Best Food Items To Donate
The best items to donate are non-perishables that last a long time.
These include:
- Canned goods: soup, tomatoes, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, chickpeas, etc.
- Long-lasting drinks: UHT milk, fruit juice, as well as tea bags and coffee.
- Food cupboard items: pasta, rice, cereals, lentils, beans and pulses.
- Spices: these are great to donate as they last a very long time and add flavour to any meal.
Economic Assistance County Office Update
The County of Sonoma Economic Assistance office is open for both Santa Rosa and Petaluma offices. They are open from 8 AM – 4 PM Monday through Friday. They are providing essential services, including emergency services for child welfare, adult protective services, IHSS, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and General Assistance over the phone. Please call 877-699-6868.
Morrisons Customers Can Purchase Pre
Morrisons is making it easier for its customers to feed people in need by launching food parcels that can be bought and then donated at the checkout.
Food banks are often overwhelmed by products such as rice and pasta and short of other items that people actually need.
The supermarkets new Pick Up Packs cost between £1 and £3 and contain a mix of food products that have been requested by the local food bank based on their local needs.
The packs are the brainchild of Morrisons colleague Michelle Leary from Basingstoke, who noticed that customers struggled with what to donate to food banks.
The pre-packed parcels mean that customers dont need to spend time browsing the shelves for items to donate. After a successful trial, they are now being rolled out nationally.
Customers can easily pick one up at the start of their shop and pay for it at the till with the rest of their shopping. The pack is then put aside and collected by volunteers working for the food bank.
Rebecca Singleton, Community Director at Morrisons, said:
The UKs food banks are a lifeline for the most vulnerable in our communities and these parcels are an easy way to donate to them. At Morrisons, we want to play our full part in feeding the nation and ensure nobody gets left behind.
The Pick Up Pack initiative is part of Morrisons drive to restock Britains food banks and continue feeding the nation, particularly those who are vulnerable and struggling with the economic fallout of COVID-19.
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Who Can Receive Food And Other Faqs
Who can receive food at one of the Food Depositorys community partners and programs?
Anyone and everyone. Though some of our partners programs are just for older adults or children, the vast majority of our network is open to anyone who walks in the doors. The Food Depository and its network partners proudly serve all of our neighbors, regardless of race, religion, immigration status or any other factors.
Whats it like to visit a food pantry or a soup kitchen for the first time?
Youll find that our community partners are kind, welcoming and respectful. No one should be embarrassed or ashamed about seeking out food assistance in their time of need. Many people who experience food insecurity a lack of consistent access to nutritious food find that its a temporary situation. We all have our own challenges. Everyone needs a little help in life, and everyone is welcome at our programs.
What should I bring?
Neighbors are NOT required to provide ID to receive service. Some partners may ask for ID depending on additional services provided and/or to verify that you reside in their service area and/or to ensure you do not exceed the permitted number of monthly visits, but no one is required to show ID to receive support. If in doubt, call ahead.
We also suggest that you bring a cart or sturdy bag to carry your groceries home if you are not driving. Some items, such as canned goods, rice and potatoes can get heavy.
What kinds of food assistance programs are there?
Stories
Groceries2go Is Our Appointment

How does this program work?
Groceries2Go is available by appointment only through Central California Food Bank and 11 satellite locations throughout Fresno and Tulare Counties. You will receive a box of shelf-stable food to make nutritious meals for your family. Food items vary based on availability but may contain tortillas, eggs, meat, or produce in addition to the non-perishable dry goods.
How often can I make an appointment for Groceries2Go?
Appointments can be made every two weeks and must be made online in advance.
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment two weeks in advance of your pick up date by clicking the button below! Keep scrolling to check out where our sites are located and their hours of operation so you can make an appointment at a location that is convenient for you. **You will be unable to pickup food without an appointment
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School & Community Locations
If you or someone you know is in need of FREE nutritious food, please contact us at 612-5001.
The poverty rate in the US is greater than 9%, with California recording the highest poverty rate in the country. In Long Beach, California the poverty rate is estimated at greater than 18%. Child Food Insecurity has a domino effect on the overall well-being of children and their families. According to Food Research & Action Center , food insecurity is associated with poor health status, developmental risks, mental health problems, and poor educational outcomes. Many families may not even recognize it is affecting them as it can present as food anxiety, diet monotony, decreased nutrition, and inadequate food intake.
From Farmers To Food Banks
: Jamelia Williams
Categories: GoodFoodBites / News from Sustain Ontario / Ontario Food Policy
The Community Food Programs Tax Credit has been published in the Ontario Gazette and thus officially proclaimed. The amendment of the Taxation Act comes into force August 15th. For information on how a bill comes into force, you can refer to this glossary of terms. Farmers may apply for tax credits based on donations for the 2014 Growing Season.
Last Fall , the Local Food Act was passed in Ontario. Being the only legislation of its kind in Canada, the Act , is aimed at fostering successful and resilient local food economies and systems throughout Ontario, increasing awareness of local food in Ontario, including the diversity of local food, and encouraging the development of new markets for local food, . The LFA was not solely about contributing to the agricultural economy, rather it included commitments to increase access to fresh food and to food literacy. One of the key commitments to increasing fresh food access included an amendment proposed by MPP Bob Bailey for a Food Bank Tax Credit for farmers, since changed to include Community Food Programs with input from Sustain Ontario and members . The Bill has defined a Community Food Program as:
A person or entity that:
is engaged in the distribution of food to the public without charge in Ontario, including as a food bank,
is registered as a charity under the Federal Act, and
A Review of Similar Policies in the US
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More Information And Resources
- To speak with a Foodbank representative for assistance: 967-5741
- Your family may qualify for CalFresh. CalFresh is a nutrition program that helps you feed your family healthy meals every day. It takes just 20 minutes to apply.
- Find out more about all Foodbank Programs for children, families and seniors.
- Find a free lunch for a child this summer with the Picnic in the Park Program.
Seniors & High Risk Population
for a Sonoma County listing for seniors and high risk population for more information about delivery services for hot meals and paid groceries.
Contact Council on Aging to pick up meals in Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Sonoma Valley or register for home delivered meals by calling .
For adult diapers and other items, visit Medical Equipment Recycling Program at 3000 Dutton Ave, Santa Rosa at the storage container in the large parking lot. Hours of operation are Wednesdays 11 am – 12 pm.
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Housing Assistance & Other Resources
Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County has been partnering with low income families and individuals to help them achieve economic and social stability through some of their programs like Housing Assistance, Financial Assistance & Crisis Support, Health and Well-being, Community Engagement, Education and Community Resources here in Sonoma County. Call 707-544-6911 for more information.
COTS has rental assistance available for Petaluma residents who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. for more information and call 707-340-5699
Coordinated Entry is a system to match someone unsheltered with available housing, shelter and services. Drop in hours available 8:00 -10:00 am at 600 Morgan St. Santa Rosa. For phone calls contact 866-542-5480 M-F from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm or email
Usda Says Growth In Food Prices Will Slow
Unfortunately, many of the reasons that food prices have risen aren’t going to disappear with the arrival of a new year. As a result, the USDA predicts that food prices will rise between 3% and 4% in 2023. If the prediction is correct, it is a much slower growth than we’ve seen this year, but it still means the cost of groceries will go up. “Food prices are expected to grow more slowly in 2023 than in 2022, but still at above historical average rates,” said a USDA press release.
The USDA estimate may be overly conservative. Miguel Patricio, CEO of food and beverage giant Kraft Heinz told Fortune that consumers need to prepare for higher prices. He thinks inflation will continue to be an issue and that there’ll be more supply chain hiccups as well.
The impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also looms large. According to McKinsey, Ukraine and Russia supply about 30% of the world’s grain and 15% of its corn. The ongoing conflict could precipitate a global food crisis next year as production in Ukraine could decline significantly. In addition, fertilizer exports have already been severely disrupted, which will have an impact on food production around the world in 2023.
The U.S. is a big producer of both wheat and corn, so it will be cushioned against some of the global shortages and price hikes. Nonetheless, this year shows that what happens in the rest of the world can have big consequences on the average American’s shopping basket.
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How To Reduce Your Grocery Bill
Grocery prices aren’t the only thing that have shot up this year. Inflation has also pushed up the price of housing, gas, utilities, and many other aspects of life. Some consumers have dipped into their savings accounts to cover the extra costs, while others have taken on debt. The challenge is that the longer prices continue to rise, the less sustainable these solutions become.
It isn’t easy to cut costs, especially if you feel like you’ve already tightened your belt substantially. But if you haven’t already tried the following ideas, they may help to reduce costs without significantly impacting your way of living.
Where To Find Food

Our interactive map can show you where to find food resources near you. Just enter your zip code or cross streets to find emergency groceries or prepared meals.
62,181,335 pounds of food distributed last year
385partners across five counties of southern Arizona
$539,628 of fresh produce from local growers to families and seniors
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Agricultural Labor Relations Board
The Agricultural Labor Relations Board is a state of California office that protects farmworkers when they come together to seek better conditions at work. Investigate and prosecute labor law violations such as firing workers or taking other action against them in retaliation for asserting their rights. Work to resolve workers claims by seeking rehire, lost wages and other remedies. Assist farmworkers by providing information about employment and labor rights and providing referrals when appropriate. Conduct training and outreach to the agricultural community. Are you a farmworker and need assistance? Give us a call at 707-527-3256 or visit us at alrb.ca.gov and like us on FB . We help all Farmworkers.
Introducing Our New Senior Program: My Groceries To Go
On Wednesday, the food bank joined representatives from the Maryland Department of Aging, the US Department of Agriculture, and the Baltimore City Area Agencies on Aging at St. Marys Outreach Center to celebrate the launch of our newest program: My Groceries to Go!
In partnership with the Maryland Department of Aging, the USDA, and the Baltimore City Area Agencies on Aging, the Maryland Food Bank celebrated the launch of our new senior outreach program in the only way that made senseby distributing food to older Marylanders in need.
My Groceries to Go!otherwise known outside of Maryland as the Commodity Supplemental Food Programis a federal food assistance program that provides a monthly box of food staples to low-income seniors in Baltimore City but in addition to the promised boxes of mostly nonperishable food, the food bank topped things off by distributing fresh produce to mark the special occasion.
The event took place at St. Marys Outreach Center, a network partner that serves a large senior population in North Baltimore.
For the Maryland Food Bank, forging partnerships with the government and community organizations has been absolutely critical to launching programs like My Groceries to Go! explained Maryland Food Bank Executive Vice President Beth Martino, in her opening remarks. And we cant thank St. Marys enough for the work you do in the community.
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Central California Food Bank Serves 20000 People With Groceries2go Program
The Central California Food Bank is packing up fresh milk, potatoes, apples, and leafy greens.
FRESNO, Calif. — One of the Valley’s largest nonprofits has been working overtime to help close the food access gap here at home.
The Central California Food Bank is packing up fresh milk, potatoes, apples, and leafy greens – all to help end hunger.
“We’re actually celebrating about 20,000 individuals served and over 30,000 boxes distributed for our Groceries2Go program,” says co-CEO Natalie Caples.
The food bank launched the Groceries2Go program last May from its south Fresno distribution center in response to the pandemic but has since expanded to twelve satellite sites across the Valley.
The continued need for food has increased by more than 30%.
The food bank traditionally serves about 280,000 people a month, but right now they are seeing nearly 330,000.
“But that was also complicated because we had longer-term individuals who are experiencing chronic hunger, right? And their need was also increasing. Maybe they got laid off and they are having to make tougher decisions between paying utilities and pay for gas or purchasing food,” says Caples.
On Monday, Central California Food Bank also received a $100,000 grant through CalViva Health’s partnership to help fund the Groceries2Go program.
CalViva Health’s CEO says the partnership simply makes sense.
Appointments for the free contact-less pickup can be made online on the food bank’s website.
Help For Families Who Have Experienced Disaster
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When a natural disaster strikes, we know its a huge struggle to recover and rebuild your life. Thankfully, there are many organizations you can turn to for help.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency : works in areas hardest hit by natural disasters to help communities recover and offers many services to help families get their lives back to normal
- The Red Cross: on the ground following many natural disasters. They provide relief and resources to help communities experiencing crisis
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Your Gift Changes Lives
Your donation makes an immediate difference for families facing hunger. Help us provide emergency groceries and fresh produce today!
The Community Food Bank, a nonprofit 501 charity, relies on 120 employees and hundreds of community volunteers to ensure that the people of Southern Arizona have access to the food and programs they need. The food bank is based in Pima County and also serves Cochise, Graham, Greenlee and Santa Cruz counties. The Community Food Bank provides services to eligible applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, handicap, age, national origin, sexual orientation, political beliefs or gender. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Please see our complete nondiscrimination statement.
- 3003 S Country Club Rd, Tucson, AZ 85713
Your Donations Make A Difference
You may not see the direct effects, but your donations make a huge difference to the many people who use or rely on food banks or soup kitchens.
If you donate at your local supermarket to a Trussell Trust food bank, your donations will form part of a food parcel that provides at-risk families with enough food for at least three days of healthy, balanced meals.
These parcels change peoples lives. Your act of kindness greatly impacts peoples futures. In addition, if you buy products by a brand that supports a social cause such as us at Integritty Foods who promise to give a soup to a person in need for every soup we sell you can have an even greater effect.
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Register Online For Simpler Check
At our food banks, we use Link2Feed, a database that helps us track how many visits are made to our food banks. During your first visit, well ask you for some basic contact information and provide you with a FamilyWorks membership card for your next visit. You can make this process even faster by registering online! Simply click the button below and fill out the online form before your first visit.
Note: You will never be asked for proof of information, and you are not required to provide information in order to receive food.