From Our Volunteer Team:  

No matter what the clocks say, this volunteer community is always springing forward. Whether it’s hands-on produce sorting in the warehouse, lifting our voices so loud it can be heard at the U.S. Capitol, or following the example of Cesar Chavez to step forward in service and solidarity, volunteers at ACCFB continue to shape what’s possible. In this newsletter, we celebrate volunteers in our community who live that spirit through service, advocacy, music, and new journeys within our organization. Sí, se puede. 

In community,  

Annie, Autumn, Ren, Venus, and Yvonne 

ACCFB Visits Washington D.C.  

Left to right: Vice President of Impact Liz Gomez, Community Advocate Soraya Urrutia, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, and Senior Policy Advocate Ezer Pamintuan 

It is an incredibly busy time in the policy world, with important decisions being made in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento. ACCFB’s advocates are committed to ensuring that our community’s voices are represented at these decision-making tables, so on March 3, Senior Policy Advocate Ezer Pamintuan, Vice President of Impact Liz Gomez, and Community Advocate Soraya Urrutia joined dozens of other food banks across the country in Washington, D.C.  

We are incredibly proud to report that this is the first time that a community advocate joined ACCFB at one of our D.C. trips. Soraya deeply moved the staff members at the Congressional offices with her personal story.  

“As a volunteer, I see firsthand how many families rely on food banks and nutrition programs to get by each week. Being able to bring those stories to Washington, D.C. and speak with federal leaders was an important opportunity to advocate for our community. I had the honor to be myself and when I was asked to introduce myself in Senator Alex Padilla's office, I got inspired and said my name is ‘community.’ Maybe that was the best part because I realized that I represent all the people that are in need in these challenging times.” 
—Soraya Urrutia, Community Advocate 

Advocate with Us

 

Building People Power with Lucia Henry 

“You will find a community here. Everybody has a role to play. There’s a job for you here.” —Lucia Henry (Second from right)  

Lucia Henry first connected with ACCFB as a volunteer in the CEC, before joining the Food Justice Organizing Task Force, and now working as a staff member. We sat down with Lucia to learn about how she’s found community, and worked towards real change, including a $10 million investment in food security on the county level.  

If you’re interested in community organizing with ACCFB, you can learn more about our work and sign up for the Food Justice Organizing Task Force. 
 

Soundtrack to Volunteering  

Joy is an important ingredient in our work to end hunger and its root causes. One of our favorite ways to share joy with our volunteers is through music during our volunteer shifts. Earlier this month, DJs from Beats 4 Hope, including Chuy Gomez came to spread positivity and spin records for an extra upbeat day of volunteering and community. Maybe you’ve also heard live music from Bread & Roses, a local music organization that brings free, live music to the community. Thank you to the musicians and DJs who help make ACCFB’s Community Engagement Center a joyful place!  
 

We thank you for your support of the work of Alameda County Community Food Bank.
Stay safe and be well.