Community Food Bank Inc

Community Development Programs: We believe hunger and poverty are outcomes of broader systems and local policies that create a sense of powerlessness, resource inequity, and issues of under or over-representation. Our community development work focuses on groups, organizations, and governments to create opportunities for change in these systems. We use initiatives that increase the capacity, engagement, and self-determination of community members and organizations to determine, enact, and sustain solutions to systemic problems and local issues. In the past fiscal year, we awarded over $1.9 million in monetary grants to 56 partner organizations for projects to maintain or improve services, train and educate community members, address disparities with dignity, and change the conditions that cause food insecurity and poverty. Through Avanzando LLC, we provided fiscal sponsorship and technical assistance to 8 community groups. Each of these projects is in line with CFB's mission to build healthy, hunger-free communities. We continue to engage and train people in community-building events at Las Milpitas Community Farm and at Nuestra Tierra Garden. Our Santa Cruz River Farmers Market generated over $202,622 in direct-to-consumer sales. Of that total, 42% percent consisted of Public Assistance benefits including SNAP/food stamps, Double-Up Food Bucks (SNAP-match), and Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons for low-income older adults and families with children. We convened the Farm-to-Institution Value Chain initiative to continue building institutional markets for local farm products, creating more than $579,000 in pre-season contracts with local farmers, and facilitating sales to institutional buyers. Through funding, technical assistance, and leadership development, we help to build resilient organizations and networks. As new leaders emerge, and new needs arise, they are better able to weather storms and maintain healthy communities.

Educational Programs: We believe resources and opportunities are inequitably distributed between communities, and that education can help build a bridge out of poverty toward improved socio-economic conditions. We continued to provide both virtual and in-person training on topics like environmental stewardship, gardening, nutrition, social connection through skill building, engagement, career readiness, and leadership development. We provided over 7,680 hours of skills and leadership education to individuals and organizations across our service area, and Caridad Community Kitchen provided 3,200 hours in culinary training to 15 students. All our efforts are grounded in support of our mission to build healthy, hunger-free communities.