Our California Legislature is wrapping up the budget for this coming year. Our colleagues at the California Association of Food Banks noted, in a bulletin today, “that one in four adults in California experienced food insecurity in the past year. The inclusion of $108 million for CalFood for fiscal year 2026-27 will provide fresh, healthy California-grown foods to millions of Californians who need help putting food on the table.” In 2021, I wrote many times about the California food insecurity challenge that was one in five adults. The bulletin from CAFB quoted an Urban Institute survey that shows in 2025, 24% of all adults in California experienced food insecurity, and among adults living with children, 33% experienced food insecurity.
Inflationary pressures are real for each of our families. We serve residents of San Joaquin County “who find themselves in an emergency situation,” which, in these times, means that groceries are the expenditure that is cut first. Many residents here in Stockton and our County will (1) use cash from a payday loan to purchase groceries; (2) use savings that were not intended for routine expenses to pay for groceries; and (3) or not pay the minimum due on a credit card to have money to purchase groceries. When the end of the month comes, working families will be in the line of 400 cars a day that forms at the EFB Main Pantry Monday through Friday from 9AM to noon.
Thank you for your interest in our Food Bank, its operations, and its growth. Your donation of time as a volunteer, groceries you can donate or food drives that you can hold at your business or community group, or your donation of cash at www.stocktonfoodbank.org keeps us going strong.
EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO
"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
For 50 years, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) – Central Valley has proudly united the community through its annual charity golf tournament - raising critical funds to support the Emergency Food Bank and families facing hunger across our region. This milestone event reflects five decades of generosity, partnership, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. Join us as we celebrate this golden anniversary with a memorable day of golf, purpose, and hunger awareness.
Washoe Heal Workshop - Monday, July 13 , 1pm th
Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) is a free community wellness program that empowers participants to build healthier lifestyles through nutrition education, hands-on cooking demonstrations, fresh produce distributions, physical activity, and practical tips for healthy living. Each workshop provides the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to make healthy choices for you and your family.
Washoe Native TANF, 3620 W Hammer Lane, Stockton, CA 95219
Sierra Vista Heal Workshop - Monday, July 13 , 10:00am th
Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) is a free community wellness program that empowers participants to build healthier lifestyles through nutrition education, hands-on cooking demonstrations, fresh produce distributions, physical activity, and practical tips for healthy living. Each workshop provides the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to make healthy choices for you and your family.
Sierra Vista Apartment's Community Center 1520 E 11th St Stockton, CA 95206
Instant mashed potatoes are a simple, affordable pantry staple that can fit into a healthy eating pattern. Made from real potatoes that have been cooked, dried, and turned into flakes, they offer many of the same nutrients as fresh potatoes with much less preparation time They provide carbohydrates for energy and naturally contain potassium, a mineral that helps support healthy blood pressure, muscle function, and nerve health. When prepared plain, instant mashed potatoes are also naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free, making them a versatile ingredient for a variety of meals.
Beyond their nutritional value, instant mashed potatoes are a budget-friendly option for busy households. Their long shelf life helps reduce food waste, and they can be ready to eat in just a few minutes. For an extra nutrition boost, try mixing in vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli, or adding protein-rich foods such as Greek yogurt, beans, or low-fat cheese. These simple additions can increase fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals while adding flavor and texture. Whether enjoyed as a comforting side dish, used to thicken soups, or added to casseroles, instant mashed potatoes are an easy and economical way to create satisfying meals for the whole family
2ndAnnual
Skedaddle Bubble run
Thank you to our 710 Runners
We are bubbling with excitement at the amazing turnout at the Skedaddle Bubble Run! We look forward to next year, but if you can’t wait, we have our Thanksgiving Run and Walk Against Hunger open for registration now!!!
Frothy Family Fun For ALL
Bubbly and exciting event
Swimming in suds under the sun
FOREST BATHING: THE NATURE PRACTICE THAT BOOSTS BODY AND MIND
BY TALIA DIAZ - NUTRITION EDUCATOR
Spending time in nature may offer more than just a peaceful escape—it may also provide meaningful benefits for both physical and mental health. A practice known as forest bathing or shinrin-yoku, which originated in Japan, encourages people to slow down and immerse themselves in the forest environment by engaging all of their senses. Rather than focusing on exercise or reaching a destination, the goal is to simply be present taking in the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of nature. Even short visits, such as walking through a park or sitting quietly among trees, can help people step away from daily stressors like screens, work demands, and constant stimulation, while supporting relaxation and improved mood.
Research suggests that forest bathing may also have measurable effects on the body. Studies have found that spending time in forest environments can increase the activity and number of natural killer (NK) cells, which are immune cells that help the body fight viruses and abnormal cells. These benefits may last beyond the time spent outdoors, with elevated NK cell activity and immune-supporting proteins remaining for up to a week—or even up to a month in some cases. Interestingly, similar visits to urban environments do not appear to produce the same immune response, suggesting that the forest setting itself plays an important role in these effects.
“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”― John Muir
Scientists believe these benefits may come from a combination of factors. Trees release natural compounds called phytoncides, which may help stimulate immune activity when inhaled, while time in nature has also been shown to reduce stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. Lower stress levels support better immune function and contribute to emotional well-being. Overall, research links forest bathing with reduced anxiety, depression, and anger, along with improvements in relaxation and mood. While not a medical treatment, regular time in nature appears to be a simple and accessible way to support both mind and body health.
VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH THE1113 TRANSPORTATION COMPANY TH
The 1113 Transportation Company is a Medium Truck Company used for line haul throughout California State. The Unit was constituted in September 2004 and has seen two deployments, 2012 and most recently in 2023. Based out of San Jose, we are one of the largest companies in our Battalion with just under 100 soldiers and officers in the ranks. We have supported every emergency fire mission from hauling tents and critical supplies to boots on the ground assisting CalFire as mop-up crews.
th BY SHELDON RABAGO
After talking with both crews of soldiers, it was received that they all enjoyed coming and assisting with whatever the FoodBank needed. Some remember working at other food banks across the state during the pandemic, and it seemed nostalgic for them. It was a great way to reach out and do service for the community and for civilians (in my opinion) to see that we are citizen soldiers. Here to assist. Here to help.
After 23 years in the Army, I still see the drive and commitment of the soldiers around me. It is in the soul of every service member. That we volunteered, and we chose to serve. There is a real human connection in that we are brothers and sisters, and we would give our lives for each other.
Overall impressions? I mean, I was so impressed by how tight a group the staff were when I was here during the pandemic that I became an employee here. It gave me a sense of belonging and my ultimate desire to serve my community. Truly, the first civilian job I have ever had where I get up in the morning, and I don’t look for an excuse to call in.
If I could, I would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Hansen and Jimmy for letting me run with this idea and for receiving my troops on those days. Also, a big shout-out to my Command Team from the 1113 TC for their support. th
