May at ACCFB: CalFresh Awareness Month + Upcoming Events

How we’re showing up for each other

W. Kamau Bell at the Food Bank

As part of his “Who’s with me” video series, Alameda County-based comedian W. Kamau Bell visited ACCFB, interviewing members of the Food Bank community. Watch videos with Executive Director Regi Young, Lead Volunteer Audrey Curbo, and Volunteer Logistics Coordinator Ren Almanzor to hear some inspiring words about what we can accomplish when we come together as a community. And make sure you’re following us on Instagram so you don’t miss the next videos in the series.

Food Drive: Ela’s Elves Bring Holiday Hope

In 2020, when she was 11 years old, inspired by news stories about long lines at food banks due to the pandemic, Ela decided she wanted to find a meaningful way to help. So she started making peanut brittle, which she gives out to friends, teachers, and neighbors, along with a request to donate to ACCFB.

Five years later, “Ela’s Elves” have raised over $13,000 total for ACCFB. This year, Ela is back at it again, spreading sweetness and hope during the holiday season to ensure that everyone in Alameda County has the food they need and deserve.

Ela’s Elves is one of the many food drives that foster joy and community through fundraising during the holiday season and all year round. It’s not too late to start a food drive of your own.

Delta Dental: Dedicated to Community Support

Delta Dental is a long-time supporter of ACCFB through volunteerism, grants, and donations. Employees have volunteered for a total of 2,872 hours and are a regular fixture in ACCFB’s Community Engagement Center. As part of their commitment to community health, Delta Dental Community Care Foundation’s support of the Food Bank’s Farm Fresh Produce Program helps provide nutritious food throughout Alameda County, which contributes to positive health outcomes, including oral health. Through partnerships like these, we are building a more nourished and thriving Alameda County.

A Fruitful Policy Breakfast

Last week, we were thrilled to host our first Policy Breakfast in six years! Moderated by ACCFB’s Government Affairs Officer, Jessica Montes, the conversation focused on food justice and community. Over 100 attendees joined, including various community members, government leaders, county and city elected officials and staff members from state and federal representatives’ offices.

ACCFB was excited to host a panel of eight community members in different areas of work throughout the county. The group conversation was moderated by ACCFB’s Executive Director, Regi Young, where the community shared inspiring stories describing the motivation behind the work that they do.

ACCFB believes food is a human right. Thus, we believe it is important to create spaces and dialogue to foster food justice.

Interested in learning more about our policy and advocacy work? Sign up for updates to see how you can get involved.

Partner Spotlight: Oakland Catholic Worker

On Thursday mornings, Oakland Catholic Worker, one of ACCFB’s partner agencies, hosts a food distribution in East Oakland where community members pick up fresh produce, staples, and proteins. These distributions are one way that Oakland Catholic Worker continues its mission of ensuring that immigrants can access food, housing, and services with dignity and in community.

“The food here is very fresh. Without it, people would go hungry and suffer more,” says Miguel Godi, a volunteer at weekly distributions. “Many of the people here are immigrants—I think there must be like five or six languages spoken in the line.”