The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank stands as a crucial pillar in addressing food insecurity across the region. With an astonishing reach of nearly 50,000 households each week, it is making a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. Dedicated volunteers like Jenny Stewart play a vital role in this effort, bringing essential support and a sense of purpose.

"Fighting Hunger with Dedicated Volunteers and Essential Food Distribution"

Jenny Stewart: A Volunteer with a Heart

Jenny Stewart has been a stalwart volunteer for several years. She leads food delivery runs twice a week from the Pomeroy Center, an organization dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities. The work she does brings a unique joy to her team. As she said, "Serving others, it just feels good." Before each delivery, she rallies her team with enthusiasm. "Okay, everybody ready? Here we go!" she exclaims, ready to take on another day of meaningful work.The team's usual routes cover various neighborhoods in the city, and they have become familiar faces in the communities they serve. Stewart noted, "We are delivering to our favorite building on Shotwell. We love everybody there." This sense of connection and community is at the heart of their work.

Food Distribution and Its Impact

According to the San Francisco Marin Food Bank, 66% of the recipients of food bags, which primarily contain fresh produce, are seniors. Another 41% of recipients live with someone who has a disability. This makes each delivery especially significant. Allie Cunningham, a building manager at one of the participating sites, emphasized the vital role these deliveries play, especially during the holidays. "A lot of people don't have big families, so they depend on the meals that come in during the week. During the holidays, something as small as some vegetables to make a soup or a small comfort meal goes a long way, especially with the seniors in this building," she explained.Stewart highlighted the profound impact of these deliveries. She noted how volunteers find it personally rewarding to provide food that is not only free but also nourishing. "To give them a 40-pound bag of free food that’s healthy? It’s very rewarding. We love it," she said.The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank continues to distribute millions of pounds of food each year, ensuring that thousands of individuals and families have access to the nutrition they need. With dedicated volunteers like Stewart and her team, the organization's mission to fight hunger remains strong, one bag at a time. Their efforts are truly making a difference in the lives of those in need.