River City Food Bank in Sacramento is working to eliminate barriers to healthy food access as it serves up to 30,000 people each month. Four days a week, people line up at the food bank’s two distribution sites, seeking not just food but a sense of stability. “It’s really hard to make the decision to ask for help,” said Amanda McCarthy, executive director of River City Food Bank. The organization, which started nearly 60 years ago, distributes millions of pounds of food annually. “We know when folks have access to nutritious foods, they can stay healthier, they can stay employed, they can stay housed and take care of their families,” McCarthy said. McCarthy explained that the need for food assistance has grown significantly this year due to rising costs that have outpaced family incomes. “The need is growing and has grown exponentially this year because the cost to meet basic needs has really outpaced families’ incomes and their ability to make those ends meet,” she said. The food bank has seen an increase in college students and seniors seeking help. “I’ve talked with so many people, especially seniors on fixed incomes, who told me they’ve worked their entire lives and never thought they would be in a position where they needed help. All of a sudden, they need help,” McCarthy said. The organization aims to provide healthy food to families without requiring proof of income or identification. “We welcome all of our neighbors with dignity, compassion, and with respect,” McCarthy said. The facility operates as a judgment-free space to ensure anyone can receive assistance. “Food is a basic human right, and everyone deserves a healthy meal,” McCarthy said. River City Food Bank strives to make sure half of the food it distributes consists of fruits and vegetables to help families stay healthy. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
River City Food Bank in Sacramento is working to eliminate barriers to healthy food access as it serves up to 30,000 people each month.
Four days a week, people line up at the food bank’s two distribution sites, seeking not just food but a sense of stability.
“It’s really hard to make the decision to ask for help,” said Amanda McCarthy, executive director of River City Food Bank.
The organization, which started nearly 60 years ago, distributes millions of pounds of food annually.
“We know when folks have access to nutritious foods, they can stay healthier, they can stay employed, they can stay housed and take care of their families,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy explained that the need for food assistance has grown significantly this year due to rising costs that have outpaced family incomes.
“The need is growing and has grown exponentially this year because the cost to meet basic needs has really outpaced families’ incomes and their ability to make those ends meet,” she said.
The food bank has seen an increase in college students and seniors seeking help.
“I’ve talked with so many people, especially seniors on fixed incomes, who told me they’ve worked their entire lives and never thought they would be in a position where they needed help. All of a sudden, they need help,” McCarthy said.
The organization aims to provide healthy food to families without requiring proof of income or identification.
“We welcome all of our neighbors with dignity, compassion, and with respect,” McCarthy said.
The facility operates as a judgment-free space to ensure anyone can receive assistance.
“Food is a basic human right, and everyone deserves a healthy meal,” McCarthy said.
River City Food Bank strives to make sure half of the food it distributes consists of fruits and vegetables to help families stay healthy.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel.