Mission

To alleviate hunger and malnutrition in Yolo County.

Overview

Located in Woodland, California, the Food Bank of Yolo County coordinates the solicitation, storage and distribution of food from an established network of growers, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and grocery stores, while simultaneously continuing to cultivate new sources of food. We establish and maintain collaborative relationships with non-profit programs, private and public sector agencies, and service organizations throughout Yolo County as well as by fostering mutually beneficial arrangements with commercial retail and wholesale food donors.

History

The Food Bank of Yolo County began as an all-volunteer effort in 1970. Several key events in the late 1960s provided fodder for the food bank movement across the country and here in Yolo County. In addition to the social upheaval that led to a questioning of authorities and a focus on how to fix things here at home, a CBS special report on “Hunger in America” shed light on a problem many had been blind to. This motivated community members to join efforts in combating such a tragedy in the “land of plenty,” and launched the work that would develop into the Food Bank of Yolo County as we know it today. Known as the Yolo County Coalition Against Hunger, volunteers used their own vehicles to gather and deliver food to the needy in Yolo County.

For more on the history of the Food Bank, check out the book, “From Pantry to Food Bank: the First 40 Years,” researched and written by local historian Shipley Walters

Volunteers

Hundreds of dedicated and reliable volunteers contribute significantly to our ability to run an efficient and cost effective program. Volunteers work in the warehouse, the front office, at special events, at distribution sites, and in organizing donation and food drives.