By Cris Alarcon, INEDC Journalist
(June 7, 2025 | El Dorado County, CA)
As inflation and housing costs continue to squeeze working families, seniors, and veterans across the Sierra Foothills, the Food Bank of El Dorado County is stepping up its mission to prevent hunger and provide hope — one household at a time.
Headquartered in Cameron Park, the nonprofit works through a network of more than 30 partner agencies including food closets, soup kitchens, shelters, schools, and transitional housing centers. The Emergency Food Assistance Network coordinates these groups to deliver vital services to vulnerable populations across the county.
“No one in El Dorado County should go hungry,” said Mike Sproull, also known as The Food Dude, who leads the outreach team. “Your local Food Bank is here to help during your time of need.”
Among the cornerstone initiatives is the No Vet Goes Hungry Program, created in collaboration with the El Dorado County Veteran’s Commission, which ensures emergency food is available to veterans and their families. This effort is particularly critical given the county’s large and aging veteran population.
Meanwhile, seniors are supported through the Elder Outreach Program, a partnership with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians that delivers nutritious commodities to residents 60 years and older across five Northern California counties, including El Dorado.
Disaster readiness is also on the table. Through the Listos California Program, the Food Bank helps deliver emergency preparedness education to rural and isolated communities. This collaboration bolsters resilience against wildfires, floods, and power outages.
“We’re not just delivering food — we’re building readiness and restoring dignity,” said Sproull. “That includes making sure families have fresh produce, not just canned goods.”
That fresh approach comes through the Harvest to Table Program, which sources food directly from local farms and vendors in El Dorado County and beyond. These farm-fresh ingredients are distributed to families, ensuring access to healthy, locally grown options.
Each November, the Harvest Meal Outreach provides thousands with a holiday meal — made possible by the support of tribal partners, youth volunteers, and local donors. The effort brings the community together around the table in a celebration of shared abundance.
The Food Bank also distributes food through TEFAP, a federal safety-net program that supplements low-income households’ diets at no cost.
Operating from its facility at 4550 Business Drive in Cameron Park, the Food Bank relies on local support to continue. Donations, corporate sponsorships, and volunteer time remain crucial to maintaining operations.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.foodbankedc.org or call 530-621-9950.
Disclosure:
The publisher of this story, Cris Alarcon, formerly served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Food Bank of El Dorado County.
