The Food Bank of Nevada County, a vital support system for individuals and families facing food insecurity in Nevada County, is bracing for additional losses in state and federal support due to the reduction and possible elimination of key programs, including funds to purchase direct from local farmers and the USDA’s The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
These programs have long helped ensure consistent access to fresh produce, eggs and dairy, along with shelf-stable staples for our neighbors in need. Without them, our ability to provide nutritious, well-rounded meals will be severely impacted.
“Since the onset of COVID-19, the demand for our services has never returned to pre-pandemic levels,” said Julie Thornbury, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Nevada County. “Every distribution brings new faces. We’re seeing working families, seniors, and first-time visitors who never imagined they’d need help.”
In March the Food Bank of Nevada County learned the USDA terminated grant funds that allowed us to purchase produce directly from farmers. In addition, the same month, USDA cancelled thousands of truckloads of commodities that were earmarked for food banks across the country, including 330 for California, based on approved orders individual food banks, like ours, placed in December and planned their distributions around. Now as California weighs its budget deficit, the state is looking at significant reduction in the CalFoods 2025-26 budget.
Despite these challenges, the Food Bank of Nevada County remains committed to fighting food insecurity in our community and meeting the need where it’s at.
“We are committed to doing more with less, stretching our food and funds as best we can to keep food on the table for those who need it most,” Thornbury said. “We’re leaning on the strength of our volunteers, partners, and donors to make this happen.”
To continue our mission, we urgently need support from individuals, local businesses, and community partners.
Here’s how you can help:
- Make a financial contribution: Every dollar helps us source nutritious food for families. Whether direct through our offices or website, or participating in an upcoming event, every donation makes an impact!
- Donate non-perishable or fresh foods: Items like canned proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are especially needed.
- Volunteer your time: We rely on community volunteers to help pack, distribute, and deliver food.
- Advocate for food access: Contact local and federal representatives to express your support for hunger-relief programs.
We have multiple events coming up in May and June to raise food, funds and awareness for the Food Bank of Nevada County. These events directly benefit our efforts to fight food insecurity in our community and help all donations stay local!
May 5 – June 7th – FUNDrive an eco-friendly event collecting used clothes, household textiles, books, small appliances and more. Each pound of donated items brings in money for the Food Bank, while items you no longer use get recycled or reused elsewhere. Check out our website www.foodbankofnc.org for more information.
May 10th – Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive 2025 – please place nonperishable foods in a bag next to your mailbox for postal carriers to collect.
June 7th – Inaugural Fighting Hunger Flea Market – from 9 am to 1 pm at 310 Railroad Ave in Grass Valley, this fundraising event will feature hundreds of new household items, luggage, purses, other vendors, Lazy Dog Ice Cream cart, music, and face painting.
June 29th – Beyond the Plate – a unique brunch experience hosted by celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, with all proceeds benefiting the Food Bank of Nevada County. Seats are limited, for more information, visit www.foodbankofnc.org
The Food Bank of Nevada County serves approximately 10,000 individuals a month in every corner of our community at distribution locations across the county. We partner with more than 30 community agencies and schools to provide healthy snacks and supplemental meals each month and serve homebound seniors and disabled with a home delivery program. With community support, we can continue to provide not just calories, but quality, nutritious meals that support the health and dignity of every person we serve.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.foodbankofnc.org or contact our offices at 530-272-3796.
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