CAMERON PARK, Calif. — More than 30 partner agencies from across El Dorado County met this month at the Food Bank of El Dorado County’s Rural Hunger Conference to coordinate emergency food assistance as economic pressures push more families to the brink.
Representatives from faith-based groups, soup kitchens, school programs, veteran services, maternity homes and county agencies reviewed distribution maps, discussed stewardship of donated food and identified service gaps that must be filled to keep the countywide Emergency Food Assistance Network running smoothly. The Food Bank, which calls its collaborative the Emergency Food Assistance Network, says the network has provided a safety net for the county’s most at-risk populations for more than 25 years and relies on roughly 30 community partners to distribute food across rural and remote areas.
Organizers emphasized avoiding duplication of services while expanding coverage where it’s thin — especially in outlying communities such as Grizzly Flats and Pollock Pines — and pledged that the Food Bank will continue to coordinate responses when gaps are identified. The Food Bank’s public materials stress that the network functions as “a shield against the threat of food insecurity” and encourages residents to use the partner sites and volunteer or donate when possible.
“This collaboration is how we reach our neighbors who fall through the cracks,” the Food Bank’s public site says, underscoring the group’s community-first approach. The site also leans into a familiar slogan local recipients and volunteers often repeat: “If it’s not the Food Dude, it’s not the Food Bank of El Dorado County!”
Attendees reviewed operational priorities for 2025, including better data-sharing among partners, more timely distribution calendars, and volunteer recruitment to sustain high-demand distribution events. Countywide calendars — published regularly by both the Food Bank and local partners — allow residents to find monthly distribution events at churches and community centers such as Light of the Hills Lutheran, Hillside Church, Pioneer Bible Church, Upper Room Dining Hall and the VFW in Georgetown.
The Food Bank emphasized stewardship and efficient use of donated food, noting that careful inventory and distribution practices help the network stretch resources as costs rise. Officials also urged community members to thank local partners — including District Church, Mother Teresa Maternity Home, New Morning Youth and Family Services, Military Family Support and Volunteers of America — for their ongoing work. A full partner list and distribution-site finder are maintained on the Food Bank’s website.
With economic uncertainty continuing into 2025, organizers said the network faces increased pressure to maintain large collaborative operations that feed thousands daily. The Food Bank called on residents, local businesses and civic groups to step up support through volunteer time, shelf-stable donations, and monetary gifts so the Emergency Food Assistance Network can continue meeting demand across El Dorado County. Foodbank of El Dorado County
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Quick facts
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The Food Bank of El Dorado County has operated more than 25 years and works with 30+ partner agencies across the county.
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Monthly distribution calendars list recurring events at churches and community centers; calendars are available through the Food Bank and county library postings.
- Together, we will continue to make a difference.
If it’s not the Food Dude, it’s not the Food Bank of El Dorado County!
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