GRASS VALLEY, Calif. As the holiday season approaches, Interfaith Food Ministry (IFM) is inviting the community to support its annual Sponsor a Family campaign, helping Nevada County families enjoy special holiday foods while ensuring wholesome, supplemental groceries remain available to neighbors throughout the coming year.
For many families, the holidays mean gathering around the table and sharing a special meal. But rising living costs and changes to food assistance programs are making it increasingly difficult for local households to afford groceries. Changes to CalFresh and Medi-Cal are already affecting the community, and we are seeing more families turn to IFM for help.
More than 1,000 families visit IFM for assistance every month.
“And as the need grows, so does our commitment to be there,” said Victoria Lindsay, Development and Communications Director. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy the holidays with dignity and share joy around the table with their loved ones. With our community’s support, we can help make that possible.”
Throughout the year, IFM provides wholesome, supplemental groceries to Nevada County residents. During the holiday season, IFM goes a step further. In addition to their regular groceries, families can receive special Thanksgiving and Christmas foods, including a meat item such as turkey or ham, along with traditional sides.
The Sponsor a Family campaign helps bring joy to the holiday table for thousands of local families. Donations of every size make a difference, and IFM’s strong food-purchasing power allows contributions to stretch further, turning every dollar into more food for neighbors in need.
Community support also helps IFM prepare for the growing need ahead. IFM recently received a grant toward a larger commercial freezer, which will significantly expand its capacity to safely store and distribute nutritious food. Investments like this help IFM make the most of donated resources and serve more families as demand for assistance evolves.
The impact of this work is reflected in the words of one IFM client:
“Our family wouldn’t have been able to survive without your kindness and generosity. You folks work so hard, all to ensure that families and struggling individuals stay fed. You are a true light in our community.”
“That light shines because of people who care about their neighbors,” Lindsay says. “The important work we do is made possible through the power of community. When we come together, we can do so much more for the families who count on us.”
IFM encourages individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations to participate in Sponsor a Family 2026. Contributions help provide holiday foods for local families and sustain IFM’s ongoing grocery assistance into the new year.
To donate, visit:
https://interfaithfoodministry.networkforgood.com/projects/186438-ifm-donation-page
Together, our community can keep Feeding Families and Fueling Hope this holiday season and beyond.
About Interfaith Food Ministry
Interfaith Food Ministry is a nonprofit organization that has been serving Nevada County residents since 1987. IFM provides wholesome, supplemental groceries to neighbors in need. Guided by its commitment to neighbors helping neighbors, IFM works to strengthen the community by increasing access to food with dignity and compassion.
For more information, visit Interfaith Food Ministry’s website: interfaithfoodministry.org or follow IFM on social media.