Alameda County Community Food Bank

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Contact: Judyth Collin
(510) 636-4902

Alameda County Community Food Bank Reports Food Crisis
Food Helpline Calls at an All-time High

7 August 2007 -- (Oakland, CA) –– This summer the Alameda County Community Food Bank has received a record-breaking amount of calls to its Food Helpline, which connects low-income callers with one of 300 Food Bank partner organization emergency food sites. At times, member agencies are reporting that they have served so many individuals and families that they have run out of food and must turn people away. During July, Food Helpline referrals shot up to 1,623—a record amount—and an 80 percent increase over July of last year. This year, three out of seven months have broken referral records for the 13 year history of the Food Bank’s Food Helpline.

"Food from the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) has diminished over the past few years," said executive director Suzan Bateson. "Until now we have been able to fill the gap with a step-up in produce distribution, but it’s not enough -- nor is it balanced nutritionally -- to meet increased demand. The summer months are especially challenging for families relying on the free school lunch program; we expect to see even more activity in August as summer lunch sites close down and there are not free meal programs targeted at our community’s children to fill the gap before the start of school."

Last fiscal year the Food Bank distributed 14.9 million pounds of food, which included 5.7 million pounds of farm-fresh produce and 2 million pounds of EFAP commodities. While EFAP commodities were down 23 percent, the Food Bank’s fresh produce distribution was up 25 percent over the previous fiscal year.

Low-income callers report a variety of reasons for reaching out to the Food Helpline. A significant number are citing that financial aid from Cal-Works or General Assistance has run out. There has also been an increase in the number of first time callers, as well as previous clients who have not called in the past five years. Many say that the high cost of gasoline and the increased cost of food have stretched their budgets to the breaking point.

"Calls have been off the hook!" exclaimed Allison Pratt, director of policy and services. "We can barely keep up with the demand. We welcome volunteers to staff the food helpline, especially those who speak Spanish, Vietnamese or Chinese."

The Food Bank is requesting that community members help fill the gap in food supply by organizing a food drive or making a cash donation to help meet the nutritional needs of low-income children and adults in Alameda County. To help, please call 510-635-3663 ext. 600 or visit www.accfb.org.