Programs
Many of the people who seek our help have been keeping their heads above water until something unexpected happens. Car expenses. Medical bills. Higher gas prices. Reduced hours at work. River City Food Bank helps many people who are “working poor”, as well as people on fixed incomes and those facing serious illnesses.
Food Aid
A family or individual who reports income at or below the poverty line can receive a three-day supply of nutritionally-balanced food up to once a month from our location at 1800 28th St., between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. each weekday. Families with small children also receive non-food items such as diapers, baby food and formula.
Eligibility: Anyone who lives in Sacramento County and reports that they or their dependents are living at or below the federal poverty line. Adults are asked to show photo identification and medical IDs or birth certificates for all dependents.
Nutritional Classes
River City Food Bank provides monthly “Food for Fun” nutritional classes using common food closet staples in collaboration with the Center for AIDS Research, Education & Services (CARES). Assistance with the food budget also allows clients to meet basic living expenses such as rent, utility bills and transportation costs, helping to avoid a downward economic spiral when bills are unpaid or people are unable to afford transportation to get to work. In many cases, after receiving aid, clients are also able to make payments toward an unexpected non-discretionary expense – particularly medical bills or a car repair. Nutrition education programs help clients improve food quality (by shopping better) and food resource management (by maximizing healthy meals).
Cal Fresh Outreach
River City Food Bank employs the only full-time Cal Fresh Outreach Coordinator in Sacramento County. This position helps to overcome barriers that may prevent an eligible adult or family from applying for much-needed food assistance benefits. Besides helping clients at RCFB, our Coordinator visits other local food pantries and employment fairs throughout the county. The Cal Fresh Program generates $9.20 in economic activity at area retailers for every $5.00 in Cal Fresh benefits, in addition to supporting access to healthy foods for needy families.
To learn more about Cal Fresh, request a pre-screen and receive one-on-one help with the application:
Visit: River City Food Bank at 1800 28th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 446-2627
(Need updated documents from Edith to post to site)
BackSnacks
Many students go hungry on weekends and during the summer when school is out and subsidized breakfast and lunch programs are unavailable or not convenient.
To help kids grow and have the energy they need for homework and activities, River City Food Bank has created our BackSnacks program!
We fill more than 500 backpacks with nutritious snacks for children who need them. Then, the backpacks are distributed to schools, which send them home with the children every Friday afternoon.
