New Food Security Collaborative in Contra Costa County recieves $100K Impact grant -
- The newly formed Food Security Collaborative in Contra Costa County has received a $100,000 Impact Grant to help combat hunger and improve food security, notably through a pilot program aimed at providing nutritious meals to vulnerable seniors.
- The Food Security Collaborative leverages partnerships, comprehensive food distribution, advocacy, and a strong volunteer base to tackle food insecurity while ensuring financial transparency and accountability with a commitment of 97% of donations going directly to food distribution.
- Community involvement is crucial to the Collaborative's efforts, highlighted by their volunteer contributions and a successful food recovery program that rescued 7.5 million pounds of food last year, emphasizing the role of collaboration in fighting hunger.
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A Significant Step Towards Ensuring Food Security for Vulnerable Communities
In a significant move to combat hunger and food insecurity in Contra Costa County, the newly formed Food Security Collaborative has been awarded a $100,000 Impact Grant. This grant, designed to help the collaborative launch and sustain its initiatives, marks a crucial step towards ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food.
The Need for Food Security in Contra Costa County
Food insecurity is a pressing issue in many parts of the United States, and Contra Costa County is no exception. According to statistics, one in four residents in the area struggle with hunger, highlighting the urgent need for effective food security solutions. The Food Security Collaborative aims to address this issue by providing a comprehensive approach to food distribution and advocacy.
The Impact Grant: A Catalyst for Change
The $100,000 Impact Grant from Impact100 East Bay is a significant contribution to the Food Security Collaborative's mission. This grant will be used to support a pilot program called "Breakfast Bags," which focuses on providing highly nutritious meal bags to vulnerable seniors in East Contra Costa County. The program aims to augment existing services and ensure that seniors have access to essential nutrition.
Key Features of the Grant
- Program Focus: The grant will specifically support the Breakfast Bags program, targeting highly vulnerable seniors with essential meal bags.
- Community Impact: The program is designed to make a tangible difference in the lives of seniors, ensuring they have access to nutritious food.
- Collaborative Effort: The grant acknowledges the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing food insecurity. By working together with community organizations and service providers, the Food Security Collaborative aims to maximize its impact.
The Role of the Food Security Collaborative
Established with the goal of enhancing food security in Contra Costa County, the Food Security Collaborative is a dynamic organization dedicated to addressing hunger and food insecurity. By leveraging partnerships with local non-profits and service agencies, the collaborative ensures that its efforts are both efficient and effective.
Key Initiatives
- Food Distribution: The Food Security Collaborative distributes food through a network of over 260 partner agencies, providing fresh produce, proteins, and dairy products to those in need.
- Advocacy: In addition to direct food distribution, the collaborative engages in advocacy work to raise awareness about hunger and mobilize support for its initiatives.
- Disaster Response: During times of crisis, the Food Security Collaborative serves as a second responder by providing emergency food assistance to communities impacted by natural disasters or emergencies.
Financial Transparency and Accountability
A critical component of the Food Security Collaborative's success is its commitment to financial transparency and accountability. With 97 cents of every dollar donated going directly towards food distribution, the organization ensures that its resources are utilized efficiently. This commitment has earned it a distinguished four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a third-party platform that reviews nonprofits for accountability and financial health.
Charity Navigator's Rating
- Four-Star Rating: The Food Security Collaborative has consistently earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating its strong financial health and accountability.
Community Involvement
The success of the Food Security Collaborative is also attributed to its strong community involvement. With over 7,000 volunteers contributing more than 100,000 hours annually, the organization leverages community support to maximize its impact. The grocery recovery program, which rescued 7.5 million pounds of healthy food last year, is another testament to the collaborative's dedication to reducing food waste and increasing food availability for those in need.
Volunteer Contributions
- Volunteer Hours: The collaborative benefits from over 7,000 volunteers who contribute more than 100,000 hours annually.
- Food Recovery Program: The grocery recovery program has rescued 7.5 million pounds of healthy food in the past year alone.
Conclusion
The awarding of the $100,000 Impact Grant to the Food Security Collaborative of Contra Costa County marks a significant milestone in the fight against hunger in the region. By supporting initiatives like the Breakfast Bags program, the grant will help ensure that vulnerable communities have access to essential nutrition. As the Food Security Collaborative continues its mission with renewed vigor, it remains committed to addressing food insecurity through comprehensive programs and strong community partnerships.
To learn more about the Food Security Collaborative and its initiatives, visit their website at www.foodbankccs.org. For information on hosting a food drive or starting a virtual fundraiser, you can contact the Food and Fund Drive Coordinator at [email protected].
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