Staff
About Us
River City Food Bank alleviates hunger in Sacramento County by providing healthy, nutritious food to anyone in need. In 2023, we provided more than 3 million pounds of healthy food to 308,005 people facing hunger.
River City Food Bank’s Staff
Amanda McCarthy, Executive Director
With a passion to build healthy communities, Amanda began her professional career working for a food bank in Seattle, Washington. What started as a position in program management, quickly grew into a lifelong passion for hunger relief and social justice. Amanda has experience developing programs, leading operations, and building collaborative relationships to increase awareness and achieve goals for food banks and nonprofit organizations. Committed to alleviating hunger in Sacramento County, she will work to advance River City Food Bank’s mission through continued focus on providing emergency food and resources for families and individuals needing assistance.
Erika Fatula, Director of Development and Marketing
Growing up on the east coast, Erika developed a deep passion for helping others, and experienced firsthand how compassion and kindness transforms lives. After graduating from Rutgers University, Erika made the move to Sacramento, starting a career in the human services field. As Director of Fund Development, Erika manages all fundraising, marketing and communication efforts to ensure that we can effectively serve our neighbors in need and fulfill our mission to alleviate hunger in our community.
Paula Jenkins, Operations Administrator
Paula started with River City Food Bank in 2010 shortly after the fire destroyed our location on 27th Street. She started as an Administrative Assistant and has moved into the position of our Operations Administrator, providing support to the operations of our Midtown location. In addition, she oversees the financial and personnel responsibilities of both locations of our food bank. She is frequently referred to as our “Computer Whisperer” and is the go-to person for troubleshooting equipment issues, building maintenance and ordering office supplies. Paula believes that everyone brings something unique to the table and values helping others. She believes in the core values that are practiced by River City Food Bank staff and volunteers…Dignity, Understanding, Mutual Respect, Health and the ability to receive nutritious food as a basic human need… Because no one should be hungry.
Jena Edoho, Operations Director
Jena Edoho came to River City Food Bank through the Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network (LEVN). Since graduating from Auburn University in 2009, she has worked for numerous non-profits fulfilling her passion to help marginalized people. Her passion for food justice started as a little seed in an urban garden in Nashville, TN and has grown to managing food programs, volunteers, food drives and more at River City Food Bank.
Amy Dierlam, CalFresh Outreach Director
Amy has strong roots in social service, a background that helps her to be especially sensitive and helpful to people needing CalFresh assistance. Before coming to Sacramento, she was a social worker for a foster care agency in Butte County, and then transitioned to work for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, coordinating youth and young adult ministry. Amy volunteered at the River City Food Bank intake desk for a year before accepting the CalFresh outreach assistant position in the summer of 2011.
Shannon Steffy Watkins, Marketing Coordinator
Shannon comes to River City Food Bank with over 10 years of experience working with nonprofits. Her passion for creating a compassionate world is demonstrated through her passion for plants, photography, health, and her children. Throughout her life she has experienced changing culture and economic diversity, this has led her to an understanding of the importance of community assistance programs like the food bank, a place bringing everyone together in need and service.
Tyra Willis, Volunteer Coordinator
Sacramento native Tyra Willis, a dedicated advocate for combating food insecurity, has found her purpose at River City Food Bank. With a degree in Political Journalism and a minor in Food Science and Nutrition from California State University, Sacramento, Tyra brings a unique blend of compassion and expertise to her role. She not only ensures a stable food source for those in need but also delights in the diverse community of volunteers and the joy it brings to children receiving toys and treats. Tyra’s impactful initiatives, including leading the Vegan Food Aid program during COVID, underscore her commitment to making a positive difference in her community. Contact Tyra at
Fred Gorsira, Operations Coordinator- Arden Site
Fred found his way to River City Food Bank after years of living in the Bay Area and running his own business in the legal field. His passion is to help those less fortunate, and he feels privileged to work alongside staff who give so much to making a difference in so many lives. “It feels good to be of service to our community.” Outside of work, his focus is to raise his daughter with the same sense of compassion and giving back.
Brandon Ralph, Operations Coordinator- Midtown Site
Brandon is originally from Southern California and has a professional background in management in the skilled trade and floral industries. He is passionate about helping those in need and enjoys working in a position that helps provide food security to so many families. Outside of work, Brandon is an avid reader and an enthusiastic fan of live music.
Donnie Salgado, Operations Assistant
Originally from Salinas, California, Donnie moved to Sacramento in 2012 after high school. Joining RCFB as a driver, he found a perfect blend of helping people and contributing to the community. Donnie takes pride in providing healthy, sustainable food to those in need and enjoys the physical aspect of staying active on the job. Outside of work, he loves BBQ, time with family, and managing the chaos of their six dogs. Donnie also stays connected to his sports roots, playing slow pitch softball and participating in a men’s basketball league.
Ahmad “AJ” Jami, Operations Assistant
AJ was born and spent his childhood in Heart Province before his family moved from Afghanistan to the U.S. by the SIV Program.
AJ is currently studying computer science at American River College, and in his free time he enjoys playing tennis, focusing on healthy habits, and watching movies. AJ shares, “RCFB is a place where people are helped. I am happy to work in this community and have a share in doing this humanitarian work.”
Anthony Martinez, Operations Assistant
A Davis, CA native, Anthony joined River City Food Bank to live a life of authenticity and service.
With a background in the service industry and inspired by a former food bank employee, he’s passionate about serving the underserved and sharing the experience of humanity. Outside of work, Anthony enjoys music, DJing, dancing, and exploring practices that promote healing and wisdom.
Karlen Bell, Operations Assistant
Karlen Bell comes to RCFB with compassion and experience, ready to use his hard work ethic to serve our neighbors.
He recently graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Business Economics and is bi-lingual in English and Mandarin. While volunteering at South Sacramento Christian Center every Saturday, he developed an understanding of food distribution which matched with his love of serving the community.
Hashem Ebrahimi, Operations Assistant
Mohammad Hashem was born and raised in the Middle East where he received his college degree as a RN (Registered Nurse). He speaks five languages fluently and worked with US military forces and ISAF in Afghanistan for nine years as an interpreter, translator, and liaison officer. Mohammad Hashem came to the United States in 2017 and is honored to work at River City Food Bank where he can make a difference in the community.
Amalia Canseco Cruz, CalFresh Outreach Assistant
Amalia has come to River City food with the drive to help her community and become a resource for Sacramento. Although she has lived in Sacramento most of her life, Amalia was born in Oaxaca, Mexico. Amalia is fluent in Spanish and has received her Bachelors in Psychology from UC Merced. Since then she has served with City Year Sacramento as a Corps member and Team Leader. She has discovered her passion for helping others in need.
Yuliia Panchuk, CalFresh Outreach Assistant
Yuliia hails from Ukraine, a place that deeply influenced her values and community spirit. Driven by a strong commitment to aiding individuals in applying for CalFresh, she joined River City Food Bank. Yuliia holds a degree in “English and German Teaching” from Chernivtsi National University in Ukraine, showcasing her dedication to education.
Working in the community is a source of immense reward for her, providing an avenue to connect with others and make a meaningful impact. During her free time, Yuliia finds joy in reading, dancing, and playing volleyball—activities that recharge her and bring balance to her life.
Amanda Wong, Development Assistant
Amanda Wong, Development Assistant and Sacramento native graduated in Sustainable Agriculture from UC Davis. Amanda is dedicated to transforming our local food system through her expertise in ecological practices, food distribution, and community engagement. Beyond her role, Amanda is a creative force, finding inspiration in art, crafting culinary delights, and tending to her garden alongside her two furry companions. With her wealth of knowledge and genuine commitment, Amanda is a key player in our mission to improve food access and create a more equitable and resilient community.
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