Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

SNAP food replacement due to widespread power outages during strong winter storm in California announced

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By Julie Yee, Public Affairs Specialist, Western Regional Office, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Friday, March 1, 2024, that households impacted by widespread power outages that started on February 4th as the result of a strong winter storm in California could be eligible for replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/CalFresh benefits. This is one of many recent steps USDA has taken to ensure California residents in need have food to eat.

Rather than require SNAP households to report food losses individually, USDA allowed the State of California to approve automatic mass replacements for residents of certain zip codes who lost food as a result of the power outages and winter storm. The waiver applies to specified zip codes from 27 counties. More details will be made available through the  California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

SNAP participants in areas hardest hit by the power outages may have a portion of their February benefits replaced. SNAP recipients residing in other affected areas may request replacement benefits by filing an affidavit with the local office attesting to disaster-related loss.

Additionally, USDA has approved CDSS’ request to waive the 10-day reporting requirement for replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits that were lost as a result of power outages due to the winter storms that began in February. The waiver is in effect through March 4, 2024.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service is ready to consider additional waivers that may be needed to help program participants who have lost food due to widespread power outages and to simplify the application process for affected households, upon request from the CDSS. Individuals seeking more information about this and other available aid should dial 2-1-1. For more information about California SNAP, visit https://www.cdss.ca.gov/food-nutrition/calfresh.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service works to end hunger and improve food and nutrition security through a suite of 16 nutrition assistance programs, such as the school breakfast and lunch programs, WIC and SNAP. Together, these programs serve 1 in 4 Americans over the course of a year, promoting consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable food essential to optimal health and well-being. FNS also provides science-based nutrition recommendations through the co-development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. FNS’s report, “Leveraging the White House Conference to Promote and Elevate Nutrition Security: The Role of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service,” highlights ways the agency will support the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy, released in conjunction with the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022. To learn more about FNS, visit www.fns.usda.gov and follow @USDANutrition.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

 

Kaiser Permanente partners with Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to provide food for people in need

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Kaiser Permanente Contra Costa County/Tri-Valley Service Area Community Health Manager Leslie Brown presents a $365,000 check to Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano VP of Finance Brian Morrow. Photo: KP

Contributes $365,000 to fund 540,000 meals

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

In the Bay Area, 1 in 4 residents will struggle with food insecurity this year. To help manage the expected increase in food insecurity during the holidays, Kaiser Permanente is making multiple investments in the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano by providing funds for 540,000 meals. On Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, Kaiser Permanente presented a $365,000 check at the Concord food bank site.

“To our partners at Kaiser Permanente, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this generous donation,” said Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano VP of Finance Brian Morrow. “With this money, we will be able to provide 540,000 meals to our neighbors in need. We thank you so much. Happy holidays!”

Every month, local residents visit the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano for supplemental food. The food bank anticipates that the demand for food assistance will increase by about 20 percent during the holiday season.

A grant of $270,000 from Kaiser Permanente supports healthy food distributions, and an additional $95,000 grant from a Kaiser Permanente fund at the East Bay Community Foundation supports outreach to ensure that community members will have access to CalFresh (California’s food stamp program) and Medi-Cal. The food bank recently kicked off its 3 Million Meals Campaign.

Last Tuesday, community volunteers sorted and packaged produce at the food bank for upcoming food distributions. According to the CA Association of Food Banks, California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, about 8.8 million people are food insecure. Food insecurity is defined as limited or uncertain access to enough food to lead a healthy, active life. The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano provides more than 3.4 million meals each month.

“We believe that our health is our wealth,” said Kaiser Permanente Contra Costa County and Tri-Valley Service Area Community Health Manager Leslie Brown. “In order for you to be able to take care of your physical health, you need nutritious meals. It’s so important for people to have access to healthy food so they can take care of their physical health.”

Maya Cinemas offers free movie passes for donation to local food banks

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Nov. 22 – Dec. 23

Maya Cinemas, known for developing movie theatres in underserved communities with state-of-the-art presentation, first-class amenities and community involvement, is offering free movie passes for every $10 donation to a local food bank. Beginning on November 22nd and running through December 23rd, movie-goers can make a donation at any Maya Cinema and receive 2 free movie passes (valid 1/1/24 – 4/30/24) for every $10 they donate. Donations are made through the Maya Cinemas’ Maya Community Foundation.

The Maya Community Foundation is dedicated to the development and enrichment of the lives of people in the community in which Maya Cinemas’ theatres serve. The foundation is dedicated to fostering and supporting under-served, low-income communities through a variety of programs.

Donations can be made in-theatre at Maya’s Pittsburg locations at 4085 Century Boulevard.

“Supporting the communities we serve, is at the core of Maya Cinemas. We believe experiencing movies together helps develop stronger more empathetic communities, so we look for more ways to make movies more accessible to more people while giving back to those who need our support.” said Greg Heckmann, Director, Marketing at Maya Cinemas.

ABOUT MAYA CINEMAS

Maya Cinemas was chartered in 2000 with a mission to develop, build, own and operate modern, first-run, multi-plex movie theaters in underserved, family oriented, Latino-dominant communities. Maya Cinemas offers first-run Hollywood movies and unique content through its Canal Maya program in high-end theaters focused on quality of design, state-of-the-art film presentation technology, and providing first-rate entertainment with superior customer service. The Maya Community Foundation is dedicated to the development and enrichment of the lives of people in the community in which Maya Cinemas serve. ww.mayacinemas.com/

Join the annual Counties Care Holiday Food Fight Challenge

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Help Contra Costa beat Solano County to win the Big Apple trophy

By Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis

I would like to take a moment to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and invite you to participate in the annual Counties Care Holiday Food Fight to raise money for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

Once again, in 2023 Contra Costa and Solano counties will compete to raise funds for the Food Bank. This friendly competition, spearheaded by individual county departments, has raised nearly $2.7 million since 2003. The county that raises the most funds per employee will win the Big Apple trophy. The trophy and bragging rights pass back and forth annually, but the real winners are the recipients of the funds you raise: those that go hungry in our communities. (See results from past years’ Food Fights)

Please help raise funds for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano with a donation today. Every dollar donated provides enough food to make two meals. Of every dollar donated, 97 cents go toward food programs.

Counties Care Holiday Food Fight Challenge!

WHO: Contra Costa and Solano County Residents

WHAT: Counties Care Holiday Food Fight 2023

WHEN: Now through December 31, 2023

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano serves one in four residents and provides more than 3,400,000 meals monthly. While the Food Bank feeds our neighbors seven days a week, the need is felt even more around Thanksgiving, when a nourishing meal is the centerpiece of the day.

As you plan your Thanksgiving menu, I hope you’ll consider our neighbors and donate to make the 2023 Holiday Food Fight a success.

To donate, click the link below or mail a check to our office.

https://give.foodbankccs.org/team/326115

Please make checks payable to: Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

Mail to: Office of Supervisor Diane Burgis,

Contra Costa County

3361 Walnut Blvd. Ste 140, Brentwood, CA 94513

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

SVdP Family Resource Center to host heartwarming Thanksgiving Celebration in Pittsburg

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Guests enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving Meal at the SVdP Family Resource Center in 2022. Source: SVdP

Members of Knights of Columbus at St. Ignatius Church in Antioch and other volunteers will be cooking and serving

By Steve Krank, St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County

St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County, (SVdP) is excited to announce a collaborative effort with Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, the Knights of Columbus of St. Ignatius Church, and dedicated SVdP volunteers and their families to host a heartwarming free Thanksgiving luncheon and celebration on November 23, 2023.

Guests are invited to join us at the SVdP Family Resource Center, located at 1415 Simpson Court, Pittsburg, CA (Corner of Gladstone Drive). The highlight of the day will be a delectable, free, Thanksgiving meal served from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, featuring all the traditional favorites that embody the true spirit of Thanksgiving, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, salad, pumpkin pie and more. SVdP volunteers will also be handing out warm coats and jackets, generously donated by The Burlington Coat Factory, and serving delicious hot chocolate, to help everyone feel warm, safe, and in the Holiday Spirit!

Since 2010, SVdP volunteers have been providing a delicious Thanksgiving meal to the community and a warm gathering for neighbors in need and the homeless. This collaborative effort not only provides a delicious Thanksgiving feast but also gives an opportunity for community members to come together, connect with neighbors and guests, share stories, and create lasting memories.

SVdP encourages individuals to get involved by volunteering their time or making donations to contribute to the cost of food and decorations at svdp-cc.org, “DONATE NOW”. This year, SVdP is extremely grateful to the Knights of Columbus at St. Ignatius Church. KofC members, along with other caring volunteers, will be cooking and serving the Thanksgiving meal this year.

To confirm attendance or volunteer, please RSVP by November 20, 2023, via email to: Stephen Krank at s.krank@svdp-cc.org or call 925-439-5060 #28.

St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County and our partners look forward to hosting this special Thanksgiving celebration on Thursday, November 23 for community members, all are invited to join! Together, we can make this Thanksgiving meaningful and joyous for all involved.

Sprouts Farmers Market to hold groundbreaking for new Pittsburg store Aug. 3

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By Wolfgang Croskey, Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce

Sierra Pacific Properties extends a cordial invitation to you for the groundbreaking of Sprouts Farmers Market, Pittsburg’s latest grocery store.

This is Sprouts’ second location in East County with the first one at The Streets of Brentwood. Started in 2002 to make natural, fresh, organic food choices accessible to everyone, the Arizona-based Sprouts has since expanded to 380 stores. The new store will be part of a 3.69-acre development called the San Marco Commercial Center, at San Marco Boulevard and West Leland Road.

We are excited to have you join us in celebrating the growth of the Pittsburg business community. The event will be held at 2311 W. Leland Road and parking will be at Ray Giacomelli Park. We hope to see you there.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival offers Marina Experience Package

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Perfect for boaters

The Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival is excited to announce a novel, immersive experience for this year’s attendees: the Marina Experience Package. The event will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10.

In homage to our city’s maritime roots and our commitment to innovating the festival experience, we’re introducing the Marina Experience Package – a unique, enhanced experience for our sea-loving festival-goers.

The package includes a designated docking space at the local marina, a convenient shuttle service to and from the festival grounds, a custom festival burgee, and a curated welcome package filled with festival goodies.

“Our goal is to offer festival-goers a truly immersive and memorable experience. With the Marina Experience Package, attendees can not only savor the seafood and music but also revel in our beautiful marina which is such a crucial part of our city,” says Wolfgang Croskey, Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce CEO.

This initiative underscores our commitment to creating unique, diverse, and inclusive experiences for all attendees. The Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival continues to innovate and evolve, establishing itself as a must-visit event in the Bay Area’s festival scene.

For more information about the Marina Package and to purchase tickets, visit www.pittsburgseafoodandmusicfestival.com.About the Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival

The Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival is an annual event held in Pittsburg, CA, celebrating the city’s maritime history, local seafood, and diverse musical acts. The festival aims to foster community spirit, promote local businesses, and provide a platform for local artists and musicians.

Free Summer Gathering in the Park at Contra Costa Event Park Aug. 6

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Community Outreach Musical

Come out and join us for a day of school supply giveaways, community unity with music and dance. Resource operations will also share information.

Sunday, August 6, 2023 3 – 6 p.m.

Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch

To reserve your free school supplies, please contact B.C.C. Ministries at (925) 350-0188 or bcc1781@gmail.com.