Situations happen in life beyond our control and we at time find ourselves needing a bit of help. The Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin has added extra food distributions to assist not only those families that may be affected by the government shutdown directly, but also others like government sub-contractors, vendors and workers that are impacted as well.
Exact numbers of those impacted by this shutdown are not available because those that compile this information are furloughed themselves. But Congressman Jerry McNerney’s office estimated that based on 2014 numbers, those that might be affected directly and associated can number up to a 1,000+ area families.
“We recognize that these are tough times and we are ready to assist. All are welcome,” said Board of Directors Chair, Susanne St. Claire.
Interim CEO, Gillian Murphy commented, “There is a special focus on providing fresh fruits and vegetables as well as ingredients for healthy meals. Our staff and volunteers work extremely hard with our donors to provide a box or bag full of food for each person / family. We also purchase food at a discount to ensure that we have enough to meet the need.”
An average of 275 households are served each day (M-F) at the EFB Main Pantry located at 7 W. Scotts Avenue. In addition, the Food Bank provides classes in general nutrition education, healthy meal planning and food preparation. The emphasis is on health, nutrition, food economics and education.
The Main Pantry is open Monday-Friday, 9 am - noon. New clients should bring an ID with a San Joaquin address. Clients can visit the Pantry three times a month plus a special USDA commodities distribution taking place on the last Wednesday of the month. In addition to the Pantry distributions, the EFB has a Mobile Farmers’ Market that can be found throughout the community distributing fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need.
The Emergency Food Bank is pleased to also announces a new program called “Child Care Mobile Farmers’ Market.” The program is geared to provide food and nutrition information for children in identified high-need areas. Fresh fruit and vegetables will be delivered weekly to the child care providers in the program along with corresponding recipes. This program is possible by funding provided by St. Joseph’s Medical Center/Dignity Health and Community Foundation of San Joaquin County.
The mission of the Emergency Food Bank is to build a stronger community by providing a safety net of healthy food, nutrition education, and hope to residents of San Joaquin County who find themselves in need.
The Emergency Food Bank Stockton/San Joaquin (EFB), founded in 1968, is the largest direct provider of packaged emergency food in San Joaquin County. We are a grassroots food bank that depends on the generosity of donors, supporters, and volunteers.
For assistance or more information, please visit www.StocktonFoodBank.org or call (209) 464-7369.