Food Bank raises alarm about skyrocketing number of families in need

NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. February 16, 2024 – The Food Bank of Nevada County is experiencing “huge increases across the board through all our programs and especially our direct distribution sites,” according to Volunteer Coordinator Heather Haddock.  This Tuesday, their North San Juan distribution saw 281 families compared to 160 households last year.  During a two-hour distribution in Grass Valley 820 households were served, compared to 449 households last year at the same time – more households than during the pandemic.

“We extended hours of the GV distribution to help working families get food on their lunch breaks (10am-1pm). We are also looking for a location to have another drive thru distribution that can accommodate the high numbers to help alleviate the traffic and dangerous road conditions on Hwy 174 to ensure everyone who is seeking food support can get it.  Currently, I feel people are turning away due to long wait times and the dangerous traffic conditions and not receiving the help they need,” Haddock stated.

The Food Bank also provides food support to 20+ other nonprofit agencies in Nevada County and provides school snacks to 21 schools.

Food Bank running low on food

It takes four truckloads of 48 pallets of food to feed 800 families, and the Food Bank is running dangerously low on food. All the food donated during the holidays has been distributed.

“Now is the best time for any organization, business, school or individuals who would like to host a food drive, or a fundraiser to support their community. The food is needed now more than any other time of year,” said Haddock. Contact them online or call (530) 272-3796 for details on how to organize a food drive or fundraiser.

Last week, with power outages affecting 20,000 Nevada County households, the Food Bank served almost 2,000 households (that week) looking for replacement food.

The Food Bank has distribution sites throughout western Nevada County:

• Little Town of Washington at the Washington Fire Department at noon on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
• Higgins at the United Methodist Church on Hacienda Drive from 3:30pm-5:30pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
• Grass Valley at the Grass Valley Seventh Day Adventist Church on Osborne Hill Rd. from 10am-1pm an the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.
• North San Juan at the Oak Tree School on Oak Tree Rd from 10am-12pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

Walkers and bikers are welcome at the drive-through distributions. Call the office (530) 272-3796 for more information.

Volunteer or donate

To volunteer at the Food Bank, please fill out the online application. They are always happy to have more helping hands for:

• Food distribution sites
• Food packing and sorting 
• Office and administrative support
• Summer lunch program  
• Warehouse assistance
• Driving and deliveries
• Annual food drives, fundraisers, and special events

 Donations are always gratefully accepted.