San Francisco extends grant to Marine Food Bank to support COVID-19 food assistance program

A significant resolution was passed at the recent San Francisco County meeting, approving a second amendment to the grant agreement with the San Francisco Marin Food Bank. This amendment extends the grant term by six months, now running from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022, and increases the funding by approximately $6.75 million, bringing the total grant amount to nearly $22.95 million.

Cindy Lin, the Food Coordination Manager at the Human Services Agency, highlighted the critical role the Food Bank has played during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization has established over 20 pop-up pantries and expanded its home delivery program, serving around 15,000 households weekly. The drive-through pantry at Oracle Park alone delivers about 8,000 bags of groceries each week to vulnerable populations, including seniors and families with young children.

This funding modification is essential for the Food Bank to continue its operations and adapt to community needs. It includes provisions for culturally responsive menus and the distribution of food boxes, especially after the discontinuation of USDA support. The initiative aims to provide approximately 375,000 bags of food, ensuring that food assistance reaches every corner of the city, including underserved areas like Treasure Island.

Tanish Crosby, Executive Director of the San Francisco Marin Food Bank, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the organization's mission to end hunger and the importance of this funding in serving over 55,000 households weekly. The resolution reflects a commitment to food justice and community resilience as San Francisco continues to recover from the pandemic's impacts.