Contra Costa Herald

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

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.

CalFresh offers food assistance to Contra Costa residents

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Source: California Department of Social Services

During their meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation declaring May as CalFresh Awareness Month (See below)

More Contra Costa County residents are encouraged to apply for the food assistance program.

CalFresh food benefits stretch household budgets, enabling recipients to afford nutritious food, including more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options. In Contra Costa County, 93,169 Contra Costa County residents are receiving CalFresh as of March 2023. But many more may be eligible. Learn more, including how to apply, at ehsd.org.

Source: California Department of Social Services

CalFresh Facts:

  • CalFresh Food benefits can be used at most grocery stores and even select online retailers; and matched dollar for dollar at participating farmers markets.
  • Adults 18 years or older can be eligible for CalFresh, and may apply on behalf of their children, including non-citizen parents who may apply on behalf of their U.S.-born children.
  • CalFresh benefits have contributed $297 million to our economy from April 2022 through March 2023 in Contra Costa County.

CalFresh Awareness Month news cards are posted on ehsd.org and on the County website. Also, social media posts @ContraCostaEHSD on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

Proclaiming May 2023 as CalFresh Awareness Month

WHEREAS, CalFresh food benefits stretch household budgets, enabling recipients to afford nutritious food, including more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options; and

WHEREAS, encouraging eligible residents to enroll in the CalFresh program will increase the health and well-being of eligible families and individuals by helping provide a means to meet their nutritional needs; and

WHEREAS, EHSD’s community partnerships, including the Food Bank of Contra Costa County and Solano, help raise awareness and visibility of CalFresh; and

WHEREAS, adults 18 years or older can be eligible for CalFresh, and may apply on behalf of their children, including non-citizen parents who may apply on behalf of their U.S.-born children; and

WHEREAS, CalFresh Food benefits can be used at most grocery stores and even select online retailers; and matched dollar for dollar at participating farmers markets; and

WHEREAS, 93,169 Contra Costa County residents are receiving CalFresh as of March 2023; and

WHEREAS, CalFresh benefits have contributed $297 million to our economy from April 2022 through March 2023 in Contra Costa County; and

WHEREAS, Contra Costa County is one of 34 counties in the state to offer the CalFresh Employment and Training Program, providing CalFresh participants training and assistance towards job readiness, job security, work norms and access to higher education; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim May 2023 as CalFresh Awareness Month in Contra Costa County, and honors all of the individuals, organizations and agencies working to ensure that all County residents have access to safe, nutritious food and support in achieving sustainable economic health.

Fresh Approach mobile farmers’ market brings healthy fruits and veggies to West Contra Costa residents

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The Fresh Approach mobile farmers’ market truck visits three locations in West County on Wednesdays. Photos: Kaiser Permanente

Wednesdays at the library, YMCA and San Pablo Senior Center

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

Richmond resident Marsha Quick has more energy and has reached a healthy weight since she started visiting the Fresh Approach mobile farmers’ market at the Richmond Public Library on Wednesday mornings. She credits the truck for giving her a new appreciation for healthy foods.

“It has changed how I eat,” she said. “I used to hate broccoli, but now I have it four times a week because it’s so fresh. I’ve also learned how to make sweet potato tacos with ground turkey and spices. Most of all, I enjoy meeting other Richmond residents in line – I’ve made a lot of friends out here.”

Fresh Approach is a Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to connecting residents to healthy food from California farmers and to expanding knowledge in the community about food and nutrition. Its mobile farmers’ market truck, stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, serves six cities in three Bay Area counties.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and recent inflation concerns have increased the number of Bay Area residents who face food insecurity,” said Fresh Approach Food Access Program Manager Ellen Olack. “We’ve seen lots of changes pre- and post- pandemic. More folks are coming out each week.”

The Fresh Approach truck stops at three locations on Wednesdays – the Richmond Public Library, the San Pablo Senior Center and the Richmond Parkway YMCA. The Richmond route and a similar route in Antioch are funded in part by Kaiser Permanente.

Yvette Radford, Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California vice president of External and Community Affairs, noted that having access to affordable, nutritious food is critical for good health.

“That’s why we have partnered with Fresh Approach to provide fresh produce every week to West County residents who are struggling to make ends meet during these challenging economic times,” she said. “This partnership reflects our deep commitment to improve health in the communities we serve and help people live longer, healthier lives.”

Fresh Approach offers a 50 percent discount to customers who participate in income-based benefit programs, including CalFresh (SNAP), WIC, SSI/SSDI, Medi-Cal and unemployment.

For Sharolyn Reed, the mother of three young children, the food truck has been life changing. It has enabled her to plan nutritious meals for her family every day and be more conscientious about healthy snacks.

“My kids look forward to eating apples and fresh vegetables every day,” she said. “I always have them on hand now.”

Fresh Approach Community Ambassador Towanna Turner said her primary goal is to help Richmond residents prevent various diseases by providing easy access to nutrient-rich food.

“I’ve seen people with tears in their eyes because they’re so grateful for healthy food,” she added. “I love being an ambassador because I’m able to help people live better lives.”

Every Wednesday, the Fresh Approach Mobile Farmers’ Market truck stops at the Richmond Public Library from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. It moves to the San Pablo Senior Center at 1943 Church Lane  from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The last stop of the day is the Richmond Parkway YMCA at 4300 Lakeside Drive from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.