In response to an urgent and immediate community crisis - severely strained food banks that are struggling to serve an increasing number of local families facing serious food insecurity. Courtesy photo

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento Region Community Foundation has activated its Sacramento Region Emergency Relief Fund in response to an urgent and immediate community crisis – severely strained food banks that are struggling to serve an increasing number of local families facing serious food insecurity.

With food banks and pantries throughout the region already stretched alarmingly thin, local nonprofits report sharp increases in food requests due to inflation, lingering effects of the pandemic, and the SNAP interruption that created a tipping point for many families already on the edge of financial instability.

What originally started as a $100,000 grant grew by an additional  $30,000 boost from Health Net, bringing the total to $130,000, demonstrating  the powerful impact that pooled contributions of all sizes can make.

“At Health Net, we know that strong communities start with access to healthy food,” said Amber Kemp, vice president of Medi-Cal Strategy, Execution, and Engagement. “This funding allows us to partner with local organizations to ensure families have the resources they need to thrive. Together, we’re building healthier neighborhoods and a brighter future for all.”

Grants designed to provide immediate relief will support key local food assistance providers throughout the region. These one-time grants will help food assistance providers serving children, seniors and working families across the Sacramento region. The six organizations receiving immediate emergency funding from this grant include Elk Grove Food Bank Services, Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank, Rancho Cordova Food Locker, River City Food Bank, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services and Twin Lakes Food Bank.

“This is absolutely the right investment to make at this critical moment in time,” said Kerry Wood, CEO of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. “With the foundation’s focus on health equity and the dire food situation faced by hundreds of thousands of local families, we are committed to standing with our nonprofit partners on the frontlines of hunger relief. Our region’s families cannot wait for long-term solutions when the need is this urgent and immediate.”

Established by local donors in 2005, the Sacramento Region Emergency Relief Fund is designed to provide swift and strategic response to local emergencies, such as the food crisis happening now. Over the past two decades, the fund has provided emergency support for COVID-19 response, wildfires and other regional crises. The fund is fueled by community donations, allowing philanthropic people and partners across the region to pool resources and respond collectively when emergencies strike.

This latest grant continues a legacy of responsiveness, addressing an exceptional situation where immediate action is needed but is just the beginning. The foundation encourages community members to join this critically important effort to keep food on the table of local families by donating online to the Sacramento Region Emergency Relief Fund at srcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1787.

“While philanthropy alone cannot solve food insecurity, collective generosity can make a world of difference in ensuring that families have food and support during this crisis and beyond,” added Wood.

This grant is in alignment with the foundation’s continuing efforts to address food insecurity. In fact, the Foundation also recently committed $1 million over three years to address food insecurity in Yolo County, combining short- and long-term strategies for sustainable food access. Over the past week, foundation fundholders have also increased granting to support food banks and pantries throughout the region.

More information about the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and charitable giving can be found at www.sacregcf.org.

Since 1983, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation has awarded more than $275 million in grants and scholarships on behalf of local people, families and businesses, and through its flagship program, to grow charitable giving in the capital area Big Day of Giving. The center of philanthropy in the capital area, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation's mission is to lead, serve, and inspire enduring philanthropy for a just and vibrant Sacramento region. Learn more at www.sacregcf.org.