News Types: Press Releases

Fleet Week:  U.S. Military Fights Hunger at Food Bank

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

Dozens will take part in critical warehouse volunteer shift

SAN FRANCISCO (October 3, 2016) – As the San Francisco Bay Area readies itself for a massive influx of military personnel as part of Fleet Week festivities, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is 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 Friday, October 7 — at precisely 0900 hours — to take part in one of our vigorous volunteer shifts.

Marine and Navy personnel will be on “active duty,” working alongside civilian volunteers to assemble boxes of non-perishable items for our Supplemental Food Program, which helps feed 11,000 home-bound seniors each year.  During their three-hour shift, these men and women in uniform will pack approximately 20,000 pounds of food.

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

You can expect plenty of visuals, as well as Fleet Week and Food Bank representatives on hand for media interviews.

WHAT:  U.S. military “march” on the Food Bank for a volunteer shift inside our warehouse.

WHEN:  Friday, October 7, 2016.  8:45a – 12:00 noon

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

Food Bank Partners with Morgan Stanley to Continue Delivering Nutritious Meals

October 12, 2016

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank today announced a $50,000 grant from the Morgan Stanley Foundation to expand its child hunger initiatives. The grant is part of the Morgan Stanley Foundation’s recently announced $8 million, four-year pledge to support Feeding America, a nationwide network of 200 food banks, and its children’s “Hunger and Produce” programs. Since the firm’s partnership with Feeding America launched in 2009, the Foundation has given over $21 million, including $110,000 to the Food Bank.

“We are thrilled to receive this important grant from the Morgan Stanley Foundation in support of our efforts to deliver more nutritious meals to children and families in San Francisco and Marin,” said Food Bank Executive Director Paul Ash. “Morgan Stanley and its employees provide vital support for us through generous contributions like this and many hours volunteering.”

“We are honored to be able to help The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank in its important fight against child hunger,” said Morgan Stanley Complex Director Patricia Benner. “Our employees volunteer regularly with the Food Bank so we are delighted to extend our support through this grant and provide even more children with the foods they need to learn, grow and thrive.”

“Grants like this from Morgan Stanley make a vital difference in our efforts to provide children with the nutritious meals they need every day,” said Nancy Curby, Interim Senior Vice President of Development at Feeding America. “More than 13 million children in the United States live at risk of hunger. Together, we can solve hunger and ensure that children have the fuel they need to grow healthy and strong.”

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Seelig, PR Manager, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 x270; (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 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

 

 

Bay Area Fleet Week: U.S. Military Members Fight Hunger at Food Bank

October 3, 2016

As the San Francisco Bay Area readies itself for a massive influx of military personnel as part of Fleet Week festivities, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is 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 Friday, October 7 — at precisely 0900 hours — to take part in one of our vigorous volunteer shifts.

Marine and Navy personnel will be on “active duty,” working alongside civilian volunteers to assemble boxes of non-perishable items for our Supplemental Food Program, which helps feed 11,000 home-bound seniors each year.  During their three-hour shift, these men and women in uniform will pack approximately 20,000 pounds of food.

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

You can expect plenty of visuals, as well as Fleet Week and Food Bank representatives on hand for media interviews.

WHAT:  U.S. military “march” on the Food Bank for a volunteer shift inside our warehouse.

WHEN:  Friday, October 7, 2016.  8:45a – 12:00 noon

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

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

###

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 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

 

Food Bank’s 6th Annual “One Big Table” Gala was Another Huge Success

September 25, 2016

Twenty of the finest chefs in the Bay Area showed off their sterling culinary skills on September 24th 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 more than 400 guests.

This year’s Community Partner Honoree was Pastor Miguel Nunez who heads up our food pantry at Casa de Barro/Free Methodist Church in San Francisco.  Founded in 2008, the Casa de Barro pantry recently passed the milestone of distributing more than one million pounds of food to neighbors in need.

2016 marks the sixth year of the Food Bank’s One Big Table gala.  In that time, the event has raised more than $4 million dollars, all to support the Food Bank’s efforts to achieve a hunger-free community.

THE CHEFS:  Adam Rosenblum, Causwells; Anthony Lee, Alta CA; Bruce Hill, Picco; Charles Phan, Slanted Door; Charlie Parker, Alfred’s; Dana Younkin, Boulevard; Daniel Capra, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering; Jennifer Puccio, Marlowe, Park Tavern, Leo’s, and The Cavalier; John Griffiths, Bluestem Brasserie; Larry Finn, Credo; Mark Dommen, One Market Restaurant; Mark Sullivan, Spruce; Mitch Rosenthal, Town Hall; Mourad Lahlou, Mourad; Pierre Tumlin, Hog & Rocks; Rocky Maselli, A16; Staffen Terje, Volta; Thomas McNaughton, Flour + Water; Tyler Florence, Wayfare Tavern

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Seelig, PR Manager, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 x270; (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 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

All-Star Chefs in Bay Area Turn Up Heat on Hunger at Food Bank Gala

September 15, 2016

SAN FRANCISCO (September 15, 2016) – Later this month, twenty of the finest chefs in the San Francisco Bay Area — led by Wayfare Tavern’s accomplished chef Tyler Florence — will put their culinary skills to work at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank’s annual “One Big Table” gala.

The all-star lineup will volunteer their time and expertise at this sold-out event, with each chef producing a signature three-course meal to be served to 20 gala guests. Dinner will be followed by a live auction. More than 400 supporters are expected to attend.

One Big Table has raised more than $3.5 million for the Food Bank over the last five years, including more than $1 million in 2015 alone.

THE CHEFS: Adam Rosenblum, Causwells; Anthony Lee, Alta CA; Bruce Hill, Picco; Charles Phan, Slanted Door; Charlie Parker, Alfred’s; Dana Younkin, Boulevard; Daniel Capra, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering; Jennifer Puccio, Marlowe, Park Tavern, Leo’s, and The Cavalier; John Griffiths, Bluestem Brasserie; Larry Finn, Credo; Mark Dommen, One Market Restaurant; Mark Sullivan, Spruce; Mitch Rosenthal, Town Hall; Mourad Lahlou, Mourad; Pierre Tumlin, Hog & Rocks; Rocky Maselli, A16; Staffen Terje, Volta; Thomas McNaughton, Flour + Water; Tyler Florence, Wayfare Tavern

WHEN: Saturday, September 24, 2016. 6:00 – 10:00 pm. (The best photo and interview opportunities with chefs and Food Bank Executive Director Paul Ash are between 4:00 – 4:30 pm.)

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

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Seelig, PR Manager, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 x270; (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 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

Much has Changed Since San Francisco and Marin Merged Food Banks

February 8, 2016

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is marking its 5-year anniversary as a merged organization. The Food Bank has grown to distribute six million pounds of food a year in Marin – three times more than when only one food bank served the county. With the support of the Marin Community Foundation, individual donors, and dozens of Marin community partners, the merger’s varied accomplishments have exceeded expectations.

Paul Ash, Executive Director of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, reflects on its achievements: “There were substantial changes to the economy five years ago, and the need for food assistance in Marin was growing rapidly. We knew that by combining our resources we could do even more to help people who were struggling to put food on the table.

As Thomas Peters, President and CEO of the Marin Community Foundation, says, “All of us at MCF are enormously proud of what this merger has meant to thousands of Marin’s youngsters, families, and seniors. A creative and efficient new system bringing fresh and nutritional food, delivered directly to scores of pantries, all shared with love and respect. What a success story!”

Key Accomplishments

-The Food Bank’s distribution has grown from 2.2 to 6.4 million pounds of food a year in Marin, enough for more than 5 million meals in 2015.

-Through economies of scale and more effective operations, the SF- Marin Food Bank now turns every donated dollar into five dollars’ worth of food.

-The merger has made food more accessible by growing the number of pantries in Marin and increasing their frequency from monthly to weekly.   Now the Food Bank operates 47 weekly farmers market-style pantries, up from 18.

-The Fresh Rescue program diverts 7.5 times more food now than it did in 2010, growing to 1.5 million pounds last year. Recovered eggs, meat, dairy, and other nutritionally-dense items are now quickly delivered to Marin pantries.

-The merger has brought simple, healthy recipes and techniques to more than 500 participants in Marin, equipping them with life-long skills to prepare nutritious, affordable meals for themselves and their families.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Seelig, PR Manager, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
(office) 415-282-1907 x270; (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 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

 

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Sees Slow Giving at Most Critical Time of Year

December 28, 2015

DECEMBER 28, 2015
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (December 28, 2015) – The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is currently $500,000 behind in contributions compared to this time last year. In order to continue its regular programing in 2016, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank must make up this shortfall by midnight, December 31st.

Paul Ash, Executive Director of the Food Bank, says, “These are critical funds with critical consequences. We read in the news that the unemployment rate is low, but 80% of the people we serve are outside the umbrella of employment: children in poverty, the elderly, and people with serious illnesses who are unable to work. Furthermore, with the extremely high cost of living in this area, many of the folks we serve are employed – sometimes with two or three jobs – but they simply don’t earn enough money to reliably put food on the table.”

“I imagine this is how the people we serve feel at the end of every month,” says Ash. “You have to look at your budget and ask yourself if you can make more money somehow or start cutting back on the things you need. For a lot of people, the only thing left to cut out is food. That’s why the Food Bank is so important. We provide an essential service that people can count on. In turn, we count on donations to be able to continue our work.”

In a single week across San Francisco and Marin, the Food Bank provides:

1 million pounds of food via 450 food pantries and partner organizations
Meals to 30,000families
Home-delivered groceries to 11,000 seniors
A healthy mid-morning snack to 9,000 students
Because of its efficient operations, generous food donations, and bulk-purchasing power, the Food Bank is able to turn every one dollar it receives into five dollars’ worth of food.

“Many people are surprised to learn that 60% of the money we rely on comes from individuals. So we’re not being poetic when we say that every person can make a difference.

By giving now, members of the community help provide food directly to their neighbors need,” Ash says.

People in the community can help ensure this work can continue in 2016 by donating in one of three ways:

Online at www.sfmfoodbank.org

Over the phone by calling 415-282-1907, ext. 249

By sending a check or cash to the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, 900 Pennsylvania Avenue,

San Francisco, CA 94107
Visit www.sfmfoodbank.org to donate, sign up for a food drive, or volunteer.

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About the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

The Food Bank plays a central role in the food assistance network in San Francisco and Marin, where one in four residents is at risk of hunger. Families, children, seniors, and individuals find critical support in the food the Food Bank delivers to its 450 partnering organizations, including 246 weekly grocery pantries. Set up farmer’s market-style, the Food Bank’s pantries enable households to select groceries that can be used to create home-cooked meals. Nearly 60 percent of what is distributed is fresh fruits and vegetables. The Food Bank will distribute more than 48 million pounds of food to the community this year alone – enough for more than 100,000 meals every day.

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

Marin Boy Scouts Will Collect 40,000+ Pounds of Food This Saturday

November 20, 2015

NOVEMBER 20, 2015

San Francisco, CA (November 20, 2015) – One of the nation’s largest single-day food drives takes place tomorrow, Saturday, November 21st. More than 30,000 Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers will go door-to-door around the Bay Area collecting nonperishable food items for local food banks. In Marin alone, this drive has produced 1,078,000 pounds of food in the last 27 years. In 2014, the Boy Scouts brought in 40,000 pounds of much-needed food, and the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank predicts an even higher poundage this year.

To show appreciation for the Scouts’ hard work, the Food Bank in Marin will host a free hot dog lunch for approximately 300 to 400 Scouts and their families:

Where: 75 Digital Drive, Novato
When: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
What: Hundreds of Scouts and their families will be unloading, sorting, and weighing thousands of pounds of food in just five hours. It is a fun community event that brings neighbors together at the Food Bank. Media and members of the public are invited to watch, pitch in, and share a warm meal.

Residences on the Scouts’ collection routes received a door-hanger promoting the drive, and participating households should place bagged or boxed donations on their doorsteps by 9:00 a.m. Saturday, November 21st. Residents who did not receive a door-hanger are not on a collection route, but they can still contribute by dropping off donations on November 21st between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the locations listed below:

MARIN COUNTY
Novato: San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Marin Warehouse, 75 Digital Drive San Rafael: Boy Scouts of America, 225 West End Avenue

SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY
San Francisco: San Francisco-Marin Food Bank San Francisco Warehouse, 900 Pennsylvania Avenue

Whole Foods Market and Safeway also have in-store barrels throughout the holiday season to accept donations for all seven Bay Area Food Banks.

About the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

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The Food Bank plays a central role in the food assistance network in San Francisco and Marin, where one in four residents is at risk of hunger. Families, seniors and individuals find critical support in the food the Food Bank delivers to its 450 partnering organizations, including 246 weekly grocery pantries. Set up farmer’s market-style, the Food Bank’s pantries enable households to select groceries that can be used to create home- cooked meals. Nearly 60 percent of what is distributed is fresh fruits and vegetables. The Food Bank will distribute more than 48 million pounds of food to the community this year alone – enough for more than 100,000 meals every day.

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

Media Contact:

Goldie Pyka, Public Relations Manager
Office: 415-282-1907 x270 | Cell: 608-797-3605 gpyka@sfmfoodbank.org
w w w . s fm fo o d b a n k . o r g
900 Pennsylvania Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94107

Boy Scouts Contact

Jim Mattson, Mt. Diablo Silverado Council
(925) 408-4065
Tim Buchen, San Francisco Bay Area Council, Boy Scouts of America (510) 577-9000 x 207 tim.buchen@scouting.org

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Needs 1,600 More Turkeys by Thanksgiving

November 19, 2015

MEDIA CONTACT:

Goldie Pyka, Public Relations Manager, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank (415) 282-1907 x270 (office); (608) 797-3605 (cell) gpyka@sfmfoodbank.org

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Nov. 19, 2015) – The Food Bank has committed to providing turkeys to nearly 150 partner agencies in San Francisco and Marin. Between now and next Thursday, organizations like the Delancey Street Foundation, Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center, Homeward Bound of Marin, Larkin Street Youth Services, and St. Vincent de Paul’s Dining Room will be busy preparing all the fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and, of course, turkeys that the Food Bank provides. These partner organizations prepare large-scale Thanksgiving meals for thousands of low-income families and individuals, and the Food Bank needs 1,600 additional turkeys to keep its promise to them.

With turkey prices higher than last year and Thanksgiving exactly one week away, Food Bank Executive Director Paul Ash emphasized the critical role the community plays in helping the Food Bank reach its goal: “We feel a special kind of responsibility to our participants during the holidays. When many of us are out shopping for ingredients to make our holiday meals, there are thousands of families, seniors, and children who aren’t sure what they’ll be eating for Thanksgiving. It’s crunch time for the Food Bank, and we need donations: turkeys, non-perishable foods, and cash. Gifts like these help ensure the holidays are happier for everyone in our community.”

Thanksgiving Day Media Opportunity: The Food Bank warehouse in San Francisco is hosting a special Thanksgiving Day volunteer shift from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Volunteers will be sorting and repacking thousands of pounds of pantry-bound holiday produce. Media inquiries and visits are welcome.

How to Help
Cash Donations | For every $1 donated, the food bank can provide $5 worth of food. To donate

online, visit www.sfmfoodbank.org.

San Francisco Turkey Donations, 900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Potrero Hill | Turkey donations are welcome Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Marin Turkey Donations, 75 Digital Drive, Novato | This Saturday, November 21st, bring turkeys to the front of the building from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. All other turkey donations are welcome Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Holidays at the Food Bank

Every week of the year, the Food Bank provides fresh fruits and vegetables, pantry staples, and lean proteins to 144,000 people in San Francisco and Marin counties. During the holidays, items are tailored for celebrations: gravy, sweet potatoes, rice, cranberry sauce, pears, rolls, a dessert, and, of course, a turkey. The Food Bank needs the community’s help in order to:

• Raise $8 million dollars – nearly half its annual operating budget – to feed the people of San Francisco and Marin throughout the year.

• Acquire 500,000 pounds of non-perishable food via food drives. • Provide enough food for 10 million meals by December 31st.

Visit www.sfmfoodbank.org/ for information on our most-needed items, how to host a food drive of your own, and make a monetary donation.

About the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

The Food Bank plays a central role in the food assistance network in San Francisco and Marin, where one in four residents is at risk of hunger. Families, seniors and individuals find critical support in the food the Food Bank delivers to its 450 partnering organizations, including 246 weekly grocery pantries. Set up farmer’s market-style, the Food Bank’s pantries enable households to select groceries that can be used to create home- cooked meals. Nearly 60 percent of what is distributed is fresh fruits and vegetables. The Food Bank will distribute more than 48 million pounds of food to the community this year alone – enough for more than 100,000 meals every day.

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