SACRAMENTO, California — ABC10 is once again calling on the community to help raise money for our Stand Against Hunger Campaign this holiday season. With the campaign, people can make a difference in the lives of thousands of families suffering from food insecurity by helping local food banks feed more people.
Day in and day out, the Stockton/San Joaquin Emergency Food Bank prides itself in providing food for people in need.
"We're not just a food bank. We do more than just give away food. We also have education programs that teach people how to prepare that food," said Alesha Pichler, community relations manager for the Emergency Food Bank Stockton/San Joaquin.
ABC10 is partnering with the grassroots food bank and several other food banks in our Stand Against Hunger campaign.
While California produces nearly half the nation's fruits and vegetables, but roughly one in five people currently struggle with food insecurity.
"I think a lot of people that haven't volunteered or been around a food bank, assume that, 'Oh, they're feeding the homeless.' And while a very, very small percentage of our food goes to the homeless, I want people to realize that it could be your neighbor. It could be somebody who had an unexpected emergency arise," said Pinchler.
This could include everyone from children to the elderly to veterans.
To make the situation tougher, since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of people in need of food services in the area has nearly doubled.
"When people come in from off the streets or wherever, and they just come and in need of food... Sometimes, I have to ask my boss, and he gives me the OK and I give them the food. And I can see how happy and how much they really need it and appreciate it," said Chauncy Martin, a warehouse associate for the Emergency Food Bank Stockton/San Joaquin.
While they appreciate food drives, they are able to stretch a dollar a lot further when given a monetary donation.
"We have the capability of purchasing five meals for every dollar that's donated, so please pick up the phone, go online, check out our social media pages and see how best you can donate," said Pichler.
Hundreds of thousands of people in our area go to bed every night not knowing where their next meal will come from. This is why ABC10 and Wells Fargo are teaming up to Stand Against Hunger.
Now through Dec. 17, the Stand Against Hunger Campaign is raising money for seven local food banks to help feed people in need this holiday season.
For a list of participating food banks, click HERE.
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