Volunteers Needed!

Put Your Hands & Heart to Work

The EGFBS Clothes Closet has a need for volunteers on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This clothing program offers men, women, and children to select clothing items when they pick up food services. 

If you have one day a week, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and enjoy working with others, we hope you'll consider applying. For Volunteer applications, Click Here. 

22nd Annual Letter Carrier's Food Drive

Elk Grove, CA – On Saturday May 10, 2014, the Elk Grove Food Bank Services (EGFBS) will have a special delivery of support from local letter carriers. This is the one day of the year that everyone has the opportunity – with the help of letter carriers - to easily donate food to help families in need here in their community. The United States Postal Service Food Drive is the country’s largest one day-collection.

“The Food Drive gives everyone the chance to be part of something bigger than anything we could do alone, said Elk Grove Postmaster Susan Skidmore. “It’s our Postal Service customers who really make a difference.  Customers can leave canned food at their mail box and the letter carrier will pick it up. Every can and package of food collected makes a difference in someone’s life. So together, I know we’ll make a difference with this year’s food drive and do our best to make sure no one goes hungry.”

“The letters carriers do an amazing job to make this food drive successful,” says Marie Jachino, EGFBS Executive Director.  “This time of the year is when we generally see less food donations coming in, so this drive comes at a crucial time.”

Remember the Postal Carrier food drive is Saturday, May 10, the day before another important day, Mothers Day!

Nutritious Eating on a Budget

Mark Your Calendar - 1st Class in two days!!

First class: Nutritious Eating on a Budget to begin in two days! The Support Works program of the Elk Grove Food Bank is pleased to announce our “Nutritious Eating on a Budget” series of classes taught by our very own July Sala, Food Bank Case Manager.  We all know that ensuring nutritious meals for yourself and family can be challenging given our busy lives but it is even more challenging when one is on a limited income or budget. The purpose of the “Nutritious Eating on a Budget” is to provide concepts, tips and recipes while conducting interactive and hands-on demonstrations

Overview: Nutritious Eating on a Budget by Judy Sala

Each class has several hand-outs covering the topics of discussion, plus several healthy recipes and shopping tips. On the fourth week, we demonstrate cooking two of the recipes and get to sample the foods (a low cost, high protein main dish and a low-sugar, fruit-based dessert).

• Price: FREE
• Terms: First-come first serve, just show up!
• For More Information: Please contact Judy Sala, Elk Grove Food Bank Case Manager (916) 685-8453

Schedule of Classes

Classes are taught four Wednesdays in April from 10 AM – 11:30 AM at United Methodist Church (Lower Level Bartholomew Hall), 8986 Elk Grove Blvd (on the corner of Elk Grove Blvd. and Gage).

• Week One – April 9th “What’s Healthy?” – Overview of Food Basics; Healthy Food That Tastes Great (complete)
• Week Two – April 16th “Healthy Food” – Revising Recipes; Choosing Healthy Snacks; Special Dietary Needs (complete)
• Week Three – April 23rd “Healthy Shopping” – Smart Shopping (menu planning, using coupons etc.) for Cooking on a Budget
• Week Four – April 30th “Healthy Cooking” – What Needs to be Added to the Basics (spices, herbs, cooking tips); Cooking Demonstration; Sample a Healthy Meal; Certificates of Completion.

About the Instructor – Judy Sala

Judy Sala is the Case Manager for the Elk Grove Food Bank, a nutritionist and local senior living facility chef. Her class curriculum is based on an adapted version of the USDA “Choose My Plate” Program.

About the Support Works Program of the Elk Grove Food Bank

Support Works is a program of the Elk Grove Food Bank. We offer programs designed to help individuals improve their current situation by providing job readiness and life skill classes to move toward self-sufficiency and financial independence.

PetSmart Pet Food Drive

Mark Your Calendars!

PetSmart Hosts Pet Food Drive for Elk Food Bank Services                  

On Saturday, April 26, 2014, PetSmart stores in the greater Sacramento area will be hosting a pet food drive in partnership with Good Day Sacramento for participating Food Banks. This has been made possible thanks to the following sponsors: Blue Buffalo, Bill-Jac, Procter & Gamble and Nutro.

Elk Grove Food Bank Services (EGFBS) will receive donations from the Elk Grove PetSmart location in addition to the south Sacramento and Rancho Cordova stores. PetSmart will be a drop off location for donations and will have a wide selection of pet foods to choose from that can be purchased and donated to benefit EGFBS. 

Like anyone who has been “adopted” by their furry kids, the clients of Elk Grove Food Bank love their pets. “For some of our clients, their pet is their only source of companionship", said Marie Jachino, Executive Director.  “Helping families and especially our seniors and homeless stay together with their pets is crucial.

Please stop by one of three PetSmart locations benefiting EGFBS and donate to this worthy cause.  Your donations will make a difference for pets and pet parents in your community.

3rd Annual Resource Fair

Elk Grove Food Bank Services is holding their 3rd annual Resource Fair on Tuesday, May 6, from 10 am to 2 pm. Representatives from Sacramento Self Help Housing, Veterans Family Services Volunteers of America, The Center for Employment Training, and Legal Services of Northern California will be available to answer questions. 

Additional Information offering helpful resources in the area will be available, including information about the many Food Bank services and the Clothes Closet, free blood pressure checks, demonstrations of nutritious cooking on a budget, financial services information, and much more. 

The Resource Fair will be held in the Food Bank parking lot, located at 9820 Dino Drive (nearest cross street is Waterman). For additional information, please contact the Elk Grove Food Bank at 916-685-8453.

Elk Grove Community Garden Vegetable Plant Sale

Buy Locally Grown Vegetable Plants

Hampton Oaks - The Elk Grove Community Garden will be hosting their annual Vegetable Plant Sale on April 19th, 2014, from 9 am - Noon.  Join them at the Elk Grove Community Garden and Learning Center, 10025 Hampton Oak Drive, Elk Grove. 

There will be many varieties of tomato plants for sale, along with peppers, squash and herbs. Most vegetables are $1.

As a bonus, a Master Gardener will be present to answer any questions.

Thank you for supporting the community garden. By supporting them, you help support the Elk Grove Food Bank. (The EG Community Garden has approximately 26 plots dedicated to the EG Food Bank.  Thank you very much!!)

Map of Elk Grove Community Garden

Helping the Homeless of Elk Grove

You're Never Too Young...

Sophia Levasseur, a Joseph Sims Elementary School 4th grader, is learning at an early age, how rewarding volunteering can be.  After a busy week of school, violin and tap dance lessons and rehearsals for her upcoming performance in CATS by the River City Theatre Company, she makes time to help others. 

                              (Pictured with Sophia is her grandmother, Marie Levasseur,                                who has been a volunteer at the Food Bank since 2006.)

Recently, she prepared 34 hygiene bags for homeless clients of the Elk Grove Food Bank. Sophia carefully filled each bag with donated hygiene supplies.  She would like to continue filling bags at home. A variety of toiletry supplies, for example: toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and specific men's and women's items are needed to continue this project. 

The Elk Grove Food Bank and the homeless greatly appreciate Sophia’s efforts!  If you can donate toiletry items please drop them off at the Elk Grove Food Bank. 

The Food Bank is located at 9820 Dino Dr. #140, Elk Grove.

5,323 Thanks to the Elk Grove Community Garden!

The Elk Grove Community Garden donated a grand total of 5,323 pounds of fresh produce and herbs during its garden year March, 2013 - February 2014. 

The Community Garden is entering its 10th growing season and continues to be very successful and one of the best community gardens in the Sacramento area. What a great way to get healthy food on the table to those in need!  EGFBS is extremely grateful for the generous support and partnership over the years.

In the Community Garden there are approximately 26 EGFBS plots. Would it amaze you to learn that members volunteered over 1,528 hours working in  the garden? Whew!  

This Herb Garden was originally an EGFBS Support Works project through a Career Class. It was designed to be a Tea Garden. The class designed the layout, submitted it for Board approval, and then got to work. It has pathways, a drip irrigation system and plants. It has been transformed into an Herb Garden.

Elk Grove is a great community!

Elk Grove Food Bank Services Will Open on Saturdays

Beginning in April, the Elk Grove Food Bank Services (EGFBS) will be open on Saturdays thanks to a partnership with Elk Grove PATH-EG WINS.  Over thirty volunteers from the EG WINS Winter Sanctuary program have pulled together to lend a hand and make a commitment to help make this possible. In an effort to best meet the needs of families and individuals experiencing hardship, especially those who work during the day, EGFBS will now offer food and clothing on Saturdays starting April 5.

“Elk Grove PATH is excited to assist the Food Bank on Saturdays,” said Ed Kelly, one of the community leaders spearheading the new service day. “We think this will really help many working people who can’t come on a weekday.”

“Elk Grove Food Bank Services serves an incredible need, and I am thrilled to able to expand our service hours on Saturdays," said Marie Jachino, Executive Director. “We are extremely proud to partner with Elk Grove PATH/EG WINS supporting such a critical mission.  We don’t see an end in sight to the ever - growing levels of hunger.”

Since 1974 – “40 years,” the Elk Grove Food Bank Services has battled hunger and food insecurity in the Elk Grove and surrounding communities. The Food Bank provides food and others services to over 3,000 people each month.

When:  Saturdays starting April 5, 2014, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Where:  9820 Dino Drive, Suite 140

            Elk Grove, CA  95624

More Information is available at www.elkgrovefoodbank.org.

March is National Nutrition Month - Focus on Fruit

10 Tips Focus on Fruit

It's true that nowadays people are concerned about their sugar intake. However, the abundance of sugar that people are putting in their bodies...they're drinking it. You know, sugary sodas in large quantities multiple times a day. Or, it's in a candy bar, or cereal, or ice cream. It is NOT from eating a piece of fruit. Or a handful.

Check out Sophie Egan's New York Times article, "Making the Case for Eating Fruit." Fruit can help us from overeating. Because fruit rich in fiber breaks down slower than processed food (think potato chips), it triggers "...the satiety hormones that tend to cluster further down the small intestines." And, who doesn't like to feel sated?

Click Here for 10 Tips that focus on fruit and eating more of it! Tell us which tips you have integrated into your life.

On another note, have your registered for the Run 4 Independence benefiting the EG Food Bank? See you there on June 28th!

March is National Nutrition Month - 30 Tips

Eating Healthy on the Run – 30 Tips

You always eat breakfast because… let’s all say it together “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!”

So, that leaves lunch and dinner.  Sure, it’s better to pack your lunch, and eat dinner at home.  But, these tips are for those other times...those rare times. Check out these Tips for healthy eating while you’re out and about. These tips will work in restaurants, sandwich shops, fast food as well as ethnic restaurants.

For me, Tip #7 will be the hardest; I'm a carboholic. And, there are so many different kinds of bread: rolls, muffins, french bread....okay, I'll stop.  Which Tip resonates with you?

Check out “HealthyEating on the Run: A Month of Tips.”

 Next time, we'll talk about eating healthy on a budget!

March - It's National Nutrition Month

Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right

When you're shopping for groceries, do you shop with a list, and stick to it? Do you shop with your stomach and eyes? And, I'm talking about usually here. Sure, there are those occasional (right?) times that you are in a hurry and pick up something quick to eat. But, I'm talking about when you've had time to plan out your meals. You want to get the most taste and nutrition for the money.

Would you agree that the foods you eat most often are the ones you like? Therefore, you want to make good, informed choices so you can develop healthy eating habits. Everyone's so busy these days: working, playing, raising kids, going back to school, volunteering, etc.  

So, before you go shopping, here is a link to help you at the grocery store. Check out "Shop Smart - Get theFacts on Food Labels."

But remember, portion size is as important as good nutrition.  Next time we'll talk about healthy eating on the go!

Meet Jonathan Sparks, Elk Grove Food Bank Volunteer of the Month

Jonathan Sparks, one of the hardest workers in our warehouse, has been a volunteer at the Elk Grove Food Bank for six years. He is a Courtesy Clerk and his always cheerful attitude is contagious!  In fact, Jonathan says making people smile is his favorite part of the job.

Jonathan also volunteers for Special Olympics and has competed in swimming, track and field, and he recently won a gold medal for golf. His hobby is singing; and if you’ve ever had the privilege of hearing him sing, you’ll know just how good he is.

Congratulations Jonathan, we are all very pleased to count you as one of our valuable volunteers.

2,117 Reasons We Love PetSmart!

Thank You, PetSmart!

Thank you PetSmart for your hard work, consideration and continuous support of the Elk Grove Food Bank and our surrounding community of family members with fur and four legs!  Check out the photo below - the total weight of donated pet food is 2,117 lbs; a SUPERB effort! Amazing!

This Food Drive will help all of our clients reach the important decision of feeding their extra family member. 

Your efforts are immeasurable, and we truly look forward to working with PetSmart in the new future.  We appreciate and value this partnership!

PetSmart's Pet Food Drive

PetSmart's Pet Food Drive

PetSmart Hosts Pet Food Drive for Elk Food Bank Services                  

On Saturday, February 8, 2014, PetSmart stores in the greater Sacramento area will be hosting a pet food drive in partnership with Good Day Sacramento for participating Food Banks. This has been made possible thanks to the following sponsors: Blue Buffalo, Bill-Jac, Procter & Gamble and Nutro.

Elk Grove Food Bank Services (EGFBS) will receive donations from the Elk Grove PetSmart location in addition to the south Sacramento and Rancho Cordova stores. PetSmart will be a drop off location for donations and will have a wide selection of pet foods to choose from that can be purchased and donated to benefit EGFBS. 

Like anyone who has been “adopted” by their furry kids, the clients of Elk Grove Food Bank love their pets. “For some of our clients, their pet is their only source of companionship", said Marie Jachino, Executive Director.  “Helping families and especially our seniors and homeless stay together with their pets is crucial.

Please stop by one of three PetSmart locations benefitting EGFBS and donate to this worthy cause.  Your donations will make a difference for pets and pet parents in your community.

Another KCRA Report and More Photos from the Run

KCRA had another report on their evening news.  Board member, Mike Retzlaff, was interviewed and Leticia Ordaz reported from inside the EG Food Bank warehouse. 
 
Here is a link to more photos from the Run 4 Independence. 

Run 4 Independence

Runners and walkers wait for the start of Run 4 Independence 5K and 10K race.  

 This year the Run was dedicated to our organization's co-founder, Bob Fossgreen.

KCRA covered our Run on their morning news.  Here is a link to the coverage. 

The start of the race was exciting, with all of the runners and walkers making their way through our beautiful Elk Grove Regional Park.  While I waited for the runners to circle the course, I met up with a few notable supporters of Elk Grove Food Bank Services.  

Board Member Mike Retzlaff and Assembly Member Dr. Richard Pan

Sheri, Chick-fil-A cow, Shania and Harley (the dog)

I went back to the finish line to try to catch some of our Board and staff who were participating in the Run.

Deb finished strong

I missed Board Members Dean Scourtes and Chris Vogt at the finish.  I also missed Operations Manager Travis Ham.  After the race, I caught up with other participants. 

Hailey, Evelyn and Braden

Gym Bratz:  Sherrie Prettyman, Deb Luck, Pam Thompson, Victoria Johnson and daughter

We thank our community for coming out early this morning to support Elk Grove Food Bank Services.

We truly appreciate the time and effort from our enormous group of volunteers; all have done their part to make this a spectacular annual event!

To our kind sponsors who have stepped forward in support of our Mission and helped us immensely with this Run, our biggest fundraiser of the year:  Thank you!

Thanks to all! 

Board Celebration

Our Operations Manager and Operations Coordinator worked hard to clean up our warehouse and turn it into a banquet room. Boy, it sure cleans up nice.

We had a gathering to thank and honor three Board members' retirement - Cathy O'Neil, Kathleen Mahaney and Jason Olson.

The Brick House Restaurant provided the food. Geno and Franco Cassella donated delicious antipasto, lasagne, sauteed mushrooms, eggplant, veggies and salad. The food was so good that we all ate too much. Thank you, Geno and Franco!

Cathy O'Neil and husband, Mike

Kathleen Mahaney and husband, Steve

Board Member Karina Benskin and Jason Olson

Successful June Baby Drive

In June, local Elk Grove banks teamed up for the June Baby Drive benefiting Elk Grove Food Bank Services. Donations of diapers, formula, books cleansing items and more were dropped off at local branches of River City Bank, Bank of Commerce, El Dorado Savings, US Bank and Mechanics Bank.

The drive, organized by Teresa Rodriguez, Intern to Elk Grove City Council member Gary Davis, placed large boxes inside the branch offices. Employees of the branches decorated the boxes which included the “June Baby Drive” poster designed by Connie Conley of the Elk Grove Community Connection.

Davis and Rodriguez presented all the collected items to Jeri Retzlaff, Chairperson of Elk Grove Food Bank Services; Jim Cline, Board Member and General Manager of Frontier Communications; and Mike Retzlaff, Board Member.

The Best Sign Juggler in Elk Grove!

Our multi-talented volunteer, fundraiser, cross-country bicycler, John Platt.

Who knew that this amazing asset to EG Food Bank could juggle a sign on a street corner with the best of them. John has the moves to keep up with sign jugglers more than 50 years his junior! Wonder what music he is listening to on his iPod?

Come and witness John's gymnastic moves this Holiday weekend at the southeast corner of Elk Grove Boulevard and Waterman Road. While you are there and if you are going to purchase fireworks for your July 4th celebration, stop by our fireworks booth and make your purchase.

All profits will benefit our Support Works program that aids homeless people, provides job readiness training, referral support, case management, women's support group and parenting classes.