Community Food Bank is looking to grow, help more in need

It’s a big summer for the Community Food Bank. They are working towards moving to a larger facility in southeast Fresno.

The Community Food Bank has raised over half of their $5 million Building Hope Capital Campaign goal. Lynda and Steward Resnick and The Wonderful Company donated $2.5 million dollars to kick off the campaign. The Amendola Family and Valley Wide Beverage also gave a $1 million donation.

“These transformative gifts will be felt for decades to come,” says Robin Allen-Maddox, Executive Assistant and Communications Specialist for the Community Food Bank. “Being able to provide children and families with the food they need to thrive is hard to put into words. We are proud of the work we do and only want to continue to do it better.”

Community Food Bank feeds families across 5 counties

The Community Food Bank is a nonprofit organization that acquires and distributes fresh produce and nonperishable food. They partner with over 220 agencies to distribute the food to Central California residents who are hungry. They work with churches, schools, and other organizations in Kern, Kings, Fresno, Madera, and Tulare counties.

“We have several programs including Neighborhood Markets, Mobile Pantry Program, the BackPack Program, and CalFresh Outreach,” says Allen-Maddox. “The community can be involved in several ways. One way is to volunteer at our distribution center or in our office.”

The Community Food Bank acquires and distributes 40 million pounds of food per year. To make this a reality, they have many food and fund drives. A Feed Hope Gala is being planned for the fall and there will be a Feed Our Children Golf Tournament on Nov. 5.

“We live in the agricultural mecca of the United States, yet one in four people in Central California are hungry,” Allen-Maddox says. “This is simply unacceptable and we are here to change that statistic. Having access to food is a basic human right. Many of our clients are working individuals who need the extra boost to make ends meet.”

The need is great during summer months because kids are home from school and utilities increase, putting additional strain on families. The Community Food Bank says every $1 donation provides seven meals right here in our community.

“We hear countless stories of people who struggle to make their paycheck stretch through the whole month and the food we provide them relieves high levels of stress and anxiety,” Allen-Maddox says. “Our clients love having access to fresh fruits and vegetables.”

To learn more about the Community Food Bank’s Capital Campaign, click here. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the Community Food Bank’s volunteer manager at jduka@communityfoodbank.net or sign up online.