Every year, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) leads the State Employees Food Drive, raising food, funds and awareness regarding hunger issues in our state. California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, yet more than 1 in 5 Californians — about 8.8 million — currently struggle with food insecurity. Last year, state employees donated over $111,000, as well as 30,270 pounds of food, 1,120 turkeys and 1,477 volunteer hours to food banks around the state!
Due to the federal government shutdown, more than 5 million Californians are at risk of losing access to CalFresh benefits or experiencing delays beginning today, November 1, 2025.
This means that 13.5% of Californians – many families with children – will have to choose between paying bills or buying food. Demands on food banks are expected to spike; we can help meet those demands.
The official start of the food drive was set for November 10, but due to the added urgency this year, we are accepting donations starting today, Nov. 1, 2025 through January 9, 2026.
Here’s how state employees can participate:
- Find a local Food Bank of your choosing and
- Make a monetary donation
- Make a food donation
- Please check if the food bank is currently accepting food donations
- Volunteer your time
- Support your local food bank’s “Turkey Drive” or other fundraising events
- This year, the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services Turkey Drive will take place on November 14, 2025, and the Run to Feed the Hungry will take place on Thanksgiving Day – November 27, 2025.
- Submit your donation details through the Food Drive Credit Form to be included in your department’s participation by January 9, 2025.
Learn more at the State Employees Food Drive website: https://www.fooddrive.ca.gov/.