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Interfaith Food Bank

Overview

In its efforts to combat hunger in Amador County, the community supported Food Bank solicits and collects commodities. More than 500,000 pounds of food gleaned annually is distributed to more that 800 families each month. Over 5,000 people in Amador County risk going to bed hungry each month, over 16 percent of the population. People in need include children, seniors, the disables, veterans, homeless, working poor, and those experiencing temporary medical emergencies or recent job layoffs. Recipients are eligible to come in for emergency food assistance every 14 days.

Operations

• Donated Food Program
  The primary work of the Food Bank is the acquisition and distribution of donated and surplus food. Local grocery stores donate perishable foods, home farmers and growers donate excess crops, and a variety of non-perishable goods comes from community food drives.
• Bulk Purchase Program
  This program allows for the purchase of large quantities of staple food that are in demand, but rarely donated. Items like tuna, peanut butter, and meal-in-a-can are provided to the Food Bank at product cost, saving up to 30 percent of their purchase dollar.
• Volunteers
  Volunteers are a key component of the Food Bank. They provide the majority of the labor that keeps the Food Bank operating. They have 40 to 50 volunteers each week; however, with an increasing need for food assistance, additional help is crucial. The Interfaith Food Bank is community based and funded.
• Ways to Help
  Volunteers assist in every aspect of the Food Bank such as food handling, planning food acquisition, communications, fund-raising events, and administrative services.

Contact Information

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Last updated: June 25, 2008