Food For Thought
Greetings!  
 

I want to congratulate all of the organizations, donors, and volunteers  that partnered with the Food Bank for another year of helping those who live in or near poverty in our community. Thanks to each of you, in all of the varied ways that you help. Together we have a very strong safety net that helps people get through hard times, find new hope and opportunities, and feel that they are not forgotten. 

 

2014 is a special year for us because we're celebrating our 25th Birthday! There will be lots of opportunity for you to participate with us, celebrating the work that  we do together in the public eye.  For the next 25 years and beyond, providing good, nutritious food will be a major priority. Our governing board has adopted a Nutrition Policy which is now in effect. 

 

I'm sure you are aware of the obesity epidemic that is raging across the country. The many efforts on the part of the health industry, non-profits, schools, and others to combat it are taxing on our society. You may also be aware that low-income persons are particularly susceptible to poor health because they don't have the financial option to eat healthy food most of the time. They have become accustomed to foods that are simply not good for them. We believe that those of us who provide food for those who live in poverty cannot simply stand by and watch. Even worse, would we want to be part of the problem? It's our duty to devote our resources to providing healthier options for the people we serve and to encourage them to become more aware of how harmful unhealthy eating habits can be for all of us. Together with you and other agencies around the county, including schools and social services, we can make a huge difference in the health of those we serve simply by giving them healthier options.

 

Thank you for the work you do, and for the honor it is to partner with you to alleviate hunger and build a healthier community.  All the best for 2014! 

 
Carl Hansen, Chief Executive Officer 
Happy Birthday 25th Food Bank! 

The festivities are open to the public and will take
place on Tuesday, February 25th from 3 PM to 5 PM at the Paso Robles Warehouse (2212 Golden Hill Road). Join us for an afternoon of games, giveaways, refreshments and birthday cake. There will also be a fun resource fair to explain the Food Bank's many programs. 

  

The anniversary marks the 25th year that the Food Bank has been feeding those in need in our community. From a single ice cream truck in 1989, to distributing over 6 million pounds of food in 2013, the journey has been amazing. However, "looking back is not what this Silver Anniversary is about," says Carl Hansen, CEO. "It's looking forward to the legacy we will leave. It's about what we do now. What difference does nutritious food make in the future of the lives we touch today?" Hunger is a community-wide issue and each year we strive to provide more nutritious food to help people lead healthier, more productive lives. Your continued support will provide the legacy for our next 25 years. 

Come meet and greet our staff and representatives from our agency partners. You will be able to see firsthand the work we do and the help you provide for alleviating hunger and building a healthier community in San Luis Obispo County. 

"EAT" - Energy AnyTime 
Thursday's  

The program was developed to provide supplemental nutrition to children ages 18 years and younger who may not be receiving enough to eat.  The program is funded  through a private donor and there are no restrictions about when or where the participants must eat the snack. This is a major barrier for sites signing up for our federally reimbursed snack program. The EAT program allows sites to incorporate the snacks into the school day at the time that works best.  The snacks sent to sites are shelf stable, require no refrigeration and contain items such as a juice box, graham crackers, peanut butter, and a granola bar. 

 

Currently, the EAT Program serves four sites at county community schools (Loma Vista in SLO, San Luis Obipso Community School, Mesa View in Nipomo, and Chalk Mountain in Atascadero). The fifth is a group of income-eligible students within the Special Education department  at the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District. Since the beginning of the school year, the EAT Program has provided over 1200 snack bags and served 150 students.

 

We have partnered with the Independent Skills Program (ISP) from Paso Robles Joint Unified School District to pack 200 snack bags each week to fill orders.  ISP is part of the school district's Special Education department.  The program focuses on maximizing students' independence, community awareness, self-help and employment skills.

Food Bank Coalition of SLO County

Feeding America Community Foundation  United Way Logo   CAFB

Find Us On: 
Find us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View our videos on YouTube
Quick Links
Paso Warehouse
2212 Golden Hill Rd. 
P: (805) 238-4664 
F: (805) 238-6956

Oceano Warehouse 
1820 Railroad Rd. 
P: (805) 481-4652 
F: (805) 481-4698

Blog for Thought

Our nation paused for an official holiday last Monday to remember Martin Luther King, Jr. We remember him for his vision of a time when all men and women will be treated equally, where all have opportunities to achieve the ... Continue reading →

 

Food Facts 
2014

 

Last year, the Food Bank collected and distributed over
6 million pounds of food. 

1 in 6 reach out for help. 

 

44,000 of your neighbors are hungry. 

 

Every $1 donated provides  $10
worth of food. 

 

Your donation

stays in SLO County. 

 

40% of Food Bank recipients are under the age of
18.

Nutrition is TOP Priority, last year over 50% of what we distribute is fresh produce. Including over 200,000 lbs harvested by our GleanSLO Program
Holiday Food Drives
This past holiday season we collected over 122,493 pounds of food at grocery stores, fire stations, banks, medical offices and more! Thank you for thinking of us.

Harvest Bag Volunteer
Nutrition Education
Summer Feeding 2013
Hands
SFSP
Citrus