Hunger doesn’t take a holiday. Each holiday season, our community inspires and amazes us in the way they step up to support our neighbors. This year was no exception – from the A’s to local celebrities to you – we really felt embraced by our supporters.
A home run for hunger relief
A’s pitcher Sean Manaea spent a December afternoon volunteering at one of our Mobile Pantries. He helped distribute groceries and posed for some photos. The day wouldn’t be complete without A’s mascot Stomper, who helped spread holiday cheer. Manaea helped distribute more than 3,500 meals to our neighbors.
Lending a helping hand
We see a flurry of volunteers throughout November and December. It’s our busiest time of year and we need all the help we can get. Nearly 4,000 volunteers spent 18,600 hours helping us get healthy food out to our community.
The Saturday before Thanksgiving marks one of the busiest grocery shopping days of the year and the start to one of our largest food drives. We’re only able to pull it off thanks to volunteers. More than 170 volunteers spend their Saturday at Safeway stores around Alameda County, encouraging food donations.
Thank you, volunteers!
Broadcasting their support for our community
One of the Bay Area’s favorite radio stations, KMEL, helped us collect food donations during their annual Sana Claus Food and Toy Drive. The Sana G. Morning Show broadcasted live, urging listeners to drop off non-perishable food donations. Local rapper G-Eazy stopped by to support the food drive.
Tackling hunger
Before Thanksgiving, we teamed up with the Oakland Raiders to distribute food to local families. Tight end Darren Waller, running back James Butler, punter AJ Cole, and fullback Alec Ingold lent their support in handing out fruits, veggies, and shelf-stable food to neighbors in San Leandro. They took a few photos and signed autographs, making the children there very happy.
Hendrick Thanksgiving Meals
Volunteers from Hendrick Automotive Group spent a morning in our warehouse assembling Thanksgiving meal boxes to ensure hundreds of Alameda County families could enjoy a full, healthy holiday meal.
From turkeys to veggies to pies – these boxes were prepared with great care.
And then there was YOU
Last but not least, YOU stepped up in a big way over the holidays. From volunteering to donating, you helped make the holidays brighter for the 1 in 5 people we serve. The holidays are the Food Bank’s busiest time of year and you were critical in getting healthy meals to neighbors who need it. You helped bring hope to our community and gave the families we serve a healthier start to the New Year.
We’re incredibly grateful for our community’s support. Thanks to you, we’re starting 2020 energized and ready to fight against hunger.
