Feeding Forward: Transforming Food Recovery Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future

The California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) recently thanked The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation for committing $200,000 to support local food banks through the 2025 Feeding Forward Grant. This initiative is a partnership, with $100,000 from Save Mart and another $100,000 from The Jim Pattison Foundation.

In celebration of CARES’ 20th anniversary, these funds will enhance California’s food safety net. The grant aims to bolster organizations that tackle food insecurity by improving infrastructure. This includes essential tools like cold storage, refrigerated vehicles, and warehouse upgrades, which help food banks and community pantries better manage food recovery operations. These efforts align with California’s SB 1383 regulations, which focus on reducing food waste.

According to Stacia Levenfeld, CEO of CAFB, food banks served over six million people monthly last year, a rate consistent with the pandemic years but with fewer food resources available. “Save Mart was among the pioneers in donating excess retail food years ago, and their foundation leads the way in funding to ensure this food reaches local neighborhoods,” she remarked. The Feeding Forward Grant will help food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens obtain the resources needed to distribute food effectively.

Statistics indicate that last year, over 25% of food distributed by food banks was recovered from local retailers and wholesalers. Partnerships with chains like Save Mart, Lucky, and FoodMaxx play a crucial role in this effort, enabling food to get safely to communities in need.

Joan Dobias-Davis, board chair of The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation, emphasized the importance of community food banks. “They are vital in enhancing food security. The Feeding Forward Grant helps ensure that the food we donate reaches families facing hunger.”

Nonprofits working on food insecurity in the Save Mart service area can apply for Feeding Forward grants until August 11, 2025. Applications can be submitted at Save Mart Grant Application.

Since its establishment in 1995, the California Association of Food Banks has been at the forefront of the fight against hunger, believing that access to food is a right. Partnering with over 40 food banks and 6,000 community organizations, CAFB aims to end hunger across the state. For more information, visit CA Food Banks.

Insights and Trends

Recent surveys show a growing public awareness of food insecurity. Many people are turning to social media to share their experiences and support local food initiatives. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter have become spaces for fundraising and community-building around food security issues.

Moreover, experts stress that providing infrastructure improvements is crucial. As food banks adapt to rising demands, efficient operations will be vital to their success. Issues like inflation and supply chain struggles have made these improvements even more necessary.

Ultimately, the combined effort of foundations, local organizations, and community members highlights a collective mission: to ensure no one in California goes hungry.

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