River City Food Bank

River City Food Bank provides healthy emergency food, assistance and referrals to promote self-sufficiency through a variety of programs in Sacramento.

River City Food Bank stands as a steadfast and indispensable pillar of support in Sacramento County, California, tirelessly working to alleviate hunger and foster self-reliance among its diverse communities. As Sacramento's oldest continuously operating food bank, its legacy stretches back to 1968, when it first emerged as River City Community Services, rooted in the community's collective will to ensure that "No one should be hungry." For over five decades, River City Food Bank (RCFB) has demonstrated remarkable resilience, compassionate service, and an unwavering commitment to its mission: "to alleviate hunger in Sacramento County by providing consistent access to healthy, meaningful food for all."

A Deep-Rooted History of Compassion and Resilience:

The origins of River City Food Bank are deeply embedded in the civic fabric of Sacramento, born from the recognition of a fundamental human need. Initially operating out of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, RCFB quickly became a beacon of hope, providing vital sustenance to those facing economic hardship. Its journey has not been without significant challenges; notably, in 2010, the food bank faced a devastating blow when its 27th Street building was tragically destroyed by arson. Despite losing its physical home and all its contents, the spirit of RCFB and its dedicated community persevered. With overwhelming community support and the generous temporary use of retail space provided by Sutter Medical Center, the food bank continued its critical operations without interruption. This period of adversity underscored its profound commitment to its mission and its deep roots in the Sacramento community, ultimately leading to the acquisition and establishment of its current, purpose-built location on 28th Street. This history of resilience defines RCFB, showcasing its capacity to adapt and thrive even in the face of immense obstacles.

Jason Mata, RCFB Board Director

Beyond Just Food: A Holistic Approach to Alleviating Hunger:

River City Food Bank distinguishes itself through a comprehensive and deeply empathetic approach to hunger relief, recognizing that access to food is often intertwined with broader socio-economic challenges. Their philosophy extends beyond simply providing calories; they aim to offer "healthy, meaningful food" with dignity and respect, fostering pathways toward greater stability and self-sufficiency. This is achieved through a multi-faceted array of programs and unique operational principles:

1. The "Choice Model" Emergency Food Distribution: This is the cornerstone of RCFB's direct service. Unlike traditional food pantries that may pre-pack food, RCFB employs a "Choice Model" at its Midtown and Arden-Arcade distribution centers. This empowering approach allows clients to personally select the food items that best meet their family's dietary needs, cultural preferences, and culinary habits. This not only reduces waste but, more importantly, restores a sense of dignity and autonomy to individuals and families in need. A significant emphasis is placed on nutritious options, with typically around 50% of the distributed food consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, alongside dairy products, lean proteins, and shelf-stable goods. This commitment to healthy eating underscores RCFB's understanding of food's impact on long-term well-being.

2. Low-Barrier Access and Inclusivity: A defining characteristic of River City Food Bank is its unwavering commitment to accessibility. They operate with a no-barrier intake process, meaning that clients are not required to provide proof of income or identification to receive food. Furthermore, RCFB serves anyone experiencing food insecurity in Sacramento County, regardless of zip code, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, or background. This expansive and non-judgmental approach ensures that help is truly available to all who need it, fostering an environment of welcome and compassion.

3. Targeted Support for Diverse Populations: RCFB understands that hunger manifests differently across various demographics. Their programs are meticulously designed to support a wide spectrum of vulnerable populations, including:

   • Low-income families and children: Recognizing that hunger can significantly impact a child's development and academic success, RCFB ensures consistent access to nutritious food for young ones.
   • Seniors: With many seniors on fixed incomes facing rising costs, RCFB provides critical support to help them maintain their independence and meet their basic needs.
   • Individuals who are medically fragile: Addressing the specific dietary requirements often associated with chronic health conditions.
   • Refugees and Asylum-Seekers: Providing essential support to newly arrived individuals and families navigating complex transitions.
   • Individuals experiencing homelessness: Offering ready-to-eat items from their "non-cook" table for those without access to kitchens or storage, along with other essential provisions.
   • The working poor: Supporting individuals and families who, despite working, struggle to make ends meet and often face the agonizing choice between food and other necessities like rent or utilities.
   • Individuals with disabilities: Ensuring their access to food is equitable and tailored to their needs.

4. Beyond Groceries: Comprehensive Assistance:

   • CalFresh (SNAP) Outreach: RCFB plays a critical role in connecting eligible individuals and families with federal nutrition assistance programs. Their dedicated CalFresh Outreach team provides hands-on assistance with application completion, rescheduling appointments, and troubleshooting case issues, helping to demystify a often daunting process and empower clients to secure long-term food security.
   • Diaper Distributions: Understanding that essential non-food items are often a significant financial burden, RCFB provides diapers, baby food, formula, adult diapers, and even pet food, offering a more holistic support system for families.
   • Safety Net Provider: RCFB acts as a crucial safety net within Sacramento County, offering short-term food supplies that can prevent immediate crises from escalating, helping individuals and families avoid emergencies including potential homelessness.

Profound Impact and Community Partnership:

River City Food Bank's impact on Sacramento County is both extensive and deeply felt. In 2024 alone, RCFB distributed nearly 3.5 million pounds of healthy, meaningful food to over 327,000 individuals, translating into millions of meals. This monumental effort is powered by an extraordinary synergy of dedication and generosity:

• Dedicated Volunteers: Over 5,000 volunteers annually contribute tens of thousands of hours, from sorting and packing food in the warehouse to assisting clients during distributions. Their tireless efforts are indispensable to RCFB's operations, embodying the spirit of community and allowing a greater proportion of donated funds to directly support food acquisition.
• Generous Donors: RCFB relies heavily on financial contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations, alongside invaluable food donations from the food industry, local grocers, and community food drives. Every $2 donated is leveraged to provide one healthy meal, showcasing the efficiency and impact of financial support.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with a vast network of community partners, including other non-profits, churches, schools, and even healthcare organizations, extend RCFB's reach into every corner of Sacramento County, ensuring equitable access to food where it's most needed.

River City Food Bank's enduring presence and compassionate service underscore its foundational belief that no one should go hungry. By addressing immediate hunger with dignity and respect, while simultaneously working to empower individuals towards greater self-reliance, RCFB continues to be a beacon of hope and a vital force in building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Sacramento community.