New space is slowly coming around, help still needed
SACRAMENTO, Calif; (October 18, 2011)—One year after a massive fire destroyed the River City Food bank building the organization is thriving, but still healing. A long way from the devastation that took place on October 21, 2010, work has begun on the new building.
The new building is located 1725 28th Street at the corner of R and 28th.Streets and with 3,200 square feet of space, it is more than double the original location that was lost in the fire. Besides more space to better serve the community, the new site is less than a half mile from the old location and conveniently located near the light rail and Department of Human Assistance. RCFB hopes to open the new building before the holidays.
Over $300,000 was raised to help with River City Food Bank’s “Rebuild” project including a pair of major donations. Thanks to the support of Sutter Medical Center for donating the temporary space RCFB is using now, the organization is managing to serve increasing numbers of people.
Also the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s Project Inspire selected River City Food Bank’s “Rebuild” project as the first recipient of its Inspire Giving Fund grant. The award includes a $10,000 cash grant toward the purchase of the new building and in-kind donations of services to help remodel the building to meet RCFB’s operational needs.
Some facts about River City Food Bank since the fire:
- Over $300,000 raised to help keep the programs running and purchase the new building to serve as River City Food Banks’ permanent home
- A third of all meals provided now go to feed children, the number of seniors served has climbed 55% this year alone and these both continue to grow
- Over 364,584 pounds of donated food this year from January through August
- Nearly 40,000 pounds of Growing Circle and Giving Fresh produce donated this summer
- 427,282 pounds of food distributed total from January through August 2011
- Goal is to serve over 47,000 people by the end of the year
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RCFB Anniversary 2-2-2
Ways the public can help:
- There is still an extreme need for donations to help rebuild and create a welcoming and functional space – especially for children, since so many families with young children are in need of food
- River City Food Bank is accepting donations of all kinds. Online monetary donations can be made at www.rivercityfoodbank.org
- Businesses and organizations can help sponsor food drives this holiday season to help serve the growing number of people seeking assistance
Facts about the fire:
- The cause of the fire was determined to be arson.
- RCFB had two resident cats named Mac and Cheese. One of the cats, Mac, did not survive the fire. Cheese was found a few days after the fire and was taken in by a neighborhood friend.
- Approximately 8,000 to 10,000 pounds of food were lost.
About River City Food Bank: River City Food Bank is the only Sacramento-area food bank open every weekday to anyone experiencing hunger, from anywhere in Sacramento County. Operating for over 40 years, the RCFB offers nutritionally-balanced three-day emergency food as well as Cal Fresh Outreach assistance, nutrition classes, and the BackSnack Program.
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