With the unfortunate circumstances that have cancelled the 2020 California State Fair, we are happy to announce that many of the Fair's partners are still coming together to host the annual "SMUD Giving Monday" event to help collect much needed food donations for the Elk Grove Food Bank! The need for food continues throughout the summer and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased need for food donations.
The California State Fair's tradition of community continues with SMUD Giving Monday on Monday, June 22nd from Noon - 7 p.m. at the main entrance (where the "C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A" letters are!) at Cal Expo to benefit the work of the Elk Grove Food Bank! And to insure your safety, bring the donation in your trunk or back passenger seat, and as you drive through, volunteers will take your donation safely and ensure a "contactless" donation so you don't have to get out of your car!
To thank you, the folks at Savemart will be giving $5 off coupons to the first 500 who bring a donation. In 2019, over 30,000 pounds of food was donated!
Visit CalExpoStateFair.com for all the details and see below for a list of food that are high in protein and a great donation item! With seniors being particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, these items are a favorite and helpful to those in need:
- Beans
- Ensure
- Canned fruit
- Peanut Butter
- Canned veggies
- Canned meat (chicken or tuna)
- Soup
- Pasta
- Cereal
- Packaged Rice
- Mac and Cheese
- Boxed Mashed Potatoes
Why are your donations so important? Since the first Stay-at-Home directive was issued in mid-March, the Elk Grove Food Bank has experienced a 600% increase in the weekly number of new client registrations - an increase of more than 4,000 individuals in 1,100 families. To compound the obstacles we are facing, two of their major food drives have had to cancel - which is a loss of 50,000 pounds of non-perishable food. The donations we receive from Giving Monday will go far to narrow the gap.
The pandemic hit our communities hard! Our senior population was perhaps the most affected. Considered to be the most at-risk population, our seniors have been exceptionally vulnerable. Already struggling with food insecurity because of low income, mobility, and health issues, they're now unable to go out to shop and are completely dependent on others to bring them food and other essential basics. The Elk Grove Food Bank immediately responded by providing groceries for them, but this was an expensive undertaking. Money earmarked for routine operational expenses had to be transferred to emergency needs, leaving a huge deficit for the next fiscal year. The Food Bank, like so many other organizations, has had to modify plans for our two major fundraisers. The first, our annual Run 4 Hunger, is now a virtual race; the second, our annual Harvest of Hope dinner, has been canceled completely.
The Elk Grove Food Bank remains committed to reducing food insecurity for the residents in Elk Grove and the surrounding communities, including the working poor, unemployed, seniors, children and infants, disabled, those without transportation, and homeless persons. We need to ensure that no one requesting help is ever turned away. With the help of our community, we can get through this and make sure that our loved ones and neighbors are taken care of during these uncertain times.
You can donate to the Elk Grove Food Bank with confidence that your money is being spent wisely and well! ImpactMatters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding donors to agencies where their money will be best put to use, analyzed the cost effectiveness of over 300 food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens throughout the country.Elk Grove Food Bank Services is ranked #6 in the nation!