A Message from Karen Ross
Dear Agency/Department Heads:
I am pleased to announce the launch of the 2017 State Employees Food Drive. To begin this year’s effort, please designate an agency representative to help coordinate and publicize the drive, starting with the Fresh Produce Kickoff Event on September 21st.
The 2017 Food Drive goal is to surpass last year’s generous donation of 764,038 pounds and reach 800,000 pounds.
To achieve this, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is pleased to continue its partnership with Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) and is excited to welcome California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) in this year’s drive. Though numerous state employees reside in or near Sacramento, many are located throughout our great state. The CAFB will be reaching out to their 41 member food banks to enable all state employees to give back to people in their communities. Addison Ford in CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork will act on my behalf as statewide coordinator for Food Drive activities. You may contact her at (916) 900-5083 or addison.ford@cdfa.ca.gov.
Fresh Produce Kickoff Event September 21, Capitol Mall Farmers’ Market
The 2017 Food Drive kicks off early this year on Thursday, September 21, 2017 with a fresh produce donation day at the Capitol Mall Farmers’ Market in Sacramento. The Kickoff marks the first opportunity to donate perishable items during the drive. Employees who work near the market are encouraged to purchase produce from vendors and donate. Cash donations will also be accepted and used to purchase fresh produce to go to SFBFS. Donations at the Kickoff will count toward the 2017 State Employees Food Drive.
Food Drive Coordinator
Please identify your agency/department coordinator and email their name, email address, department/agency address and phone number to Peggy Marshall at stateemployees@sacramentofoodbank.org, by September 29, 2017. An orientation meeting for the coordinators will be held on October 19, 2017, 2:00 pm at SFBFS, 1951 Bell Avenue, Sacramento. At the meeting, coordinators will receive information and ideas for how to drum up support for this year’s drive.
Thank you for your commitment to strengthening our communities and state. Through your kind contributions, we look forward to a successful State Employees Food Drive!
Karen Ross, Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture
1220 N Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 654-0433, Secretary.Ross@cdfa.ca.gov
2016 Food Drive totals announced!
Correction!California Correctional Health Care Services was inadvertently left off the Most Improved award list. They donated 100 pounds in 2015 and 4,187 in 2016 so that puts them in 2nd place for Most Improved. Congratulations CCHCS!
On behalf of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, I want to thank all of the State Employee food drive coordinators who have worked so hard in making the 2016 drive a record breaking success! The impact you have on your community is a true testament to your generosity and willingness to help those in need. It has been my honor to work with all of you on the drive and you should be so proud of your accomplishments. I hope you consider being the coordinator for your agency again next year, as continuity has proven to be an effective tool for increased success. Thank you!
Peggy Marshall, CA State Employees Food Drive Coordinator
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
