Our response to covid-19

River City Food Bank has a strong history of overcoming challenges and this year is no different. In the wake of COVID-19, we have pivoted all operations to ensure the same quality service to our community, while keeping safety and health as a top priority. One thing is for certain and that is we will always be there when our neighbors need us most.

Emergency Food Distribution Hours

Ways to Help

RCFB has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from the community and we are so grateful! One of the questions we have received the most is “how can I help?” There are two main ways to support the food bank during these difficult times:

Monetary Donations – A gift in any amount will provide much needed food, resources and support to operate RCFB’s emergency food distributions.

Volunteer Your Time – RCFB has put social distancing practices in place and limited the number of volunteers each day. If you would like us to add your name to the list please visit our volunteer page and schedule a shift. We have 2 distribution sites, one in Midtown (1800 28 ^thSt.) and one in Arden (2300 Edison Ave.). Volunteer hours are from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm and all volunteers will be given a wellness screening prior to entering the food bank to ensure the health and safety of all. Masks are required to enter the building. Thank you for your support!

Updates to Our Daily Operations

Modified Food Distribution

RCFB has made necessary changes to our emergency food distribution sites to continue making healthy food accessible to our neighbors when they need us most! This includes:

Prepackaging boxes of healthy food items to distribute;
Serving outside to provide a safe distance for guests, volunteers and staff;
Limiting the number of volunteers in the building at a time;
Serving only two households at a time at a safe distance; and
Measuring and marking the distribution area to show guests where they can stand to follow the recommendations for social distancing.

Thank you to our amazing volunteers and staff who have worked hard to adapt each day to meet the needs of our guests.

In-Kind Donations

RCFB is currently accepting in-kind donations of:

Canned goods
Peanut butter
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Personal-size hygiene items (toothpaste, shampoo, feminine products, deodorant, soap, lotion),
Diapers (all sizes), unexpired baby food or formula, and
Pet food.

Additional Resources

World Health Organization: www.who.int
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Emergency Food Response Agencies: www.sacramentofoodbank.org/emergency-response-agencies
For additional resources, call 211

FAQs

Are you still open?

Yes, RCFB is still open and distributing food. As a result of COVID-19, our emergency food distribution is outdoors at our Midtown site on Tuesday through Thursday from 10:30am – 1:30pm and at our Arden-Arcade site Friday and Saturday from 10:30am- 1:30pm.

How are you keeping everyone safe?

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Will I get to pick out my own food?

RCFB takes pride in offering a unique “Choice Model” food distribution, which allows all guests to select the foods that make the most sense for their families. However, in light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, RCFB has had to temporarily remove the choice model in order to continue serving the community, while adhering to safety protocols. For the time being, all food items will be prepacked in bags/boxes and distributed outside in the food bank’s parking lot.

Can I volunteer?

Yes, we are still in need of volunteers to assist in packing bags/boxes for the Emergency Food Distribution sites in both Midtown and Arden-Arcade. However, RCFB is currently limiting the number of volunteers per day to reduce contamination and exposure of COVID-19. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the volunteer page for more information.

All volunteers will be given a wellness screening prior to entering the food bank and will be required to wear a mask while on site.

Can I still donate food?

Yes, we are currently accepting in-kind donations of canned goods, peanut butter, hygiene products, baby products and pet food.

Browse our Amazon Wishlist to see the items most needed to help our neighbors facing hunger and have them shipped safely to our doorstep! Don’t forget to shop through AmazonSmile and choose River City Food Bank as your charity of choice and they will donate a portion of the purchase back to us!

Are you still providing CalFresh services?

Yes, The RCFB CalFresh Outreach team is offering assistance via email, phone and by appointment outside during distribution hours at both the Midtown and Arden-Arcade locations.

Interested in applying or have questions? Feel free to call at 916-233-4075 or fill out our referral form on the CalFresh page and email it back to the CalFresh team at .

Where else can I receive food?

Here is a list of Emergency Response Agencies that are open and providing food during the COVID-19 crisis: https://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/emergency-response-agencies

Our Response to COVID-19