OUr Journey
From Rural Beginning to a Community Lifeline
In 2011, the Orangevale Food Bank was born out of a simple yet powerful idea:
neighbors helping neighbors
Founded by dedicated members of the Orangevale community, we started with a small food pantry and resource center. But what began as a small effort quickly blossomed into something much greater.
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Over the years, our property has transformed. What was once just a simple building with a few garden beds is now a bustling hub of hope. We’ve added a spacious patio, essential storage containers, and a walk-in fridge and freezer large enough to hold pallets of food, ensuring that no one leaves our doors hungry.
In 2018, our reach extended even further with the addition of our distribution barn and trailer, enabling us to serve those who couldn’t make it to our Main Ave location.
Our name changed in 2018 to reflect our expanding mission.
The Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank was born, honoring the community of Fair Oaks, whose support has been invaluable. Our relationships with local grocery stores flourished, leading to a partnership with Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, which bolstered our resources and programming.
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But our journey didn’t stop with just the Food Bank. In 2015, we founded the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Community Foundation. This initiative aimed to go beyond food distribution, fostering a thriving community through new programs that meet practical needs, offer community service opportunities, and inspire generosity.
Innovation and adaptation have always been at the heart of our operations.
When we first opened our doors, clients could walk through and choose staple grocery bags, fresh meats, dairy, deli products, and fruits and vegetables, all displayed like a farmers' market. However, the 2020 pandemic challenged us to rethink our approach. We swiftly adapted to a drive-thru model, offering pre-bagged essentials to anyone in Sacramento County.
This model was so successful that it became our new standard. In 2021, we built our distribution barn, offering protection from the elements and additional storage, with the first cars rolling through in October 2022.
Today, the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank serves as a beacon of hope for our community.
By 2023, we expanded our services to include residents of Orangevale, Fair Oaks, Folsom, and Citrus Heights, offering groceries twice a month. Our yearly Thanksgiving dinner distribution has become a cherished tradition, where we provide turkeys and all the trimmings for a traditional meal, helping 500 families celebrate the holiday together.
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Our dedicated team of volunteers, guided by our small but mighty staff, are the backbone of our operations. They pick up food, manage weekly distributions, sort donations, and ensure everything runs smoothly. Together, we’ve built a community around volunteering, making it a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
We’re proud to partner with local grocery stores through the Feeding America program and Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, ensuring our shelves are always stocked.
Thanks to the generosity of local individuals, organizations, and churches, we continue to meet the needs of our community year-round.
Join Us on
Our Mission
Whether you’re looking to volunteer or simply want to stay informed, we invite you to explore our website for the latest news and opportunities. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
