online at www.rivercityfoodbank.org, or sent by mail to P. O. Box 160204, Sacramento, CA 95816.

For further information, contact Eileen Thomas via telephone at 916-446-2627, or via email at ethomas@rivercityfoodbank.org.

CA State Employees & Sacramento Emergency Foodlink Collect over 770,000 lbs of Food

2010-02-09T15:59:42Z

California State Employees in the Sacramento area together with Sacramento Emergency Foodlink (Foodlink), began collecting food in early November 2009 and continued through January 2010 for the annual Food Drive. This year, despite state furloughs and salary cuts for many state employees, there was a record amount of participation among California State Departments and Agencies with over 200 offices partaking in the Food Drive. As a result, over 770,000 pounds of food were collected which is an increase from last’s year total of 758,000.

“The Food Drive sponsored by California State Employees is one of our largest food drives of the year," says John Healey, President/CEO of Foodlink. "Year after year, I am amazed by the generosity of California’s State Employees and the immense effort put forth to feed the hungry in the Sacramento area. The California State Employees yet again proved what an extremely generous group they are. We are incredibly thankful for their continued support in the fight against hunger. ”

The Food Drive is as important as ever as Foodlink, Sacramento County’s official Food Bank, has seen the demand for food assistance in the area rise at least 35% in the last year. Foodlink’s distribution partner, Feeding America, states that almost 1 in 6 Americans are now hungry with over 3.7 million Californians classified as food insecure.

The food collected during the Food Drive will be distributed by Foodlink to over 120 food closets and agencies throughout the Sacramento area. For more information about the 2009 Food Drive, please visit www.fooddrive.ca.gov.

Spreading joy through Women's Wisdom

2010-01-04T05:15:33Z

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.

Today has been one of those days that I can only explain as pure holiday 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.

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

One more “Great Christmas” story

2009-12-30T18:04:15Z

     By now most of us are getting a little tired of hearing about Christmas, but this is one short story that we all want, and need, to hear about. On December 22 my six year old son and I went to the Saca center on Del Paso Blvd. This day is one of the most memorable days of the year as we were able to witness a true Christmas miracle that most people only see in the classic Christmas movies. What we saw was the Saca center giving an awesome Christmas to over 274 families in the surrounding neighborhood of Del Paso Heights. Most of these families came from the local neighborhood of the Saca center, probably clients of their Community center and Mother Baby program. It is especially nice that this event happened in the neighborhood, which allows the neediest families to have a Great Christmas.
     What I observed was two rooms, each bigger than my own apartment, filled waist high with toys and other gifts. All of these gifts were pre-wrapped by volunteers and ready to go. The sight of it all looked like the true location for Santa’s workshop! Busy going about to hand out the gifts were Genevieve, Sacra Center Program Director and Chris, Saca Center Volunteer, both of them seemed to have a constant smile and genuine warmth coming from their affect.
     It made my day to see that every family that signed up for Christmas presents received not just something, but a pile of gifts for their family. One man came to pick up gifts for an infant and a toddler, unfortunately they could not be identified from the sign up sheet, but that was not a problem. Staying in the spirit of Christmas Genevieve and Chris “put something together on the spot” and the man left with a bag of gifts bigger than he could carry. No family or person was turned away even if their name was not on the “good list”.
     Personally, I consider it a blessing to have seen such an event. There is nothing greater than to see the success of a Christmas assistance program giving a bag of gifts to children and seeing the wide eyed and excited kid’s pulling a bag of presents bigger than they are. Once again the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services is the supreme local charity organization. The SFBFS is the best place to give our donations and volunteer time. And I, OneFathersLove, am committed to supporting the SFBFS. A special thanks is given to “Genevieve and Chris” for this Great Christmas story.

350 families adopted through SFBFS program

2009-12-29T22:55:01Z

I’ve been volunteering at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) on a regular basis for the better part of a year now. Generally, I’m there twice a week; more if they’re having an event or need a little extra help. The holidays are always a busy time at SFBFS with their Turkey Drive, Run To Feed The Hungry and Adopt-A-Family all happening in quick succession. Despite the immense amount of planning required for these events and the short time frames, these events are always tremendously well organized by the SFBFS staff, so all that we volunteers have to do is show up.

I was fortunate enough to help out at the Thanksgiving events this year and thoroughly enjoyed them, thus I was looking forward to the Christmas Adopt-A-Family program. The program was being led by the staff at the Saca Community Learning Center (an SFBFS satellite office in North Sacramento). The program sought to help clients who attended the classes offered and received services over the past year. In all, 274 families signed up. If one only looked at the numbers, facilitating gifts between 274 adopted families and those doing the adopting would seem a small task when compared with recent events providing Thanksgiving food boxes to 5,500 families, arranging the distribution of 3,000 frozen turkeys to other community groups, or trying to coordinate parking for 28,000 Run To Feed The Hungry participants. However, as the adopting families began to bring in their holiday purchases, it quickly became evident that this was no trivial undertaking. For ease and organization, as the gifts came in, the gifts were put into large bags, several gifts to a bag; and most families had multiple bags. Doing the math, then, you realize that the number of Christmas presents that we were dealing with easily reached the several-thousands.

I was given the task of organizing the gifts as they came in so they could be catalogued and then easily located when the time for distribution came. We set up a numbering system and organized two huge rooms full of gifts. We sorted out gifts that had lost labels, tracked down presents that had been separated from their mates and rewrapped packages that had lost their wrapping. We tracked the gifts as they came in and monitored them as they went out. Hiccups arose and were sorted out (primarily by Genevieve Deignan, Saca CLC Building Director, who really made this whole thing work), and by the evening on Wednesday December 23rd we had brought in, catalogued, organized and then distributed Christmas presents to over 350 families (because of the tremendous outpouring of gift donations, we were able to make up another 75+ gift bags to give to those who hadn’t signed up as part of the Adopt-A-Family program).

So it was finally over. We’d worked for many weeks, organizing a ton of gifts, to give to a huge amount of deserving people. When working on big events like these, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers - turkeys donated, runners attending, families adopted. They’re tactile; a way to measure your success. But in the end, though, you realize that it isn’t about the numbers. They’re not the point. They’re not the reason you do this. Helping a man carry gifts to his car and knowing that the kids in the back seat will have something under their Christmas tree is the point. The gratitude in the eyes of an elderly grandmother taking care of her three young grandchildren is the point. Seeing the eyes of another volunteer well up from being able to help someone who has nothing; that is the point. These are the reasons we do this. The people at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services know this better than anyone.

The above was written by SFBFS volunteer Chris Suter

9th annual SFBFS Volunteer Spirit Awards

2009-12-23T23:46:05Z

On October 30, 2009, staff and volunteers from various programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) attended the 9th Annual Volunteer Spirit Awards luncheon at Arden Hills Resort. This event, put on by the Volunteer Center of Sacramento and DOVIA, is the largest volunteer recognition ceremony honoring Sacramento area volunteers. Nominees come from a wide range of agencies, with areas of volunteerism ranging from education, animals, heath, family services, hospitals, shelters, counseling and much more. Many SFBFS program managers take advantage of this opportunity to recognize their dedicated volunteers by nominating the dedicated and accomplished volunteers we have at SFBFS.
This year, like years past, SFBFS nominated several outstanding volunteers in various categories. The nominees included Aiyana Pearson (Women’s Wisdom Art program) as Volunteer of the Year Supporting Arts and Recreation, Donald Moore (Adult Education program) as Volunteer of the Year Supporting those Less Fortunate, Minnie Jimenez (Clothing program) for the Heart of Gold award, Colin Keiner (Run to Feed the Hungry fundraising) as Youth Volunteer of the Year, Carrie Detwiler (Mother-Baby program) for the Ray of Light award, Nellie Mackie (Clothing program) for Lifetime Achievement award, and Hank Greenfield (Adult Education program) for the Salt of the Earth award.
All nominees were honored at the luncheon; however, it was Hank and Nellie who took home the awards. Nellie, receiving the award in the Lifetime Achievement category, was recognized for her 19 years of volunteer work in the Clothing program. Nellie has taken it upon herself to make improvements to the Clothing area, purchasing supplies, and taking pride in keeping the shopping area tidy and organized. She is very dedicated, arriving at 7:15am every Monday and Tuesday morning. Nellie has also trained countless other volunteers in the program.
Hank Greenfield, the Salt of the Earth award winner, volunteers at the Saca Community Learning Center in the English as a Second Language classes. Since August of 2006, Hank has contributed over 500 volunteer hours. The Saca Center does not have a full-time ESL teacher and SFBFS relies on volunteers to run the education classes. Hank goes above and beyond by preparing lesson plans at home, providing one-on-one tutoring and even substitute teaching for other classes. Because of Hank’s volunteer commitment, over 50 ESL students are served daily.
SFBFS staff was thrilled to take home two awards and have the opportunity to recognize seven excellent volunteers. “It’s a really nice way to tell volunteers that the time they spend with our organization means a lot to us,” says Volunteer Services Manager Robin Simpson. “Volunteers are vital to all our programs so it’s wonderful to be able to recognize that whenever we get a chance.”

Photos are of Hank Greenfield and Nellie Mackie

More than 100 families still awaiting holiday adoption

2009-12-16T00:37:10Z

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!

Originally written by Rachel Marine on the SFBFS blog

Gift drop-off location:

Saca Community Learning Center
2469 Rio Linda Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95815

Final weeks of Raffle for the Rock contest

2009-12-15T21:27:27Z

Individuals wishing to purchase a $5 raffle ticket to win a $25,000 diamond ring have just two weeks left. Rogers Jewelry Co. and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) have tickets available now through December 30, 2009.

In June, nearly 1,000 individuals participated in the first annual Race for the Rock, a text message-based scavenger hunt via bicycle through downtown Sacramento. Participants answered historical clues and tracked down hidden information in hopes of uncovering the amazing prize. The event’s entry fee benefited programs at SFBFS. The winners of Race for the Rock went home with a 1.5 carat diamond ring. Within weeks of the event, the winning couple decided to donate the ring to SFBFS to be used as a fundraiser to help families in need. SFBFS is now hosting a raffle for the ring – Raffle for the Rock.

Raffle for the Rock tickets are $5 each. There is no limit to the number of tickets an individual may purchase, but participants must be 18 years of age to participate. Tickets are on sale now through December 30, 2009.

Tickets are for sale at the following locations. Please stop by to purchase raffle tickets, take a tour or learn how to become more involved with SFBFS:

* SFBFS’ Oak Park location – 3333 Third Ave, Sac, CA 95817. Mon-Fri 8-4 (916) 456-1980
* SFBFS’ North Sac location – 2469 Rio Linda Blvd, Sac, CA 85815. Mon-Fri 9-5 (916) 648-8736
* All Sacramento Rogers Jewelry Co. locations – www.thinkrogers.com

These tickets make great stocking stuffers and holiday hostess gifts as the recipient could win a $25,000 diamond ring. More information can be found online at http://www.thinkrogers.com/rafflefortherock/

The Raffle for the Rock drawing will be held January 4, 2010 at 6pm at Rogers Jewelry Company located at 9217 Sierra College Blvd, Roseville, CA 95661, (916) 782-1505.

Several other prizes from Rogers Jewelry Co. will be raffled off as well. Everyone is invited to attend the drawing. The 2nd annual Race for the Rock is scheduled for June 5, 2010.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, a local non-profit organization serving families and individuals in need since 1976, offers nine diverse programs at two facilities in Sacramento. A staff of 35 employees and several thousand volunteers accomplish SFBFS’ mission of assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pain and problems and by moving them toward self-sufficiency and financial independence. Additional SFBFS information is available online at www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

SFBFS thanks 2009 RTFTH participants

2009-12-15T01:07:44Z

This year, 28,500 Sacramento residents participated in the event, raising over $800,000 to support programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Your participation in the Run to Feed the Hungry helps families in need via our various programs including:

-Food assitance
-Clothing
-Mother Baby Program
-Adult Education
-Women’s Wisdom Art

These programs and services are made possible because of contributions from supporters like you.

To find out more information about Run to Feed the Hungry, including fundraising deadlines, category  winners or to look up your finish time, please visit www.runtofeedthehungry.com.

We appreciate and welcome any feedback and ideas from race participants. Please send us suggestions for improvement to comments@runtofeedthehungry.com.

I invite you to stay involved with Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services year round. Please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org for information on becoming a volunteer, leading a food drive or participating in an event. Thank you again for your dedication and support of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Oak Park wraps up holiday cheer

2009-12-05T03:37:21Z

About 60 community members gathered at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services last night to make the holidays a little bit brighter for Oak Park's children.

The Oak Park Neighborhood Association has collected 300 toys for its Oak Park Toy Give-Away, which began Nov. 22 and will continue until Dec. 18.

"Imagine knowing that you may not receive a gift...Kids everywhere look forward to the thrill of opening gifts and we want to make sure that kids in Oak Park get to experience the excitement," said board member Michael Boyd, "Even more importantly, we want them to know they live in a community that cares about them; a community that values them, and a community that will help them."

Members of the association, Sacramento police officers, and various community members attended the potluck and toy gift-wrapping party. Attendees were encouraged to bring wrapping paper, gifts or food.

Association board members circulated throughout the three-hour event, passing out wrapping paper and Scotch tape as volunteers ate, mingled and wrapped.

The goal of the association is to distribute 1,200 toys Dec. 19 from noon to 3 p.m. The food bank is also the drop-off point, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

If toys are wrapped, donors are asked to indicate whether they're for a boy or girl and the age range. On the day of the toy distribution, gifts will be divided into piles according to age group and given to children on a first-come first-serve basis.

"The [toy drive] is important because it's about residents in the community taking care of those that live in that community. It's not about toys, it's about coming together and supporting each other. That's what makes us strong and keeps us strong," said board member and community activist LaTisha Lawson.

In addition to their own efforts, the group has received some help gathering toys.

Sacramento's University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law organized an Angel Drive that brought in 100 toys.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is at 3333 Third Ave. in Oak Park.

For more information about the Oak Park Neighborhood Association, visit its website or email opna@inmycommunity.com.

“Hope” for the Holidays to Sacramento Families.

2009-12-03T12:54:58Z

Many of the Sacramento Food Bank locations and other food distribution sites throughout Sacramento are generously providing our American citizens a basic portion of food that will last them for about three days. These food distributions are the hope and excitement for many families that would otherwise go hungry this holiday season.

I recently made the time to personally observe the people who stand in the food distribution lines, sometimes for hours, just to get a single paper bag of groceries. It sadly seems that a majority of the people who are standing in these food giveaway lines are families in need with young children. It is a very depressing site to see children in these food lines, I almost have to look away from the sad scene because no child in our country should go to bed hungry. While sitting in my car, the food giveaway line moves slowly along with the children hanging onto their mothers’ leg waiting for their turn, hoping that some sort of treat will be given to them in “their bag”. Once the families receive their food they immediately begin looking through it and eating before they have even left the location.

So, hundreds of malnourished American children are fed from our food lockers and are dependant upon the empathetic contributions by businesses, workplaces and individuals. What is it like to get up in the morning and start our day off hungry? Wondering where our next meal is going to come from? For many, to many, of our Sacramento families that next meal comes from the Food Bank and other food distribution sites.

There is some help available to those who are in immediate need, but where do they find that help? I decided to do my part and create Sacramento Community Family Resources providing a food distribution list that places the food lockers with the least restrictions on top of the list. It makes no sense to me telling a hungry person that they must wait until a certain day to have food to eat. If someone is hungry, then feed them. I believe that a call to action is in order that we all step up and find something within our kitchen cabinets, our next trip to the store or just plain give something to these families that have nothing left but hope.

Let us take another look at the families after they receive help from food lockers. Myself and four volunteers for example, have taken food directly to a family for Thanksgiving, and WOW the excitement and thrill that they had when receiving the food. The two little children literally run to the refrigerator where they now have something in it to eat and drink. The food that these families receive means a lot to them, and I am sure that they are very grateful for what they are given. What may seem like a small contribution from us is to the families a healthy meal, a peace of mind and the presence of food in the home seems to give the kids more energy to run around in circles and play. Our contributions to the Sacramento Food Bank and other organizations are what help these families feel happiness during the holidays. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a happy family with children laughing and playing because they do not worry about their next meal.

My “hope” is that everyone will find a way to contribute something to the happiness of the families in our community. What you can do starting today is post a comment about any helpful organization that you know of where people can go to for finding the help they need.

Sacramento Building Healthy Communities

2009-12-01T20:19:49Z

On November 21, 2009, the Sacramento Building Healthy Communities collaborative hosted two events in Oak Park and South Sacramento, designed to educate communities on the 10-year Building Healthy Communities (BHC) process. Earlier this year, the California Endowment awarded funding to 14 communities over ten years as part of their Building Healthy Communities program. This effort was designed to infuse at least $10 million into each community to bring about systemic change. The efforts are to be driven by four goals:

• Health systems are family-centered and prioritize prevention.
• Schools anchor communities, promote healthy behaviors and are a gateway for resources and services.
• Human services systems are family-centered, prioritize prevention and promote opportunities for children, young adults and their families.
• Improved physical, social and economic environments in local communities.

South Sacramento was chosen by the Endowment as one of the target communities. The area includes all of Oak Park, Fruitridge Manor, Elder Creek, and parts of Curtis Park, Tahoe Park and both incorporated and unincorporated areas of South Sacramento.

Since March 2009, the collaborative has been working to put together the 10 year strategic plan for the area. Initial outreach has targeted 5,000 residents through community events, talking circles and surveys to gauge the communities’ views about their neighborhoods. Other activities have included several working groups that are focused on Infrastructure and Assets, Health Access and Youth Development..

In an industry where foundations often change funding focus every 5 years or so, the Endowment’s 10 year commitment marks an opportunity for communities to pull together long-term comprehensive planning and corresponding actions that can improve public environmental quality and health, as well as, the built environment and healthy food access to traditionally underserved communities.

This process provides a unique opportunity for this highly diverse and vibrant area that has been plagued by crime, obesity, foreclosures and disinvestment for decades. It allows the target communities to leverage the Endowment’s resources to attract additional private and public sector funding and technical assistance. In addition, the BHC initiative will help to increase civic pride and build bridges across ethnic, cultural and economic divides that have been historically difficult to create and sustain.

However, the greatest opportunity of this process will be achieved by deep and meaningful involvement of the residents, local business owners and community-based organizations themselves. As this process moves forward, outreach and resources need to continue to have significant and long term impact on these groups that ensures public safety, generates jobs, minimizes displacement, increases access to public transportation, makes streets safer for walking and biking, improves energy efficiency and rehabilitates and creates affordable housing that is of high quality.

Finally, my 5 year old son Miles attended the November 21st gathering in Oak Park with me and told the all adult working group that he wanted safer parks. Many comments had been made to that point, but none discussed the safety of our parks. Many of us take for granted the fact that our children lack safe areas in the community for recreation that they can access at all times. We must foster these activities and make them safe, clean, accessible and with many eyes on the parks and streets to ensure security.

In the end, it is all about our children. As we lay the building blocks for the future we must ensure that what we build today creates a path toward a greater quality of life for the next generation.

This selection originally appeared on the Ubuntu Green blog. http://blog.ubuntugreen.org/

Sacramento Small Business Celebrate the Holidays in a BIG Way!

2009-11-29T07:29:42Z

There is no doubt that businesses in general have suffered through our ever-changing economy. Businesses on multiple levels have had to make sacrifices; downsizing, cutting salaries, furloughing, laying off, and certainly cutting expenses.Small business, especially in Sacramento, is no exception. One expense that seems to be a commonality, is the Company Holiday Party.

Historically, no matter how large or small an office or business is, company's have celebrated the holidays and their accomplishments with their partners, employees, and sometimes, vendors and customers. It is a time when people put work aside, and come together over food, drinks, entertainment and memories that often survive the company itself.

This year, small and medium sized businesses, consultants, solopreneurs, coaches, recruiters, relators and attorney's are all invited to participate in Get Networking Now's inaugural "Sacramento Region Company Holiday Party"! On Thursday, December 17, business owners, their employees, their vendors and key clients will enjoy a "BIG" celebration on a small business budget! Part of the proceeds will also benefit a local childrens' arts organization, Chalk It Up!

Chef Simon Mandell, co-owner of Courtyard D'Oro a new restaurant and banquet faciliaty in Old Sacramento, is preparing a "feast" for these hardworking entrepreneurs consisting of four cuisines, followed by dessert, dancing, music, entertainment. and "swag bags" with special offers, samples and promotions from local businesses. The event is scheduled from 6-10 pm at Courtyard D'Oro, which is located at 1700 Front Street under G Williker's Toy Emporium.

Ticket prices are $40 at the door, $35 presale. Special Pricing is available for small businesses with profiles on www.sacgnn.com and is FREE with paid monthly membership to Get Networking Now. Tickets may be purchased at: http://sacareacompanyparty.eventbrite.com/

Get Networking Now (SacGNN) is a local networking resource assisting small and medium sized businesses to grow "small talk" into "BIG Business" through education, training and networking events. SacGNN offers a free online community for local business owners to exchange leads, information, and resources and assist one another in growing their businesses in Sacramento.

For more information on this event, or Get Networking Now, please contact Rebecca Johnson 916-868-7562 or rebecca@sacgnn.com

Why did you Run to Feed the Hungry this year?

2009-11-28T21:59:47Z

The Sacramento Press at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services' 2009 Run to Feed the Hungry we and had the pleasure of meeting thousands of run participants that morning. Whether it was to support SFBFS, get exercise, spend time with loved ones, or a combination of all of those reasons, here are some of them. We asked visitors that stopped by our booth to let us know, why did you Run to Feed the Hungry?

Nikki Carlson, Sacramento
"We participated as a way to feel like we gave something back to those who go without during the holidays in our community. It's a small gesture, but it ends up making a big difference! And It made us feel great the whole day!"

Darcy Smith, Sacramento
"To run for a good cause"

Laura Smith, Sacramento
"I did the Run to Feed the Hungry this year because of all of the hardships that people have gone through this year, many people lost their jobs and their homes. It was so great to see how energized and motivated people were to run. It was so much fun!"

Keith Rau, Sacramento
"To be part of a good cause"

Veronica Wogec, Sacramento
"I wanted to contribute to people that have much less than we have. I wanted to also support and encourage my family to continue to support charities and events similar to the 'feed the hungry' run."

Ronald Bariios, Lodi
"Wanted to be with family and had an outrageous fun time!"

Tony Prakash, a member of the CENTURY21 Select Real Estate Inc. California team
"...To do whatever I can to give back to the community. 'Give much gather often." There are many people who have had the worst years of their lives in the recent years. Those of us who can make it a better holiday season for them and their family should do whatever they can to help those in need, that's the ultimate gift of human being; to lend a hand, run for a cause, donate to feed the less fortunate."

Ryan Smith, Roseville
"I did run to feed the hungry to give something back to the community. I have never run for a charity and being Thanksgiving I felt like giving something back. I try and do atleast one good deed on Thanksgiving and what better way then to give back. Plus it was nice to get up early and run, seeing all the people out on the streets cheering was perfect. You couldn't ask for a better race. Being with friends and seeing friends while racing was perfect. Knowing that everyone there contributed something back was a good feeling."

Tonja Field, Rocklin
"I am participating this year because it has become a tradition on Thanksgiving morning to me. This will be my eighth year participating and it goes beyond getting some activity before I stuff myself full of food. I also like the fact that each year it is growing and raising more and more money to feed people who wonder what and when their next meal will be. I am so thankful for knowing I'll never go without food and I hope my small contribution will help someone else be on their way to feeling the same way! I hope to continue this tradition when I have my own family!"

Loverage family, Sacramento
"We came to do a good thing for the people in our community and to run as a family."

Other responses given to us on race day:

"My husband, son and daughter are running and we thought it was a good way to help people"

"I'm a volunteer [for SFBFS] and want to keep doing this until I'm old and fragile."

"To support the food bank. I've been here for 10 to 12 years. I want to support all the good work they do."

"I'm on the cross-country team for Capital Christian and we ran as a team."

"The run was hard but fun. It's a good cause and I'm getting in a great workout before I enjoy Thanksgiving tonight."

"To compete and try to beat my brother!"

"To support a really good local charity and to be part of my community"

"[I] Sporadically came from Hawaii to support Father [Dan] Madigan and his cause."

"I did the run because Thanksgiving has become commercial and about taking and I wanted to give something back."

"I wanted to support a local charity and for my own health and fitness."

"I did cross country and I want to help my time."

"[The run is] something for me to do with my family on Thanksgiving."

"[The run is] a fun thing to do for Thanksgiving and to help the cause."

"It's my first official run and it's a great way to help the community."

"To get involved in the community and give back."

"Biggest motivator was for the cause, a fantastic way to go about it. It's a great event [and] I'm really impressed."

"This is my motivator to get back in shape after the birth of my baby and I might as well do it for a good cause."

"To feed the hungry and I want to start doing more racing, getting in shape and getting a good time..."

"Because I can't race but I'm here to help the food bank. I donate every month. Every dollar I spend counts as $10."

"It's personal to me. My family came from poverty and I have sixteen brothers and sisters. Today we are renting but not in the streets. We donated two turkeys this year."

"To support the community. It's a great cause and a great way to start the day."

"Several reasons; to be in shape, something different on Thanksgiving, and help feed the hungry."

"I like this event so much I am home from [Washington] D.C. just to do the race. Great community feel."

"It's the only way to get my daughter to come visit."

"To share love to all of those I can give back to and for Father Madigan."

"This race goes with thanking like stuffing goes with Turkey."

"I'm here doing something special with my granddaughter that she will always remember."

"A healthy thing to do on Thanksgiving. It's inspiring to see so many people for this cause."

"To help feed the hungry is a great cause and I love doing it."

"To help the Run to Feed the Hungry. It's an annual thing we do together."

"To show my kids some community service."

"We are here today to support the SFBFS."

"i'm here for Dave Kilmer who passed from Lymphoma. We want his family to know we haven't forgotten still."

"It's been a rough year for everybody and it's a great way to help."

"It's my first time and it's a beautiful day. I want to start Thanksgiving off with a good thing."

"It's my first time and it's a great way to give back to the community and SFBFS."

"To give back and be part of something special."

"To help benefit the community and help those who are struggling..."

"To support the SFBFS and do the run with my family."

"To set an example for my children."

"I'm here to give my thanks to God by helping others."

"I used to volunteer and decided to run this year to continue giving."

"For Honors English and because it's Thanksgiving and everyone should have food."

"To help those that are hungry and representing my family to support those in need."

"I love giving to people less fortunate."

"Charity and to burn calories."

Why did you participate in the run? Leave your comments below!

Photos: Ben Ilfeld, COO and co-founder of The Sacramento Press talks to SFBFS on race day, The Sacramento Press RTFTH booth, and team Sacramento Press

2009 Run to Feed the Hungry photos- Part II

2009-11-27T23:51:17Z

Continued from Part 1

As participants near the finish, bystanders cheer them on and hold signs of support and thanks

Kevin Johnson hangs out on the sidelines as participants complete the race

5K runners and walkers finish the final stretch of Run to Feed the Hungry

Supportive onlookers wait for runners to cross the finish line, taken by George Raya

Participants pour Into the end zone of RTFTH, taken by Laura Smith

View from above the sidelines as racers finish, taken by George Raya

10K run participants, taken by Michael Fitzgerald

Voyage Home Loans Team Goodness at the Finish Line (left to right): Bus. Dev. Manager Ryan Lucia, Dir. of Customer Relations Nicholas Lucia, Loan Officers Joe Bria and CEO Josh Harmatz, submitted by Ryan Lucia

Crowds gather and cheer on participants

Thank you to everyone who participated and made the 2009 Run to Feed the Hungry a huge success! Also, a big thank you to everyone who submitted their photos to The Sacramento Press.

2009 Run to Feed the Hungry photos- Part I

2009-11-27T23:28:34Z

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services welcomed around 29,000 participants in their sixteenth annual Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving Day. Here are a collection of photos taken by The Sacramento Press along with participants' photos from the run submitted to us.

As the sun comes up Thanksgiving morning, trucks set up the time marks along the race route on the CSU, Sacramento campus

SFBFS volunteers prepare the after-party area to re-fuel runners and walkers

Corporate teams/sponsors gather in the crowded VIP tent to have group photos taken

Corporate teams have their team photos taken

Teams fuel up with doughnuts, bananas, coffee, and energy bars provided by SFBFS

A RTFTH supporter had his own unique way of fundraising without running

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and SFBFS President Blake Young welcome runners to the 2009 race from above

Families and friends visit while they wait for the run to begin, taken by Tonja Field

Two of Voyage Home Loans team members: Loan Officer Paul Thomas gives the Run to Feed the Hungry a big thumbs up! Business Manager Ryan Lucia is getting pumped up with pre-race AC/DC, taken by Ryan Lucia

5K participants wait for the race to begin, taken by George Raya

and they're off! The 5K run/walk begins

Men, women and children start on their 5K walk, taken by George Raya

A band provides entertainment for runners and walkers, taken by Tonja Field

The sun was shining as runners ran or walked their way through the scenic route, taken by Rachael Field

A runner gets into the Thanksgiving spirit, taken by Rachael Field

See comment below for link to Part II of the photo series or click on the "Run to Feed the Hungry" storyline at the top of the page

Run to Feed the Hungry: Something to be thankful for

2009-11-27T07:33:22Z

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is thankful for a wonderful turnout at the 16th annual Run to Feed the Hungry. The final number of participants is still being tallied, but at least 29,000 individuals participated in today’s event. This morning’s 5K and 10K offered a split start time, a single finish line and new race routes.

“The turnout at this year’s Run is unbelievable,” shares Blake Young, President/CEO of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. “Our organization is so thankful for the support we receive at this event and year round. None of our service delivery would be possible without the support of the Sacramento community.”

Run to Feed the Hungry participants of every age and athletic prowess braved the cold temperatures to take part in Sacramento’s largest fun-run. Many showed their enthusiasm with festive hats, costumes and layer upon layer of sweatshirts. Bright sunshine and energizing music kept Run participants going strong.

Funds raised from today’s event will support SFBFS’ nine programs including: Food Assistance, Clothing, Adult Education, Women’s Wisdom, Youth Academy, Mother-Baby, PlayCare, Haven’s Transitional Living and Computer Clubhouse.

SFBFS Run to Feed the Hungry race results 2009

2009-11-27T06:32:12Z

There was an amazing turnout this year for the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services Run to Feed the Hungry. At least 29,000 people showed up to support this great cause. Please use the following links to see the timed results of the race:

Run to Feed the Hungry 2009 race results:

10K Run Overall: www.capitalroadrace.com/results/09_RTF_10K_OVL.HTM

Age Group: www.capitalroadrace.com/results/09_RTF_10K_AG.HTM

5K Run/Walk Overall: www.capitalroadrace.com/results/09_RTF_5K_OVL.HTM

Age Group: www.capitalroadrace.com/results/09_RTF_5K_AG.HTM

Here are the top finishers from the 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk:

2009 Run to Feed the Hungry 10K Run, Overall Finish List:

1st Place-Max King, 29 years old from Bend OR at 30:46.1 minutes

2009 Run to Feed the Hungry 5K Run/Walk, Overall Finish List:
1st Place-Austin Ramos, 25 years old from Fair Oaks, CA at 14:50.0 minutes

Making a Difference One Stride At A Time

2009-11-25T21:24:48Z

The Vision

Throughout my life I have made good decisions and some challenging. Some decisions created great success and others assisted in my journey of developing the character that I have today. I firmly believe in the mission and services the Elk Grove Food Bank offers, as I personally have benefited from community based services (9) years ago, during “my time” of challenge. Since that time, I have completed college, bought a home, married a wonderful and supportive woman and furthered my passion of running to reach new challenges and hurdles for my life long journey. Through the development of ultra marathons in my life, I have taken this ability a step further, by incorporating exposure for community based organizations. Developing the CIM Squared Project on an annual basis for the Elk Grove Food Bank Services has given me the ability to show my truth towards a wonderful cause and support system for the Elk Grove Community. Since my inaugural year in 2008, I have been voted on the Board of Directors for the food bank and have expanded the vision from simple financial donations, to drop off points within the Elk Grove Business community from October thru December each year. I have also gained support from the Laguna Rotary Club to increase exposure of the project, along with Planned Solutions Inc. to assist in the food drop off point pickups.

Myself (Christopher Waters), Jim Barstadt, and Rey Sanchez, will be running the California International Marathon twice. We will start at the finish @ 1:30am and run to the start of the race, before the CIM begins. We will then run the actual race with the 7000+ runners to the capital. The double marathon is a merely an event…the truth behind the run is the involvement of the Elk Grove Community, their support and generosity to assist a need for individuals and families during the holidays that are less fortunate. During a very trying time, with unemployment and the economy recovering, we must do our part to make a difference.Creating a team, making the stride and developing our personal truth has pushed us to continue the effort of running the California International Marathon twice, to raise awareness of the food banks efforts in Elk Grove and support from the community to deliver a simple solution for hunger in Elk Grove. "Giving Hope", "Giving Support" and "Giving Back", is the bottom line for all the support given within this project. I truely am grateful for being involved in such a blessed project for the Elk Grove Food Bank.

Run Logistics

Contact: Christopher Waters

ph: (916) 764-0769 or email christopherl.waters@gmail.com

Support / Donations

In-Kind Donations

If you wish to donate "in-kind" goods, our receiving hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am until 12:45 pm. Please do not leave items on the dock after hours. The address is 8820 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95624 (Attention CIM Squared Project)

Mail-In Donations

Please mail checks or money orders to:

Elk Grove Food Bank Services (Attention CIM Squared Project)
P.O. Box 1447
Elk Grove, CA 95759

Annual turkey drive doubles goal

2009-11-24T06:25:35Z

With 6,592 turkeys collected, the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services 2009 second-annual Turkey Drive will make Thanksgiving for many Sacramento families' a bit brighter.

Despite heavy rain and winds, volunteers collected turkeys and directed the lines of cars that pulled up to the food bank Friday.

As the rain fell continuously, donors stayed dry in the drive-through drop-off while volunteers retrieved turkeys.

"I knew I had to donate this year because there are so many people out of work and struggling just to pay their bills," said Roseville resident Karrin Segur. "Everyone deserves to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families, and shouldn’t have to worry about feeding their families on one of the most special days of the year."

Volunteers kept a turkey count from 4:30 a.m., when the drive began, to its end at 7 p.m. Last year, 2,766 turkeys were collected. This year's goal was 3,000.

The food bank helps families throughout the year, but the holidays are an especially important time. The food bank's mission is for every family to be able to spend Thanksgiving together and have a traditional meal. In addition to turkeys, the food bank also encouraged donations of other Thanksgiving food items.

Distribution of holiday boxes full of turkey and all the fixings began early Monday and will continue through Tuesday afternoon. Each box contains a turkey, fresh produce, dry mashed potatoes, canned foods and stuffing mix.

To show the impact a small donation to the food bank can make for a family this Thanksgiving, a volunteer wore a poster listing all of the items that can be purchased with a $7.23 donation to the food bank.

To receive a box, a member from each family lined up beginning at 7:30 a.m. and received a ticket for one box. All holiday boxes are the same size regardless of family size and will be distributed until the food bank runs out.

The food bank's annual Run to Feed the Hungry will take place on Thanksgiving to help even more families in need.

For more information about resources available, visit the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services website at www.sacramentofoodbank.org

All images courtesy of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

November Volunteer Spotlight: Carrie Detwiler

2009-11-23T23:46:42Z

Carrie, a retired Sacramento area elementary teacher, had always been interested in volunteering at SFBFS since she had several students over the years whose families benefited from Food Assistance and other SFBFS programs. After retiring, Carrie began volunteering in the Mother-Baby program at Oak Park, and her involvement grew over time.

Starting off as a mentor to new families, Carrie would sit down and talk with new moms and dads about raising their babies. It became obvious that Carrie has a unique ability to bond with families and provide them the guidance needed. Her compassion and ability to really listen are the keys to her connections with the families. New parents appreciated Carrie’s kind and caring nature. Eventually, Carrie started making a difference in the lives of hundred of families by leading some of the Family Life workshops in the Mother-Baby program. These parent education workshops teach new parents skills to help them raise their children. Carrie currently leads classes on Child Safety, Developmental Stages of the Newborn, and Story Time, which is a perfect fit for the former teacher. Carrie also recently organized an event for the children of Mother-Baby clients. On September 29, she held a special Story Time celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the popular children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Through events like this, Carrie has shown many families just how fun story time can be.

In addition to her work mentoring the Mother-Baby families, Carrie also sorts donations, hangs clothing, organizes the baby food and diapers, and assists parents in shopping for baby clothing when they come to the Mother-Baby program. During the summer, Carrie noticed a need for donations of diapers, and started a diaper drive in her community. The diapers came at a particularly difficult economic time for many families.

Carrie jumps in wherever she is needed. When the time came for SFBFS to recruit volunteers to speak at outreach events in the community, Carrie was one of the first to volunteer. Her compassion for all the families served in Mother-Baby is evident to all she meets, making her a wonderful ambassador for the organization. Lorena Carranza, Mother-Baby program manager at Oak Park, comments on Carrie’s compassionate nature, saying “All volunteers, staff members and clients who know her always find that Carrie is a wonderful person with a beautiful heart.”

Written by Robin Simpson of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Social Media for the Social Good—Non-profits Explore New Methods of Outreach

2009-11-20T04:17:59Z

Three local non-profit organizations were featured in a Sacramento Social Media Club panel on Tuesday evening hosted by the Sacramento State College of Continuing Education. The panel included Celia Cortez, Projects and Event Manager for the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Jordan Blair, Board Member for River City Food Bank; and Jon Benorden, Program Coordinator for the Center for AIDS Research, Education and Service (CARES). Lesley Miller, Media Director for 3Fold Communication, also sat on the panel. Moderator Josh Morgan, principal at Morgan/Dorado and program director for the Sacramento Social Media Club, focused the discussion on how non-profits are using social media to educate, engage, and build lasting relationships with their communities.

Facebook was the unanimous point of entry into social media for all three organizations. Cortez said the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber selected Facebook because it was the most popular platform among their member organizations; Blair choose Facebook for River City Food Bank because it is the platform upon which he spends the most time. “Facebook provides an easy way for people to connect with causes and non-profits thanks to its one-click ‘become a fan’ feature, “commented Morgan. River City Food Bank, where many of their long-term contributors are past retirement age, is finding that Facebook helps them to engage with the next generation of donors. However some of their loyal supporters are stepping out into social media as well; an 85 year old volunteer joined Facebook just so he could “friend” the River city Food Bank. Benorden said that their “old school” supporters are beginning to mesh with the new people they’ve engaged through their group & page on Facebook but that CARES still has a long way to go.

Both the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and CARES are also using Twitter to promote their organizations and causes. Miller said 3Fold encourages their clients to cross post on multiple social media platforms to increase the traffic among all the sites. For example, use Twitter to remind people the organization is on Facebook or create an event on Yelp and ask people to write a review. I frequently use Twitter to drive traffic to SARTA.org’s website or LinkedIn group where more detailed membership and event information is available.

CARES created both a group page and a fan page for its campaign “Are You the Difference” which strives to eliminate new cases of HIV in the Sacramento region by 2015. Benorden plans to expand the campaign to include other platforms like Flickr and YouTube. On YouTube, CARES wants to personalize and promote their campaign by featuring user generated videos about how individuals can be or are the difference in eliminating new cases of HIV.

The biggest challenge for all of the organizations is finding the time to manage and maintain their social media accounts. Cortez shared that she uses cross posting tools to lessen the amount of time she spends managing each platform the Hispanic Chamber employs. Tweetdeck, Hootsuite and Seesmic were mentioned as free services for managing multiple accounts and platforms and Radian6 was recommended as a new professional service for this purpose. Benorden prefers to uniquely post to Facebook and Twitter to keep variety in the CARES messages, but he sticks to a common theme. Blair, who in addition to his responsibilities as a board member of the River City Food Bank works a full time job, schedules time on his weekly calendar to tend to his social media chores. When asked if a volunteer could handle the job, the general consensus among the panelists was that most volunteers and interns do not have enough depth or experience with the organization or its causes to determine social media platform content or to respond to questions and remarks received by followers and friends on the sites. For CARES, sensitivity to and experience with HIV/AIDS is a must for anyone representing the organization on its social media platforms.

The panel wrapped up with a discussion on event promotion using Facebook ads and other tools. All of the organizations are considering using Facebook ads and River City Food Bank has budgeted money for this purpose next year. Benorden pointed out that even if no one clicks through an “Are You the Difference” ad, if enough information is included about the campaign, there is value in people seeing the ad multiple times. Miller said 3Fold advises their clients to put nearly as much energy into post event promotion as they do pre event. Blair followed this advice after a recent River City Food Bank fundraiser, uploading event photos long into the night. The post event promotion is a valuable investment in the success of future events and helps those who attend feel more part of the organization—especially if they are featured in a photo!

After the panel ended, participants informally exchanged ideas on how they are using social media and also had a chance to meet the panelists and ask more questions. The event was live tweeted by volunteer Ira Cohen on behalf of @SMCSac using the hashtag #smcsac. The venue provided by Sacramento State College of Continuing Education is well equipped for meetings and seminars and the Senior Program Coordinator, Toni Ramirez shared that the college is considering offering courses on social media in the future.

Social Media Club, an international non-profit organization, brings together journalists, publishers, communications professionals, artists, amateur media creators, citizen journalists, teachers, students, tool makers, and other interested collaborators. The Sacramento chapter was founded in March of 2009 by local users of social media. Free events are normally held on the third Tuesday of each month, but in December, the group is planning a Holiday Party or “holitweetup” in partnership with SacTweetUp on December 10 at Hot Italian in midtown. In January, the normal schedule of monthly panels will resume. For information about the Sacramento Social Media Club and its events, join their groups on Facebook and LinkedIn and follow them on Twitter.

Photgraphs by Marie Young Photography. For more photos of this event visit her Facebook Page

Sacramento Social Media Club Leadership Team:

Julie Berge, Angela D'Arcy, Laura Good, Suzanne Hopkins, Ronnie Ledesma, Jeff Marmins, Josh Morgan

Shortage of Holiday Meat for Sacramento Food Closets

2009-11-18T18:25:47Z

Shortage of Holiday Meat for Sacramento Food Closets
Sacramento Emergency Foodlink is in need of Holiday Meat for Local Food Closets

November 18, 2009 Sacramento, CA – Local Food Closets and Agencies will be visiting Sacramento Emergency Foodlink (Foodlink) this Friday, November 20, 2009 to pick up their holiday meat. Sacramento agencies have submitted over 2,500 requests for holiday meat. Foodlink has enough holiday meat to fulfill 1,000 of these requests, leaving 1,500 recipients with no holiday meat.

We need your help! In response to the shortage, Sacramento Emergency Foodlink, the Official Food Bank of Sacramento County, will be collecting holiday meat donations through the end of the year to try to fulfill these requests. Any holiday meat, chickens, turkeys, and hams, can be donated at Foodlink located at 5800 Foodlink Street, Sacramento, CA 95828.

All donated holiday meat will be dispersed among the Food Closets throughout Sacramento County. The Food Closets and Agencies will then distribute the holiday meat to individuals in their communities.

For more information about Foodlink please visit www.foodlink.org.

Below is a list of Foodlink partner Food Closets and Agencies that visit Foodlink weekly for food and commodities:

Antioch Progressive Baptist Church
Arden Church of the Nazarene
Assoc. Of African American Single Mothers
Atonement Lutheran
Broadway Head Start
Capital City SDA
Carmichael SDA
Carmichael Presbyterian
Cathedral of Praise
Central Downtown Christian Solders
Collings Teen Center
Community Won
Cordova Food Locker
D&A Detox
Diogenes Youth Services
El Camino Baptist
Elevation of the Holy Cross
Elk Grove Food Closet Florin Meadows Head Start
Folsom Cordova Community Partnership
Fruitridge Head Start
—South County Services
Gateway Recovery Home for Women
Gathering Place/River of Life
Genesis Baptist
Gifted Healing Center
Gloryland Revival
Greater Grace
Heavenly Helpers
HOPEFUL Inc
Hopkins Park Head Start
House of Hope
Liberty Ministries
Lighthouse Samoan Assembly of God
Loaves and Fishes
Mustard Seed Faith Ministries
NBQ Fiji Mission
Nedra Court Head Start
New Covenant Church of the Nazarene
North Highlands Food Ministries
Now Faith Church of Deliverance
Options of Recovery
Orangevale SDA
Peacespeaker Ministries
People of Purpose
Phoenix Park Head Start
Phoenix Park/Franklin Villa
Pointman International
Quinn Cottages
Radiant Life
River City Community Services
Robla Elementary
Sacramento Bread of Life Ministries
Sacramento Food Bank
Sacramento Recovery Home
SAEHC
Salvation Army
Serna Center
Sierra Arden
Slavic Missionary Center
Southgate SDA
Southpointe Christian Center
South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership
St. John’s Women’s Shelter
St. Mathews
Sunrise Christian
SVDP Our Lady
SVDP Roseville
SVDP St. Charles
SVDP St. John’s
Teen Challenge
Temple of Deliverance
Traveler’s Aid
Trinity Life Center
Twin Lakes Food Bank
Union Gospel Mission
United States Mission
Victory Life Bible Church
Vietnam Vets of CA
Volunteers of America
Walnut Grove—South County Services
Wellspring Women’s Center
WIND Youth Center
World Fijian Fellowship

Rocket's Runners-Week 2

2009-11-02T18:28:34Z

Rocket, this beautiful German Shepherd, is the unofficial mascot of Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. He plays a key role at the organization. He makes people happy. Almost two years ago, Rocket was diagnosed with Osteocarcoma, a rare form of terminal cancer. In order to keep the disease from spreading, Rocket had one of his legs amputated.

Since Rocket’s operation, he has been coming to work with his Mom, Kelly Siefkin, Sacramento Food Bank and Family Service’s Communication and Development Director. Initially Kelly brought Rocket to work with her because she was concerned about him being home alone, now she brings him because it is important to both Rocket and the amazing volunteers and community at the SFBFS. Rocket has decided to try his paw at journalism.

Every week, Rocket will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry Runner. We will ask six different runners the same questions. We have found that people are motivated by many different reasons to be involved in this incredible event. There is still time to sign up to participate please go to www.theruntofeedthehungry.com for more information and ways to register! Please support this cause!

1. Name: Donna Martin

2. Occupation: Retired

3. How many years have you been doing the Run to Feed the Hungry? I have only done the run twice but for about the last 10 years I have been out on the course cheering the folks on. When Emily (granddaughter) was 3 we were watching and Em kept yelling “we’re running to make people hungry!”

4. How many people do you do the run with? Kathy (daughter) and Em (granddaughter)and three of my cousins and their husbands.

5. Do you run or walk outside of this event? On the treadmill at the gym.

6. What motivates you to be part of this cause? On a day that we eat ourselves stupid, it feels really good to help feed people in need.

7. What is your favorite thing about The Run to feed the Hungry? The joy and sense of community.

8. Do you have a favorite T-shirt design from over the years? No

9. If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving what would it be? That the food banks are full.

10. What are you most thankful for this year? Kathy and my health issues are behind us.

SFBFS Call to Action: Run to Feed the Hungry

2009-10-28T17:12:27Z

Join Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services on Thanksgiving Day for the 16th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry!

The 5K and 10K run/walk start at around 8:45am on Thursday, November 26. Kickoff is outside of CSUS and the course winds through beautiful East Sacramento. Join us for a bit of exercise before you go home and eat all that food!

Pleas sign up at www.runtofeedthehungry.com

Running not your thing, but you want to help out? Please volunteer! Volunteers are needed to pass out water, direct traffic, check in runners and more. Sign up online at www.runtofeedthehungry.com

Want to learn more about SFBFS? Check out our new website at www.sacramentofoodbank.org!

THANKS!

SFBFS October Volunteer Spotlight

2009-10-28T17:04:24Z

Since retiring from the workforce in 2005, Jim and Wally Hoffsis have dedicated much of their time and energy to volunteering in the community. They began their volunteer experience at Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS) one year ago in the Sunday Lunch program. Soon after, they became regular volunteers at both the Sunday Lunch program and at mobile distributions of the Food Assistance program; a perfect fit for the couple, who are most interested in volunteer projects that are oriented toward food and housing. With the cessation of the Sunday Lunch program in June, Wally and Jim began focusing their efforts at SFBFS on mobile distributions of the Food Assistance program. Each month, hundreds of families and individuals in the Sacramento area receive emergency groceries through these mobile distributions. The focus is on healthy and nutritious food, often featuring local, organic produce. As self-proclaimed locavores, ( individuals who eat food grown locally whenever possible) the Hoffsises are able to use their experience volunteering with mobile distributions as a way to share their food ideology with others in community. They also enjoy the variety of working with this program. "You see a whole lot of different people at mobile distributions... it's satisfying."

Edwin Korankye, Food Assistance Program Manager, is very grateful to have Wally and Jim Hoffsis as volunteers. "They have the ability to come out to distributions on days when most people don't want to... in the sweltering heat. They are dedicated and consistent. They also have a very pleasant demeanor with fellow volunteers as well as the clientele," says Edwin.
Like many other SFBFS volunteers, retirement from paid employment has allowed Wally and Jim Hoffsis to focus their energy on helping others through regular volunteer work. For this couple, retirement has also allowed them to indulge their passion for travel, especially international adventure. Their most recent vacations have been to Colorado and Scotland. Here in Sacramento, Jim worked for the California Energy Commission and Wally was a manager with Sacramento Public Library. Wally and Jim both attended the Ohio State University, where they each earned a B.S. in Mathematics. Wally later went on to earn a Master's degree in information science from Florida State University.

Jim and Wally have a long history of volunteerism as a couple. They were married shortly after graduating college, just before traveling to Fiji to work together as Peace Corps volunteers. In Fiji, Jim taught high school level math, English and music and Wally taught high school level math, English and science. These two SFBFS volunteers also give their time to other local organizations working to improve the lives of individuals in the Sacramento area. They can be found volunteering with Loaves and Fishses, Friends of the Library, and Senior Gleaners. They say that as retired persons, they want to be useful and productive, and volunteering with SFBFS and these other organizations accomplishes that aim. Wally and Jim Hoffsis sum up their experience working with mobile food distributions of the Food Assistance program by saying, "Edwin and the other staff and volunteers that we've met at SFBFS have been great to work with. Their dedication is really refreshing and uplifting. We personally have been very fortunate in our lives and would like to use some of our time and energy to make others' lives easier if even in a very small way."

Rocket's Runners

2009-10-27T21:12:24Z

Rocket, this beautiful German Shepherd, is the unofficial mascot of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. He plays a key role at the organization. He makes people happy. Almost two years ago, Rocket was diagnosed with Osteocarcoma, a rare form of terminal cancer. In order to keep the disease from spreading, Rocket had one of his legs amputated. Since Rocket’s operation, he has been coming to work with his Mom, Kelly Siefkin, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Service’s Communication and Development Director. Initially Kelly brought Rocket to work with her because she was concerned about him being home alone, now she brings him because it is important to both Rocket and the amazing volunteers and community at SFBFS. Rocket has decided to try his paw at journalism. Every week, Rocket will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry Runner. We will ask six different runners the same questions. We have found that people are motivated by many different reasons to be involved in this incredible event. There is still time to sign up for The Run to Feed The Hungry. To participate, please go to www.theruntofeedthehungry.com for more information and ways to register! Please support this cause!

1. Name: Leslie from Elk Grove

2. Occupation: Dental Hygienist

3. How many years have you been doing the Run to Feed the Hungry?
This is my second year doing run to feed the hungry.

4. How many people do you do the run with?
Last year I walked pulling my kids and niece in a wagon with my coworkers walking by my side.

5. Do you run or walk outside of this event?
I ran in the Susan G. Komen event for the last 2 years with my sister-in-l aw. She runs a lot and got me started.

6. What motivates you to be part of this cause?
Helping people in need motivates me to be a part of events like this one.

7. What is your favorite thing about The Run to feed the Hungry?
My favorite part is seeing all the thousands of people who come out and run/walk so early in the morning for such a good cause.

8. Do you have a favorite T-shirt design from over the years?
My favorite t-shirt design was last year's since it was my first time running.

9. If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving what would it be?
My wish this year is that even more people participate in Run to Feed the Hungry so lots more families can get fed!

10.What are you most thankful for this year?
I am most thankful this year for my beautiful loving wonderful family!!

Local bank stands its ground

2009-03-20T23:17:04Z

At a time when banks are relying on government help to remain in business, one local bank continues to rely on the same privately funded, “grassroots” business plan it has had for over 30 years.

The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS) is a privately-funded, non-profit organization that serves the working poor of Sacramento County, and is perhaps best known for its "Run To Feed The Hungry" — a 5K and 10K event that takes place on Thanksgiving Day each year. Its mission statement is simple: "Dedicated to assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pains and problems, and moving them toward self-sufficiency and financial independence." Established in 1976, it has extended its services without interruption through good economic times and bad, and it continues to expand with new programs aimed to educate individuals in a variety of areas.

The SFBFS’s primary focus is helping the working poor, people in the midst of tough times who may have difficult financial decisions to make. Its clientele includes single parents, disabled individuals, veterans, families, people in low-wage jobs who do not have a high school diploma, the elderly and children. Over half of its services benefit children under 12 years of age.

Blake Young, President of the Food Bank said, "Serving the poor and trying to educate the community is an important endeavor."

Young oversees the coordination and operation of 13 different services and programs offered to the community by his organization. Besides the obvious distribution of food, the non-profit also provides clothing, the Computer Clubhouse—which is an after school program for kids ages 8-18—adult education workshops, and a mother-baby program among others.

Young spoke with pride about the organization, sharing certain figures of the work it does. In 2008, the SFBFS served five million pounds of food to 18,000 people and gave away 500,000 articles of clothing. The SFBFS’s programs serve roughly 1,000 people daily. Between 450 and 550 people receive food from the SFBFS daily. Young also shared that 500 women participate in the mother-baby program every month and 150 women participate in the women's art program every week.

An operation of this size requires an extensive workforce to function. This need is met by a staff of 30 along with about 3,000 individuals who volunteer their time on a monthly basis.

During business hours, 100 volunteers are always on site at the Food Bank's headquarters on 3rd Ave in Oak Park, making the facility an ant hill of activity.

Immense funds are also needed to keep the SFBFS running. The SFBFS is 100 percent privately funded, receiving no funds from government sources. Of this, 62 percent of all funds received come from individuals, a number well above the 50 percent mark that indicates a healthy charitable organization, said Young. He cited this community support as the key to the SFBFS's success, "Our business is building long-term relationships with grandparents, parents, children, organizations."

The organizations he spoke of include KCRA, the Sacramento Bee, Clear Channel, UPS, REI, Intel—whose employees donated 10,000 volunteer hours in 2008—the UC and CSU university systems and local churches of all denominations.

"We couldn't do this without the churches," Young said. The "brown bag" lunch program relies on churches that donate their parking lots on Sunday afternoons and help hand out food to all comers.

Young talked about the current state of the organization, saying that "there has been a 25 percent increase in people served from this time a year ago, most of whom are using our services for the first time."

Despite this increase in demand, he said that the SFBFS is still able to meet the need in its entirety. Donations remain steady, and although he does anticipate a slight drop as the economy worsens, he is confident the SFBFS will continue to meet the city's need. There are no plans to seek grants or government funding of any kind.

A couple who had just received a cart full of groceries said, "They're doing great things for the community. If it weren't for the food bank there'd be a lot of starving people in Sacramento. I hope they never close, people would be in trouble if it closed."

In his newsletter, Young extends an open invitation for anyone in need to seek SFBFS's services, writing, "If you or your friends know of a family who has fallen on hard times, please refer them to our organization. Seeking assistance can be an embarrassing situation. We will make sure to serve their needs in a very dignified manner.”

If you're interested in donating or volunteering, you can receive information through the website at sfbs.org.