$250,000 grant to update local food bank
SACRAMENTO (SEPT. 24, 2024) — A neighborhood revitalization project came to northern Sacramento County on Sept. 28. Republic Services and Rebuilding Together Sacramento are partnering to update the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank and Farm (OVFOFB). OVFOFB supports thousands of residents suffering from food insecurity. Funded through a $250,000
National Neighborhood Promise® grant from the Republic Services Charitable Foundation, the Food Bank received a custom-built farm stand for food distribution, a permanent shade structure to keep the food containers cool, an educational area for their neighborhood Farm Camp, and more.
“Our local Republic Services team focuses on improving the communities we serve. One way we do this is to help mitigate food insecurity. No person should go hungry, and we partner with organizations like Rebuilding Together Sacramento to help meet community needs.”
- Colin Wallace, General Manager, Republic Services of Sacramento
"We are thrilled to have a long-standing partnership with Republic Services, which has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of neighbors in need over the years. Most recently, we were honored to receive the National Neighborhood Promise grant, enabling us to make significant improvements at the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank and Farm. This vital project not only addresses food insecurity but also promotes education on farming and healthy eating. With this funding, the OVFO Food Bank can expand its essential services to support even more community members."
- Bonnie Patterson, Executive Director, Rebuilding Together Sacramento
National Neighborhood Promise Serve Day:
On Sept 28th, 2024 over 115 volunteers assisted with building furniture, planter boxes and compost bins, painting, installing educational signage and general facility clean up at the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank and Farm, 6483 Main Ave, Orangevale, CA 95662.
During the event:
Republic Services, Rebuilding Together Sacramento and Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank and Farm leaders shared their vision for the community and appreciation of the fund provided to make these massive improvements at the Food Bank & Farm. During the morning kickoff there was representation from Federal, State and Local dignitaries US Congressman Kevin Kiley, California State Senator Roger Niello, California State Assemblyman Josh Hoover, Sacramento County Supervisor Rich Desmond, Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost all giving their praise for this project being brought into the communities they serve.
Input from local community members:
“Orangevale food bank has been the difference between eating or not for us. We love the friendly personalities there.”
“I’ve never had to use a food bank. I’m a person who has depended on no one and has a work ethic of a horse, but I needed help. They were so sweet and kind while I was checking out. I needed for someone to be understanding and they were on so many levels.”
“My husband and myself found ourselves behind on bills, and lacking enough money to buy groceries. We both do work, but had no other choice than to reach out for help…it was not a demeaning situation at all! Everyone was so kind, and friendly.”
About the Republic Services Charitable Foundation
The Republic Services Charitable Foundation helps strengthen the communities where Republic Services customers and employees live and work through volunteerism, monetary donations and in-kind services. Through its National Neighborhood Promise® Program, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations, programs and projects that help promote sustainable neighborhoods. The Foundation helps support Republic Services' 2030 Sustainability Goal to create sustainable neighborhoods through strong community partnerships for 45 million people. RepublicServices.com/sustainability/communities
About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, solid waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services. Republic’s industry-leading commitments to advance
circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on its vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world. RepublicServices.com.
About Rebuilding Together Sacramento
The need for safe housing and services at local community centers, particularly for older adults, children and those with disabilities is an ever-growing concern. After 33 years, RTS continues to expand its partnerships with others that are revitalizing neighborhoods, improving homes and facilities. In 1991, Rebuilding Together Sacramento started as “Christmas in April” when it joined the national network of affiliates. That year, more than 70 volunteers came together and repaired the home of an elderly woman with disabilities. Volunteers reroofed, painted, rebuilt fences, completed electrical repairs and even cleaned her yard. This event was the beginning of a passionate movement to improve the living conditions of Sacramento area homeowners through home repairs performed by volunteers. In 2001, Christmas in April changed its name to Rebuilding Together and began providing services all year. That year, the Safe at Home Program was established to increase the homeowner’s independence and prevent at-home injuries through home safety installations. Since then, we have developed programs to help with other critical repairs. We are pleased to help with repairs and safety equipment installations at almost 500 homes each year. We also added community facilities to our neighborhood revitalization goals.
About Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank
The Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank provides food, resources, and hope to families in need. In 2023, it served more than 30,000 people. Ninety percent of the farm’s produce goes to the Food Bank, and the remainder supports local farm-to-fork programs.
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