Food bank, community members spread holiday cheer

The Elk Grove Food Bank closed out 2011 by dishing out hundreds of traditional holiday meals last week.

The more than 450 “Christmas boxes” given out to families in need included either a turkey, ham or chicken, plus side course trimmings like potatoes, vegetables, rolls and cranberry sauce, as well as fresh pies, according to the Sacramento Bee. 

The food bank holds this annual one-day event approximately one week before Christmas, according to the food bank’s website. This year the distribution of food boxes took place Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Members of Oak Tree Church also joined in the holiday spirit by distributing 200 Christmas trees that Wednesday, while Elk Grove City Councilwoman handed out candy canes to families showing up for the annual holiday food giveaway.

But that wasn't the extent of Elk Grove's holiday gratuity this Christmas season. Elk Grove City Councilman Gary Davis, Davis intern Teresa Rodriguez, and Elk Grove Community Connection members Constance Conley and Linda Ford helped organize a month-long food and clothing drive than concluded Dec. 19. Conley couldn't say how many people were served by the drive, but noted the participation of dozens of local businesses.

"[W]e collected turkeys, hams, warm clothing, bin after bin of canned goods, Lion's Club donated food and toys instead of paying for their holiday party dinner, Teresa Rodriguez spent $500 on toys alone, not to mention a continental breakfast catered by Panera Bread for the businesses and the community as a thank you..." Conley said in an email.

The food bank temporarily shut its doors on Monday, the day after Christmas. But the mission to feed the city’s less fortunate residents will resume when the food bank reopens Jan. 2, 2012. Food is normally distributed Monday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. at the food bank, located at 9820 Dino Dr., Ste. 140.

The food bank outlines a wish list of desired donations on its website. Items include canned goods, high-protein foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, toiletries and baby items. The full list can be found here.

, the homeless liaison for the , says the battered local economy has left an untold number of residents touched by poverty, including a growing number struggling with homelessness.

“It’s definitely a group that’s growing,” Santos told Elk Grove Patch. “It’s not the stigma it once was because there are so many people experiencing such hardships.”

The foreclosure situation coupled with the retraction of safety net services cut by budget-strapped governments is contributing to the squeeze, added Santos. Nonprofit organizations like the food bank have struggled to pick up the slack.

“There’s a lot of people who have never been part of the system before … and are still in shock that this (foreclosure) has happened,” said Santos, who spoke in support of a the city has considered developing. “The safety net just isn’t there.”