What a difference a year can make...

We are proud to report that in 2010, the public donated a grand total of $6,811.45 to our coin banks throughout Yolo County, which translates into $74,000 of food value that will help our neighbors in need. Incredible!

Thank you very much to all of our local businesses, families, and individuals for allowing us to place the coin banks with you and for generously donating to our cause. You have all helped make a difference in our community and for that we are grateful.

On another happy note, we are very proud of the Food Bank's accomplishments of 2010! This year, the Food Bank established more Moveable Market sites, has added another food distribution site in West Sacramento, opened our Quick & Fresh Market, continued with cooking classes and demonstrations, began a Food Stamp Outreach program, and welcomed new staff and volunteers. With 2011 a day away, we look forward to continuing our outreach and assistance to our neighbors in need in Yolo County.

Best wishes in the New Year!

Running of the Turkeys 2010

We are thrilled at this year’s turn out for the 2nd Annual Running of the Turkeys. Thank you to everyone who braved the weather and spent the morning with us. There were 230 registrants, 43 turkeys donated, and more than $14,000 was raised.

A huge thank you to our event organizers: Janine Rogers, Emily Rogers Riley, and the Volunteer Committee for making this a successful day.

We would also like to thank our wonderful sponsors. Thank you for your support!

$1,000 or more
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
BZ-Bee Pollination, Inc.
Joe Muller & Sons
Payne Farms
PG&E
UD Davis Dining Services
Woodland Healthcare
Yolo County YMCA
Yolo Federal Credit Union

$500 or more
Stuffing
Agriform
AgSeeds Unlimited
Duane Chamberlain Farms
Gayle Manufacturing
J.H. Meek & Sons
Jose & Julia Martinez
Tom & Shelley Muller
Turold International
Wallace Farms
Wilbur-Ellis

$250 or more
Slice of Pie
Arthritis Foundation
Carter Hay & Straw
Darrell & Heidi Aoki
Econo
Hunter Ad Specialties
Jamba Juice
Mezger Grain
TS&L Seed

Could You Live on a Food Stamp Budget?

The Food Bank of Yolo County is pleased to once again partner with Assemblymember Mariko Yamada as she takes on the Food Stamp Challenge. Assemblymember Yamada participated with a larger group in April of 2009 when Food Bank staff, Board, community members, and elected officials took the Challenge. Now as the California State Legislature enters a difficult budget season, the Assemblymember has chosen to take the Challenge once again to highlight the needs of low-income families and to advocate against cutting important social safety net programs. For one week, starting Monday, June 28, the Assemblywoman will live on $4 per day – the national average for a person on food stamps. Check back daily to read her comments below about her experience. Also, please let us know if you are inspired to take the Challenge yourself!

School's Out & Student Volunteers Are In!

Throughout our history, we've been extremely fortunate and grateful for the hundreds of quality volunteers who've donated their time and talents to the Food Bank.   Warehouse volunteers have done everything from assisting our drivers with picking up and delivering food, to packing boxes and bags of food for distribution.

Moveable Market volunteers enjoy interacting with friends and neighbors as they distribute fresh produce and nutrition information to needy families.  And gleaners pick fruits and vegetables from generous homeowners and orchards for donation.  And some volunteers, as was the case with the UC Davis Center for Leadership Learning, develop and execute signature volunteer activities and fundraisers that are completely their own.

From January through May, a group of student leaders hosted the iconic "Brinner and Movie" series on the UC Davis campus where, for only $3, guests were treated to amazing door prizes, cartoons, movies and all-you-can -eat pancakes.  All of the proceeds generated by "Brinner and Movie" were donated to the Food Bank, and the money that was raised will enable us to provide thousands of dollars worth of food to needy Yolo County residents.

With the entire summer to look forward to, now's a perfect time to get together with some friends and develop a signature volunteer project.  Give us a call to learn how you can spend your free time helping others in a fun, creative and innovative way.