The average food price has skyrocketed due to corona virus pandemic and recent events. The FAO Food Price Index has saw a fresh record high of nearly 160 points.
A shocking 60% price increase over the 2014-2016 base period shows that hunger is a public health issue of critical importance.
The most vulnerable demographic of society is taking the brunt of this economic pressure. Now more than ever, low-income families must rely on California Free Clinics, California Food Stamps, and food banks.
This guide will list helpful information about Food Bank in Solano County, California and organizations that can help curb hunger, how you can use their services and where to find them.
What is a Food Bank?
Food banks are non-profit charitable organizations that assist financially vulnerable populations by distributing food. Their main objectives is to help low-income individual and families by providing food.
They will work through other 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations like food pantries and soup kitchens. Sometimes they distribute the food themselves via mobile pantry.
Food Bank in Solano County, California serves as a single collection and distribution point for food donations. They operate much like a for-profit food distributor, but they do not use retailers. Instead, they may use church food banks, charities, and other non-profit food pantries to provide food to the people to fight hunger.
How the Food Bank Works?
- 1. Food is donated to a food bank.
- 2. Its stored in a big climate controlled warehouse.
- 3. Food Bank in Solano County, California distributes food to various non-profits for distribution.
- 4. Food reaches to who are in need.
Who can use Food Banks?
Many Food Bank in Solano County, California and food pantries are locally run, with others managed at the state or federal level. Qualification to receive nutrition assistance from food programs depends on the type.
There are different qualifying requirements, but many food banks have none. Just show up during their days and times of operation, and they will help if they are able.
Here are the tips while .
- It is highly advisable to call ahead before you arrive!
- Ask about any eligibility or documentation requirements they may have.
- If required, bring all required documents when you use their services.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank was the first one established in California in 1972 and is the second oldest in the US. It operates multiple distribution centers across the United States.
Impact of Second Harvest Food Bank is huge, It helps 85,000 Santa Cruz residents avoid missing meals and empty stomachs.
Second Harvest Food Bank in Solano County, California is easing the burden of impossible choices for families between food, housing, medicine, and other necessities.
St. Mary's Food Bank
The St. Mary's Food Bank was a first local food bank ever established in the United States in 1967. The St. Mary's Food Bank mission is food security and hunger relief for all Americans.
The St. Mary's distributes millions of pounds of food to the hungry each year, It also operates its own food pantries to allow allow people to access food directly from their warehouses.
It also offer specialized after-school programs for kids and career training for adults.
Church Food Bank Food Bank in Solano County, California
Church Food Bank Food Bank in Solano County, California serve a hot, nutritious lunch 365 days a year, even in the face of terrible weather and ever-increasing demand.
Church Food Bank welcome anyone who is in need of a meal, regardless of the person's circumstance, with no questions asked. It also provide showers, laundry, mail, I.D. assistance and other essential services.
Feeding America
John van Hengel, the founder of St. Mary's Food Bank, went on to create a national organization for food banks. The Feeding America organization is a leader in the nation's domestic hunger-relief efforts.
The Coronavirus epidemic put even more pressure on America's most vulnerable citizens. Feeding America has helped serve 6.6 billion meals to date.
The Feeding America have grown through donations and other charitable efforts to be able to deliver much-needed food via food rescue, hunger relief programs, and disaster response.
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is a local, non-profit agency committed to serving individuals and families in need. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is dedicated to assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pain and problems and moving them toward self-sufficiency and financial independence.
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services' Produce for All program provides free produce to low income individuals and families. SFBFS distributes fresh fruits and vegetables directly in under served, food deserts. SFBFS partners with community organizations such as health clinics, schools and resource centers to provide fresh produce and awareness to local resources available throughout the community. The program's goal uses free produce to incentivize families to access other local resources to reach self-sufficiency.
SFBFS distributes produce in a high-need area that offers little to no access to fresh produce. Locations are selected in proximity to community resource centers such as health clinics. Local organizations with helpful resources attend each distribution to provide information and referrals Partnering organizations assist with the publicity and encourage community engagement
Our Produce for All program provides fresh produce to individuals and families throughout Sacramento county.
We distribute several different types of bagged fruits & vegetables directly from our truck.
There is no proof of address or income requirement – all are welcome!
For more information, please call Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services' Food Hotline at (916) 313-7606
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call to book your appointment.
Address :
7215 55th St,
Sacramento, CA 95823.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Sacramento
- San Joaquin
- Yolo
- Placer
- El Dorado
- Solano
- Sutter
- Yuba
River City Food Bank
Assistance with the food budget helps clients avoid a downward economic spiral. Our help allows clients to meet basic living expenses such as rent, utility bills and transportation costs.
A family or individual who reports income at or below the poverty line can receive a three-day supply of nutritionally-balanced food up to once a month. Families with small children also receive non-food items such as diapers, baby food and formula.
Documents Required:
-Photo ID
-Medical IDs or birth certificates for all dependent children
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (916) 446-2627 to book your appointment.
Address :
,
Sacramento, CA 95816.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Tues: 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Wed: 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Fri: 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Sacramento
- San Joaquin
- Yolo
- Placer
- El Dorado
- Solano
- Sutter
- Yuba
Alameda Food Bank
The Food Bank’s mission is to provide nutritious food to the low-income residents of the City of Alameda on a non-discriminating basis. The Alameda Food Bank is a private, non-affiliated, non-profit, tax-exempt agency. The Food Bank is overseen by a board of directors composed of community volunteers. Its day to day operation is run by two paid staff members and over 150 volunteers.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (510) 523-5850 to book your appointment.
Address :
1900 Thau Way,
Alameda, CA 94501.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Alameda
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
- Santa Clara
- City and County of San Francisco
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Solano
- Napa
- Marin
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano has been serving the community for over 35 years. The Food Bank serves approximately 149,000 hungry people in need every month directly at community sites and through a network of 180 charitable agencies, and distributed nearly 16 million pounds last year! The Food Bank works to reduce food waste, feed hungry people, and raise public awareness of issues related to food and hunger. The work could not get done without the help of the hundreds of volunteers that donate their time to coordinate food drives, sort and pack the food, and help distribute it to their hungry neighbors. - See more at: http://www.foodbankccs.org/about.html#sthash.cRqDRMB0.dpuf
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (925) 676-7543 to book your appointment.
Address :
4010 Nelson Ave,
Concord, CA 94520.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Concord
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Napa
- Solano
- Marin
- San Joaquin
- Sonoma
- Sacramento
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is a local, non-profit agency committed to serving individuals and families in need. With a staff of 40 and a volunteer force of over 5,800, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services provides free emergency goods and services to 25,000 unduplicated men, women and children each month. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services provides a 5-day supply of emergency groceries to families in need, three days per week. In an effort to better move families toward self-sufficiency, grocery items such as fresh vegetables and fruit, grains and dairy are distributed instead of hot meals. 22,000 individuals receive an abundance of fresh groceries every month. Our quality groceries come from a variety of sources including donations from local grocery stores, organic farmers and the community. In order for our clients to feel empowered to use the goods they receive, food is distributed in a respectful and dignified manner. Set up like an open-air, farmers' market, individuals and families are invited to see the produce, enjoy samples, take suggested recipe, gather health and nutrition resources and ask questions about the items they are receiving. As with all of our programs, all goods and services are provided at no cost. In an effort to combat many of the health ailments facing families in our community, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services partners with agencies to distribute health and nutrition information such as managing diabetes and combating obesity.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (916) 456-1980 to book your appointment.
Address :
3333 Third Ave,
Sacramento, CA 95817.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Sacramento
Help Residents of Counties:
- Sacramento
- San Joaquin
- Yolo
- Placer
- El Dorado
- Solano
- Sutter
- Yuba
Food Bank of Yolo County
Since 1970, we've been working to address hunger issues and make a difference in the lives of the people and communities of Yolo County. Founded as a volunteer-run backyard gleaning program, Yolo Food Bank has grown to an organizational network of staff, volunteers, and partner agencies. We coordinate the storage and distribution of food from a network of growers, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and grocery stores, while cultivating new sources of food. We collaborate with non-profit programs, private and public sector agencies, and service organizations throughout Yolo County to serve 25,000 people each month and distribute 3 million pounds of food annually.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (530) 668-0690 to book your appointment.
Address :
1244 Fortna Ave,
Woodland, CA 95776.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Woodland
Help Residents of Counties:
- Sacramento
- Solano
- Yolo
- Sutter
- Placer
- Colusa
- Yuba
Elk Grove Food Bank Services
Elk Grove Food Bank Services (EGFBS) was founded in 1974. Since its inception, the EGFBS has distributed over 4,543,000 meals or approximately 7,522,000 pounds of food within the community. The Food Bank has changed over the years and continues to adapt to the needs of individuals we serve. Our mission is to provide essential resources to overcome the many faces of hunger and human need and remains unchanged. A recognized non-profit leader, the EGFBS is the only food bank serving the community, providing free food, clothing and social services. It originally started from a food closet at a local church by the Elk Grove Ministerial Association. As the region experienced explosive growth, the Food Bank continued to expand its services to keep up with the additional challenges brought on with influx of new residents. Today the Food Bank has seven comprehensive programs and serves 3,300 people each month.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (916) 685-8453 to book your appointment.
Address :
9820 Dino Dr Ste 140,
Elk Grove, CA 95624.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Elk Grove
Help Residents of Counties:
- Sacramento
- Solano
- Contra Costa
- San Joaquin
- Yolo
- Placer
- Amador
- Sutter
- El Dorado
Alameda County Community Food Bank
Alameda County Community Food Bank has been in business since 1985 ... with a vision toward a day when we can go out of business. We are the hub of a vast collection and distribution network that provides food for 275 nonprofit agencies in Alameda County. In 2012, the Food Bank distributed 23.2 million pounds of food, 53% of it fresh fruits and vegetables. Since moving into our permanent facility near the Oakland Airport in 2005 and leading the national food bank movement for a ban on the distribution of carbonated beverages, the Food Bank has ramped up distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables by more than 1,000%.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (510) 635-3663 to book your appointment.
Address :
7900 Edgewater Dr,
Oakland, CA 94621.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Oakland
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
- Santa Clara
- City and County of San Francisco
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Solano
- Napa
- Marin
Community Action of Napa Valley Food Bank
The Food Bank assists people in becoming and/or remaining self-sufficient by lessening the stress of meeting their basic need for food. We provide a variety of nutritious food to low-income individuals, families, seniors, and non-profit organizations throughout Napa County. Through unique partnerships we facilitate four programs and maximize food availability and access.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (707) 253-6128 to book your appointment.
Address :
607 Airpark Rd Apt B,
Napa, CA 94558.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Napa
Help Residents of Counties:
- Contra Costa
- Napa
- Solano
- Alameda
- Marin
- Sonoma
- Yolo
Emergency Food Bank and Family Services
The Emergency Food Bank, founded in 1968, is the largest direct provider of packaged emergency food in San Joaquin County. Over one thousand people a day are served healthy food from Emergency Food Bank services. Almost six million pounds of food is distributed each year from our main location and 13 pantries in Stockton and San Joaquin County. That equates to almost 200 fully loaded 54’ semi-trailer loads, feeding over one hundred thousand men, women, and children nutritious food each year, without charge. The Food Bank provides food service to 13 satellite pantries throughout the County, over thirty non-profit agencies, treatment centers and to scores of public events related to healthy living and nutrition. We emphasize health, nutrition, food economics and education. All food bags are packaged with an eye to balanced nutrition. The Food Bank provides classes in general nutrition education, healthy meal planning and food preparation. The Food Bank also provides a service to grocery stores, food processors, farmers and reclamation distribution centers by taking excess or usable foods that would otherwise be thrown away. Additionally, the Food Bank teaches basic job skills and provides training in data entry, clerical office skills, warehouse operation and truck operation. Food Pantry Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (209) 464-7369 to book your appointment.
Address :
7 W Scotts Ave,
Stockton, CA 95203.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Stockton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Contra Costa
- Solano
- San Joaquin
- Stanislaus
- Sacramento
- Amador
- Yolo
VACA FISH FOOD BANK
Vaca Fish provides food for families who: Are residents of Vacaville and Elmira; Meet Vaca Fish income requirements; Have not received food from Vaca Fish for at least 30 days; Can present picture identification when picking up food; Did not receive food from another organization on the same day. Vaca Fish furnishes enough food to feed the family for three days. - nine meals. At Thanksgiving, Vaca Fish distributes bags of food on the Saturday preceding the holiday. Vaca Fish serves up to 200 families each holiday. Hours: Tuesday through Friday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Food order requests received 10:00 am - 11:00 am.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (707) 447-5482 to book your appointment.
Address :
40 Eldridge Ave # 9,
Vacaville, CA 95688.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Vacaville
Help Residents of Counties:
- Contra Costa
- Napa
- Solano
- Sonoma
- Yolo
- Sacramento
- San Joaquin
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally run program that helps obtain badly needed food for low-income people and families. SNAP program is also known as Food Stamp.
SNAP benefits in Solano County supplied approximately 40 million Americans in 2018. It is the most extensive nutrition program administered by Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and is a vital component of the social safety net for low-income Americans.
In 2017, roughly 9.2% of American households obtained SNAP benefits, with about 16.7% of all children living in homes benefiting.
The program had used paper "stamps" or coupons in the past – worth $1 (brown), $5 (blue), and $10 (green). These were bound into small booklets of various denominations, to be torn out individually and used in single-use exchanges.
Free Food Programs Summary
| Acronym | Name | For Moms & Kids | For Seniors | For Food Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| TEFAP | The Emergency Food Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CSFP | The Commodity Supplemental Food Program | No | Yes | Yes |
| CACFP | The Child and Adult Care Food Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| NSLP | The National School Lunch Program | Yes | No | No |
| SBP | The School Breakfast Program | Yes | No | No |
| SFSP | The Summer Food Service Program | Yes | No | No |
| WIC | Women, Infants, and Children | Yes | No | No |
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food Bank?
Specifically, Solano County food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. How do you qualify for Solano County food bank assistance?
To qualify for food bank assistance you must provide:
- Current state-issued ID
- Social Security numbers of all household members
- Current electric bill to prove residence
- Bank Statement for income verification