With the Thanksgiving holiday around the corner, the reality is that many families do not have the means for a holiday meal or even for regular healthy meals. The Interfaith Food Ministry (IFM) says they are seeing record numbers of people applying for food assistance.  While there is an increase in the need for donations, the current donations are decreasing.

Food Bank Distribution on Dec. 14, 2023. Photo YubaNet
Food Bank Distribution on Dec. 14, 2023. Photo YubaNet

On Saturday, November 16th, AAUW Nevada County Branch’s monthly program will focus on food insecurity – what that means, how it is being addressed, who is in need, and how people can help in Nevada County.  Approximately 10-15% of Nevada County residents are food insecure; that is, they do not have consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.  

The meeting, which is free and open to the public, will be held 9:30-11:30AM at Peace Lutheran Church, 828 W. Main Street, Grass Valley. 

Sue Van Son, AAUW member and former director of the Interfaith Food Ministry (IFM), will moderate a panel of speakers who are experts on food insecurity in Nevada County.  The panel includes:

  • Leslie Lovejoy, Executive Director of Gold Country Senior Services, which operates Meals on Wheels and runs a new senior centern
  • Phil Alonso, Executive Director of Interfaith Food Ministry, with Development Director Victoria Lindsay, and Operations Manager Venus Paxton
  •  Julie Thornbury, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Nevada County, with Heather Haddock, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator

Thanks to our program sponsor Owens Estate and Wealth.

For more than 75 years, the AAUW Nevada County Branch has been striving to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.  AAUW membership is open to individuals with an associate, baccalaureate, or higher degree from a qualified educational institution. For individuals interested in participating in branch interest groups and other activities, but who have not had the opportunity to complete a degree, the Nevada County Branch offers “Friends of AAUW” membership.

For more information about AAUW Nevada County Branch, go to nevadacounty-ca.aauw.net .