Cyclists Roll to Fight Hunger

13^th annual Supermarket Street Sweep race this Saturday!

SAN FRANCISCO (December 1, 2018) Hundreds of cyclists will hit the streets of San Francisco to help “pedal the Food Bank closer to our goal of ending hunger. It’s the 13th annual Super Market Street Sweep.

It’s part food drive, part bicycle race, involving people on two wheels – and even three wheels. They zip around the city with donated dollars, and purchase much-needed groceries for our neighbors in need. These dedicated cyclists pick up food and haul it all back with wagons and carriers, up and down hills, in order to cross the finish line at our warehouse.

“We set a goal of providing 10 million meals this holiday season to our community members who might otherwise go without,” said Food Bank spokeswoman Katy McKnight. “We’re making progress, but we still need the help. The Super Market Street Sweep is a great example of how ingenuity and creativity – along with a big dose of fun – can help tackle hunger.”

Last year, participants raised more than $16,000 and collected over 13,000 pounds of food. This year, racers have set a goal of raising $20,000!  Since Super Market Street Sweep began in 2006, participants have collected nearly 100,000 pounds of food, and donated over $90,000 – enough for more than a quarter million meals!

WHAT: Racers on bike arrive at the Food Bank with their hauls of donated goods, followed by a post-race party. (Plenty of Interview/Sound/Video opportunities)

WHO: Cyclists and Food Bank spokesperson Katy McKnight

WHEN: Saturday, December 1, 2018. 10:00am – 6:00pm (cyclists start arriving between 1p-4p)

WHERE: The Food Bank warehouse – 900 Pennsylvania Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94107

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Seelig
Public Relations Manager – San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 ext. 270; (cell) 415-246-9146
mseelig@sfmfoodbank.org

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About the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where one in four neighbors is at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone is able to obtain enough nutritious food in a dignified manner to support the health and well-being of themselves and their families. We address hunger head on: from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries, to our nutrition-education classes and CalFresh food-stamp enrollment, we work in many ways to nourish and empower neighbors in need. Every week, 30,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org.

SF Mayor London Breed joins volunteers at Food Bank for Giving Tuesday

SAN FRANCISCO (November 27, 2018) – Celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, “Giving Tuesday” is now known as a global day of giving – the charitable answer to the more commercialized events of “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday.”  It’s a day when many people focus on making a difference in their communities through volunteering and/or charitable giving to their favorite nonprofits.

This year, Giving Tuesday will be an especially busy time at the SF-Marin Food Bank as large groups of volunteers, who signed up for this day months in advance, will be on hand all day, packing and sorting food. They’ll be joined by a special guest, San Francisco Mayor London Breed.  The Mayor will take a short tour of the Food Bank warehouse, then will roll up her sleeves and sort food alongside volunteers.

“We are always working to provide food security for all San Franciscans, but these efforts take on particular urgency during this time of year,” said Mayor Breed. “The holiday season is about being of service to others and helping those who are less fortunate, and Giving Tuesday is a celebration of that spirit.”

“We know that hunger doesn’t end on the day after Thanksgiving,” says Food Bank Executive Director Paul Ash.  “That’s why we embrace days like Giving Tuesday.  It helps us, and our supporters focus on giving, so we can feed neighbors in need year-round.”

WHAT: Mayor London Breed Tours the Food Bank and talks about the importance of Giving Tuesday.

WHEN: November 27, 2018   11:30am – 12:00pm

WHERE: 900 Pennsylvania Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94107

WHO:  Mayor London Breed, Food Bank Executive Director Paul Ash, and Representatives from St. Anne School in SF will be on site and available for interviews.

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CONTACT:
Mark Seelig
Manager Public Relations
San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 ext 270; (cell) 415-246-9146

About the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where one in four neighbors is at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone can obtain enough nutritious food in a dignified manner to support the health and well-being of themselves and their families. We address hunger head on: from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries, to our nutrition-education classes and CalFresh food-stamp enrollment, we work in many ways to nourish and empower neighbors in need. Every week, 30,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org.

(San Francisco – September 29, 2018)  Twenty two of the finest chefs in the Bay Area showed off their sterling culinary skills on Saturday, September 29th as part of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s annual “One Big Table” gala. Led by Chef Tyler Florence of the Wayfare Tavern, the all-star lineup of chefs (see list below) served up a series of amazing appetizers, and signature three-course meals to close to 400 guests inside the Food Bank’s Potrero Hill warehouse.

This year’s Community Partner Honorees were Jack and Joann Bertges, and Dr. Rita Nguyen.

Jack Bertges has worn many hats for the Food Bank, including board member and fundraiser. For the past 20 years, the Bertges’ annual golf tournament has raised over $600,000 to help feed our neighbors in need.

Dr. Nguyen has been instrumental in the launch of our innovative Food Pharmacy program, in which food is used as medicine for diabetes and hypertension patients at local health clinics. Data is forthcoming, but early reports indicate that patients are seeing blood pressure and blood sugars lowered as a result of eating healthy food from the Food Bank.

Generous supporters at One Big Table on Saturday helped the Food Bank raise enough money to create well over a million meals, which will go a long way towards the Food Bank’s mission to end hunger in the community.

 THE CHEFS: 

Nicollete Manescalchi – A16
Ryan Mcilwraith – Bellota
Jesus Escobar and Kelsey Coulson – Barbacco + Perbacco
Michael Whiteman and Lori Baker – Bluestem Brasserie
Dominick Maietta – Coqueta
Jason Halverson –Corridor
Larry Finn – Credo
Melissa Reitz – Locanda  
Raj Dixit – Michael Mina 
Mark Dommen – One Market 
Daniel Capra – Paula LeDuc Fine Catering
Pujan Sarkar – Rooh 
Francisco Baca and Brandon Clements – The Saratoga
Teague Moriarty – Sons and Daughters 
Mark Sullivan – Spruce
Charles Phan – Slanted Door
Parke Urlich and Justin Baade – Waterbar 
Tyler Florence – Wayfare Tavern

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Seelig
Public Relations Manager – SF-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 ext. 270; (cell) 415-246-9146
mseelig@sfmfoodbank.org

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About San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where one in four neighbors is at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone is able to obtain enough nutritious food in a dignified manner to support the health and well-being of themselves and their families. We address hunger head on: from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries, to our nutrition-education classes and food-stamp enrollment, we work in many ways to nourish and empower neighbors in need. Every week, 30,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org.

 

SAN FRANCISCO-MARIN FOOD BANK TEAMS UP WITH STARBUCKS AND FEEDING AMERICA ON MASSIVE FOOD DONATION PROGRAM

Starbucks FoodShare expected to rescue and donate 400,000 pounds of ready-to-eat food each year in San Francisco and Marin

SEPTEMBER 19, SAN FRANCISCO, CA) – Today, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Starbucks, and Feeding America® have joined forces to celebrate the launch of the Starbucks ‘FoodShare’ program in the Bay Area.

Seven days a week, ‘FoodShare’ donations are picked up in refrigerated vehicles from more than 80 Starbucks stores in San Francisco and Marin. The food is then transported to Food Bank partners St. Anthony’s Foundation and Glide Memorial Church the same day, and is distributed to hungry neighbors through daily meal programs.  It’s estimated that more than 400,000 pounds of fresh, unsold food will be rescued by this program this year in San Francisco and Marin. FoodShare is not only helping to strengthen the community but also is a big part of Starbucks’ overall commitment to reducing food waste.

Food Bank Chief Operating Officer Meredith Nguyen applauds Starbucks’ visionary approach: “Rescuing and sharing Starbucks’ fantastic food is only possible because the company has also invested in our operations and infrastructure. They provided funds that enabled us to hire drivers and contributed to the purchase of a new refrigerated van so that we could launch and sustain this effort.”

“Organizations like the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Glide Memorial Church and St. Anthony’s Foundation make it possible for our surplus food to get into the hands that need it most,” said Laura Olson, Starbucks director of Global Social Impact. “We take great pride in supporting the communities we serve in any way we can. Through FoodShare, our partners are able to give back to people in need and address one of the most serious issues we have today, hunger.”

Henry is a retired Navy veteran who is living on fixed income in downtown San Francisco.  He recently had a chance to try some Starbucks FoodShare items at St. Anthony’s Dining Room. “This here is saving me right now,” he said, pointing to a Starbucks packaged fruit salad.  “I’ll eat lunch here and take this fruit home with me and use it as dinner. The fact that I can take it home and keep it fresh is very useful.”

Starbucks intends to scale this program, and by 2020 to rescue 100 percent of its food available for donation from participating company-operated U.S. stores.

Click here for more information about the Starbucks FoodShare program at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank.

CONTACT:
Mark Seelig
Manager Public Relations
San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 ext 270; (cell) 415-246-9146

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ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO-MARIN FOOD BANK

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where one in four neighbors is at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone is able to obtain enough nutritious food in a dignified manner to support the health and well-being of themselves and their families. We address hunger head on: from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries, to our nutrition-education classes and food-stamp enrollment, we work in many ways to nourish and empower neighbors in need. Every week, 30,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org

ABOUT STARBUCKS

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at https://news.starbucks.com.

ABOUT FEEDING AMERICA

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 46 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org

 

(June 2018) While the Golden State Warriors took care of business on the hardwood, sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, fans of “Dub Nation” also took care of business, raising thousands of dollars for their neighbors in need in what has become an annual tradition; the Food Bank Finals Challenge.

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank and the Alameda County Community Food Bank asked Warriors fans to show they are more generous than “Cavs” fans, when it comes to supporting their local food banks.  When the series ended with the Warriors’ decisive game 4 victory, and the dust had settled, we started to tally up all the donations made during this super fun campaign.  Alameda County collected the most donations – $15,071.13.  The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank collected 5029.60.  The Greater Cleveland Food Bank only collected 155.00.  Collectively, all three food banks are able to turn that amount into over $130,000 worth of food.

Quotes:

“There will certainly be a winner in this contest, but we all win when fans take time to help their neighbors in need at the same time.” Paul Ash, Executive Director of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. 

“It’s incredible that we are hosting part of the NBA Finals in the Bay Area for the fourth-straight year, and we’re grateful that both the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers can use the championship series as an opportunity to amplify awareness around feeding the hungry,” said Joanne Pasternack, Golden State Warriors Vice President of Community Relations and Executive Director of the Warriors Community Foundation. “As we all work together to help the food banks meet their collective goal over the course of the NBA Finals, this partnership spanning communities is more proof of how the NBA, its teams and its marquee events can help bring people together for a common cause.”

“I am proud to cheer on the Warriors for the fourth year in a row while joining forces with all of Dub Nation to support our local food bank,” said San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell. “Together, we are helping feed families and residents in need – that is what ‘Strength In Numbers’ is all about.”

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Mark Seelig
Public Relations Manager
San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 ext. 270; (cell) 415-246-9146
mseelig@sfmfoodbank.org

Mike Altfest
Director of Community Engagement
Alameda County Community Food Bank
Phone: (510) 635-3663 ext. 330; (cell) 510-684-8655
maltfest@accfb.org

Karen Pozna
Director of Communications
Greater Cleveland Food Bank
216-738-2132; (cell) 216-214-9436
kpozna@clevelandfoodbank.org

About San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where one in four neighbors is at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone is able to obtain enough nutritious food in a dignified manner to support the health and well-being of themselves and their families. We address hunger head on: from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries, to our nutrition-education classes and food-stamp enrollment, we work in many ways to nourish and empower neighbors in need. Every week, 30,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org.

About Alameda County Community Food Bank

Alameda County Community Food Bank—Feeding America’s 2016-2017 Food Bank of the Year–has been at the forefront of hunger relief efforts in the Bay Area since 1985. This year, the Food Bank will distribute the equivalent of 28 million meals. More than half of the food distributed is farm-fresh produce. The Food Bank serves 1 in 5 Alameda County residents by distributing food through a network of more than 200 food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community organizations, as well as direct-distribution programs including Children’s Backpack and Mobile Pantry. For 11 consecutive years, Alameda County Community Food Bank has received Charity Navigator’s top rating — Four Stars — ranking the organization among the top 1 percent of charities nationwide. Learn more at www.accfb.org

About Greater Cleveland Food Bank

The Food Bank is the largest hunger relief organization in Northeast Ohio, providing over 55 million meals in 2017 to hungry people in Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Ashland and Richland counties. Our mission is to ensure that everyone in our communities has the nutritious food they need every day. We do this through both food distribution and SNAP outreach efforts. The best and easiest way to help is to go online: visit us at www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org

 

SAN RAFAEL, CA (March 20, 2018) – The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is pleased to announce that we are expanding our operations in Marin with the acquisition of a large warehouse property in San Rafael.

The 38,000 square foot building, located at 2550 Kerner Boulevard in San Rafael, contains both warehouse and office space, and is approximately three times larger than the facility we currently lease in Novato.  The Food Bank completed the property purchase in early January 2018, and will move staff and operations into the new facility beginning on March 30th.  We will vacate our leased facility in Novato, which we have occupied for many years.

Food distribution to Marin pantries and partners will continue uninterrupted during the move, but volunteer shifts in Marin have been temporarily suspended as the new site undergoes some construction to create optimal work-space.

“This new property is a game changer for our organization – and for our community,” said Food Bank Executive Director Paul Ash.  “For several years, we have been looking for additional warehouse space that would enable us to continue growing our operations and serve even more neighbors in need. This new facility will enable us to do just that – to increase our food distribution, add more services, and engage with more Marin residents who wish to volunteer their time in our warehouse.”

The Food Bank acquired the San Rafael property at a favorable purchase price.  In addition, the building owner made a generous donation to the Food Bank to facilitate the sale.

The Food Bank plans to make improvements to the Marin property over the next several months. In addition, the organization is planning a Capital Campaign to raise funds for the expansion of its facilities and operations in both San Francisco and Marin Counties.

The last time the Food Bank expanded was when the San Francisco Food Bank merged with the Marin Community Food Bank in 2011. The table below shows the Food Bank’s growth since the 2011 merger.

Marin totals	2011 (merger)	2017
Pounds of food distributed annually	2.1 million	6.1 million
Number of food pantries	18	51
Number of volunteers	2,000	3,200

In spite of the phenomenal growth and success that the Food Bank has achieved since 2011, there still remains a substantial unmet need in Marin. The latest data from the Food Bank’s Missing Meals report shows that Marin residents missed out on approximately 9 million meals in 2015, a significant meal gap that persists even with the food provided by government programs and nonprofits like us.

Please check out some photos of the new facility at 2550 Kerner Boulevard, San Rafael CA here.

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About the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where one in four neighbors is at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone is able to obtain enough nutritious food in a dignified manner to support the health and well-being of themselves and their families. We address hunger head on: from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries, to our nutrition-education classes and CalFresh food-stamp enrollment, we work in many ways to nourish and empower neighbors in need. Every week, 30,000 households count on us for food assistance.  More than 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Seelig, PR Manager
San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 ext. 270; (cell) 415-246-9146
mseelig@sfmfoodbank.org

SAN FRANCISCO (November 23, 2017) – We all know that Thanksgiving Day is a time to gather with family and friends and share a warm meal and some reflections on the past year’s accomplishments. In order to make that happen for as many of our neighbors as possible, and to keep churning out fresh, nutritious food to our community AFTER the holiday, the Food Bank and its volunteers will be hustling and bustling for several hours on Thanksgiving Day.

“We know how important it is to help provide a traditional holiday meal for our pantry participants, but equally important is knowing that hunger doesn’t end the Friday after Thanksgiving,” says Food Bank Public Relations Manager Mark Seelig. “Our mission is year-round and requires focus, dedication, and an awful lot of help from generous members of the public.”

WHAT: Food Bank employees and dozens of volunteers, packing food.

WHEN: November 23, 2017 9:00am-1:00pm

WHERE: 900 Pennsylvania Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94107

WHO: A Food Bank representative and various volunteers will be on site and available for interviews. Plenty of Audio/Video/Image possibilities.

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About the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where one in four neighbors is at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone is able to obtain enough nutritious food in a dignified manner to support the health and well-being of themselves and their families. We address hunger head on: from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries, to our nutrition-education classes and CalFresh food-stamp enrollment, we work in many ways to nourish and empower neighbors in need. Every week, 30,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Seelig, Manager of Public Relations
San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 x270; (cell) 415-246-9146
mseelig@sfmfoodbank.org

SAN FRANCISCO (November 15, 2017) The Food Bank serves upwards of 144,000 people each week, made possible only through strong relationships with partner agencies. This Wednesday, that collaboration will be on full display.

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank will be working with our friends at Meals on Wheels to distribute thousands of pounds of holiday food to low-income seniors and disabled individuals enrolled in our Home-Delivered Groceries Program. Take a behind-the-scenes tour to see just how Thanksgiving groceries are distributed.

WHEN: Wednesday, 11/15
5:45am – 6:15am: Pallets of food will be packed and loaded at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. Interviews available with Food Bank employees.
6:15am – 6:30am: Truck will deliver food from the Food Bank to Meals on Wheels.
6:30am – 7:00am: Food will be unloaded from truck at Meals on Wheels.
7:00am – 8:30am: Volunteers assemble 600 bags of Thanksgiving groceries.
8:15am: Special ribbon-cutting ceremony as a new Subaru Forester is donated to Meals on Wheels, exclusively for the Home-Delivered Groceries Program.
8:30am: Volunteers load up Subaru vehicle with bags of Thanksgiving groceries and deliver them to low-income seniors in the Tenderloin and SoMa.

WHERE:
Food items packed and loaded in to Food Bank Truck:
San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
900 Pennsylvania Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94107

Grocery Assembly:
Meals on Wheels
1375 Fairfax Avenue
San Francisco, CA. 94124

Meal Delivery:
The Tenderloin and SoMa

WHAT:
A Behind-The-Scenes look at the distribution of thousands of pounds of food to hundreds of low-income seniors prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. Dedication of a brand new Subaru exclusively for Meals on Wheels’ Home-Delivered Groceries Program.

WHO:
Representatives from San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, and Subaru.

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About the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where one in four neighbors is at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone is able to obtain enough nutritious food in a dignified manner to support the health and well-being of themselves and their families. We address hunger head on: from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries, to our nutrition-education classes and CalFresh food-stamp enrollment, we work in many ways to nourish and empower neighbors in need. Every week, 30,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org

About Meals on Wheels Home Delivered Groceries Program
Meals on Wheels Home Delivered Grocery program provides groceries weekly to 300 low-income seniors in every neighborhood of San Francisco. In partnership with the
San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, this 100% volunteer-led program alleviates food insecurity among some of San Francisco’s most vulnerable seniors.
http://www.mowsf.org/

MEDIA CONTACT:
Maria Stokes Director of Marketing and Communications
San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 x264; (cell) 415-312-8750
mstokes@sfmfoodbank.org

Karl Robillard
Director of Marketing & Communications
Meals on Wheels
(office) 415-343-1315; (cell) 415-722-4512
krobillard@mowsf.org

SAN FRANCISCO (November 6, 2017) – It’s that time of year again, when the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank counts turkeys. It’s all part of our annual Thanksgiving push to help more than 100 of our nonprofit partners – like Project Open Hand, Delancey Street Foundation, and Homeward Bound of Marin – serve up Thanksgiving Day meals to neighbors in need in San Francisco and Marin.

Fortunately, Foster Farms is stepping up again this year, donating 800 turkeys (over 14,000 lbs – enough to create 16,000 meals!) to the Food Bank on Monday, November 6th. But more turkeys are needed this holiday season. The Food Bank is encouraging people to donate frozen turkeys by bringing them to our warehouses in San Francisco and Marin, Monday through Friday (8am to 5pm in SF and 8am to 3pm in Marin).

While turkey is the main event, we also need food for traditional holiday side dishes. In all, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank will deliver 2 million pounds through our pantry network during the week before Thanksgiving – including 30,000 whole chickens, 40,000 pounds of yams, 5,000 pounds of green beans, and 2,800 pounds of cranberries!

WHAT: Foster Farms delivers 800 turkeys to San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Warehouse. Food Bank issues a call for more donations to complete the traditional holiday meal.

WHEN: Monday, November 6th, from 10:00am – 10:30am

WHO: Food Bank Executive Director Paul Ash and a Foster Farms representative.

WHERE: San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Warehouse, 900 Pennsylvania Ave. San Francisco 94107

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About the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where one in four neighbors is at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone is able to obtain enough nutritious food in a dignified manner to support the health and well-being of themselves and their families. We address hunger head on: from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries, to our nutrition-education classes and CalFresh food-stamp enrollment, we work in many ways to nourish and empower neighbors in need. Every week, 30,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Seelig, PR Manager, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 x270; (cell) 415-246-9146
mseelig@sfmfoodbank.org

SAN FRANCISCO (October 4, 2017) – As the San Francisco Bay Area readies itself for a massive influx of military personnel as part of Fleet Week festivities, we at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank are making preparations of our own.  Dozens of members of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps will descend on our warehouse this Wednesday, October 4 — at precisely 0900 hours — to take part in one of our more vigorous volunteer shifts.

Marines and Navy personnel will be on “active duty” – working alongside civilian volunteers – gleaning and boxing some of the fresh produce we distribute to 30,000 households each week.  During the two-hour shift, these men and women in uniform will pack THOUSANDS of pounds of fruit and/or vegetables.

Recent studies show one in four military households in the U.S. receive assistance from a food bank.

“Last year was the first time we had Fleet Week participants volunteering in our warehouse and it was a very rewarding experience.  We can’t wait to welcome back the men and women who fight for our freedom.” Said Paul Ash, Executive Director of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank.

WHO:  Dozens of Fleet Week military members in uniform arriving at the Food Bank in an armored vehicle, ready for action.

WHAT:  A 2-hour volunteer shift inside our warehouse.

WHERE:  The Food Bank’s San Francisco warehouse at 900 Pennsylvania Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94107

WHEN:  Wednesday, October 4, 2016.  9:00am – 11:00am

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About the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin, where one in four neighbors is at risk of hunger. We envision a community where everyone is able to obtain enough nutritious food in a dignified manner to support the health and well-being of themselves and their families. We address hunger head on: from our pantry network and home-delivered groceries, to our nutrition-education classes and CalFresh food-stamp enrollment, we work in many ways to nourish and empower neighbors in need. Every week, 30,000 households count on us for food assistance. Nearly 60 percent of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more at www.sfmfoodbank.org.

Media kit: www.sfmfoodbank.org/media-kit

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Seelig, PR Manager, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 x270; (cell) 415-246-9146
mseelig@sfmfoodbank.org