In an extraordinary move, the major food banks in the Bay Area have united this holiday season to highlight the critical need for assistance. Food bank volunteers and staff are working tirelessly, yet the demand far exceeds the available support. Five prominent food banks in the region have come together for the first time to bring attention to the issue of food insecurity.

"In the Bay Area, Food Banks Work Harder Than Ever This Holiday Season"

Unprecedented Need and Declining Resources

The Bay Area's food banks are facing an unprecedented situation this holiday season. As Leslie Bacho, CEO of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, stated, "As the five regional food banks serving every county in the Bay Area, we have gathered here today to sound the alarm." Tanis Crosby, Executive Director of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, added that in June 2025, their pop-up program created during the pandemic will have to be discontinued, reducing their reach by around 10,000 households. Regi Young, Executive Director of the Alameda County Community Food Bank, explained that the combination of the skyrocketing cost of living and insufficient government support for programs like CalFresh is pushing more people into food insecurity. "Right now, we’re in a situation in which we have to do a lot more with a lot less resources," Young said.

Impact on Different Segments of Society

People of all ages are relying on food banks. Allison Goodwin, President and CEO of Redwood Empire Food Bank, emphasized that every dollar makes a difference in helping food banks serve their communities. Many working multiple jobs find that their incomes are not enough to cover the high cost of living in the Bay Area. Seniors living on fixed incomes also face difficulties as the cost of living rises but their income remains the same. Fletcher Stanford, who has experienced food insecurity himself, shared his feelings of being lost and helpless. But now, he volunteers to assist those in need, saying, "Have hope. Second Harvest is out there. The food banks are out there. There are other resources that you can go to."

Efficiency and the Power of Donations

The leaders of the food banks stress their efficiency in using donations. One dollar can provide two meals. Many food banks have match programs in place to amplify the impact of donations. Caitlin Sly, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, said, "This is a problem that deserves the attention of our elected leaders. This is a call to action and a call to care. Every hour and every dollar – it does make a difference."