Food For People press release: 

During the coming season, Food for People provides special foods for households in need so they can make holiday meals. This small gesture helps struggling households enjoy a holiday tradition that brings the family together around the table. But one of the most costly parts of a holiday meal is the turkey or ham, and this is especially true this year due to the rise in meat costs triggered by the severe drought. Last year we were fortunate to be able to offer almost everyone a turkey, thanks to a settlement with a major food vendor that benefited food banks throughout the state. The settlement came just in time for the holidays and we used our portion to purchase turkeys. But this year is a different story and we are turning to the community for help. The community is being asked to help by donating frozen turkeys and hams with the goal of collecting at least 200 of each. This will supplement Food for People’s supply of meats and ensure that all local families are able to prepare a holiday meal this season. Times are still tough for many in our community and for those local families in need and struggling, this food also provides hope. If you are able to donate a frozen turkey of any size it would be greatly appreciated!

The food bank is open daily from 9:00-4:30 at 307 W. 14th St. in Eureka, next to the DMV.

 Requests for emergency food assistance remain high post recession and Food for People’s programs continue to operate at maximum capacity, serving the largest number of community members that the food bank’s resources can handle. A large majority of the individuals served are children and seniors. We know that many of the families requesting help have jobs, but don’t earn enough to keep up with the rising cost of living. And some individuals, including retirees, live on low fixed-incomes like Social Security or disability and don’t have money left for food after paying for housing and utilities. Food for People provides food assistance when people fall on hard times but the organization cannot respond effectively when food supplies run low. That’s why donations are so important for helping struggling households make it through the holiday and winter season.