By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. March 4, 2026)
CAMERON PARK, Calif. — While millions of Americans prepared for football’s biggest game, a group of local young volunteers spent the morning tackling hunger in El Dorado County.
On Feb. 8, the youth group at Faith Episcopal Church in Cameron Park hosted its annual Super Bowl food drive, collecting 2,780 pounds of nonperishable food for the Food Bank of El Dorado County.
The donations — gathered between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the church, located at 2200 Country Club Drive — exceeded last year’s total of 2,551 pounds, despite rising grocery prices. Parishioners and community members dropped off bags and boxes filled with canned goods and pantry staples before heading home to watch the big game.
Young volunteers sorted, lifted and loaded donations throughout the morning, embracing the event’s football theme while addressing a serious community need.
“We like to make this event fun because it is something positive we can do for our local community,” said youth group member Mark West.
Youth group leader Matt Batkin said the event intentionally taps into the spirit of one of the nation’s biggest food days.
“The Super Bowl is a big food consumption day,” Batkin said. “We like to collect food for all the other days of the year to make sure that local families have full stomachs before going to work and going to school.”
According to food bank leaders, the annual drive has become a meaningful tradition for the community.
“This really helps collect food for our pantry, but most importantly it brings the community together,” said Mike Sproull, president of the Food Bank of El Dorado County. “This food drive has been going on for many years and we’ve watched how much the Faith youth group has done for the community. We are very proud of them.”
Faith Episcopal Church Rector Rev. Tom Gartin said the congregation remains committed to supporting local families year-round.
“We are grateful for everyone who contributed,” Gartin said. “If you didn’t have a chance to stop by, please know that the need to feed local families is constant and we collect food for local families year-round.”
The food bank currently supports 25 partner organizations across the county and provides food assistance to between 8,000 and 10,000 people each week.
Organizers say commonly needed items include canned soups, fruits, vegetables and meats, along with boxed cereals and pasta. Donations can be dropped off at Faith Episcopal Church on Sunday mornings before, during or after the church’s 10 a.m. service.
Community members interested in supporting local food programs can also contact the Food Bank of El Dorado County for additional ways to help.
