For many years the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has coordinated the annual California State Employee Food Drive during the holiday season. State employees were encouraged to place donated food items in bins located in state agency lobbies, among other activities. While COVID-19 has changed many things, including the use of bins, it has not affected employees’ desire to help, or the need of food banks to provide nourishment to the needy. In fact, COVID-19 has actually made more Californians food insecure this holiday season.
CDFA is now encouraging state employee participation through monetary donations to food banks across the state. Details may be found on the California State Employees Food Drive website, including a Video Message from CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, an interactive map where people may find a food bank in each county and information about how to volunteer.
This Giving Tuesday, CDFA encourages all Californians to consider providing assistance to the California Association of Food Banks, or visit the CalVolunteers web site to learn about local volunteer opportunities.