CDFA SECRETARY KAREN ROSS TO VISIT SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF SANTA CLARA AND SAN MATEO COUNTIES TO CELEBRATE FARM TO FOOD BANK MONTH ON DECEMBER 3RD

The event is scheduled at the Second Harvest Food Bank in San Jose - December 3rd, 2014 at 10 a.m.

WHAT: On Wednesday, December 3rd, California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross will celebrate “Farm to Food Bank Month” by visiting the Second Harvest Food Bank in San Jose, the largest food bank distributor of produce in the nation.  This event will highlight food donations by farmers and ranchers and bring visibility to the need for food donations statewide.

WHO:  CDFA Secretary Karen Ross
          The Honorable Jerry Hill, State Senator (D-13)  
          Sue Sigler, Executive Director, California Association of Food Banks
          Kathy Jackson, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara & San Mateo Counties
          Cherie Watte Angulo, Chair, Buy California Marketing Agreement (CA GROWN)
          Local area farmers
          Statewide/regional non-profits working with farmers on donations

WHEN:   Wednesday, December 3, 2014
             10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. ~ Press Conference
  
WHERE:   Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties
              4001 North First Street
              San Jose, CA 95134
              Phone: (408) 858-9208

WHY:  California’s farmers and ranchers contribute significantly to the health of our citizens and are vital partners in expanding food access to rural and urban communities. It is believed that more than 49 million people, or 14 percent of households, are food insecure in our nation – one in every six Americans.  In California, almost 6 million people are food insecure, which means they could not afford enough food at least once in the previous year.

So far this year, California farmers and ranchers have donated more than 140 million pounds of food to food banks. This event is to recognize food bank donations by farmers and also acknowledge the need for food donations in local communities.
 
CONTACT: To speak with Secretary Ross at the event, please contact Steve Lyle, 916-654-0462, steve.lyle@cdfa.ca.gov

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