New Food Security Collaborative in Contra Costa County receives $100K Impact grant

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Oct. 12, 2024) — In a major step toward addressing food insecurity in Contra Costa County, the newly formed Food Security Collaborative of Contra Costa County has been awarded the Impact Grant of $100,000 by Impact100 East Bay.

This collaborative, composed of five leading organizations – the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region, St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County, and White Pony Express – was honored on September 29, 2024, for its innovative work aimed at creating long-term food security in the region.

The group will use the funds to develop a comprehensive Food Security Equity Map. This map will identify underserved communities within Contra Costa County. It will highlight areas with limited food access, help understand the barriers to obtaining food and assist in coordinating resources to ensure no one in the county faces food insecurity.

Claudia Ramirez, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County, emphasized the significance of the collaboration. “The Food Security Collaborative leverages the expertise of five organizations, each of which has a long history of fighting food insecurity. Our collective impact is a huge step toward creating long-term food security in our communities. We deeply appreciate the support of Impact100 East Bay in our ongoing fight against hunger.”

Impact100 East Bay, a women-led organization, dedicates itself to empowering women to see themselves as philanthropists. It also provides an opportunity to fund impactful initiatives that transform lives in their communities. Since its founding, Impact100 East Bay has awarded more than one million dollars to nonprofits focused on significant social change.

Food Security Collaborative of Contra Costa County

The Food Security Collaborative comprises a coalition of five community-based organizations committed to eradicating food insecurity in the county. By pooling resources and expertise, the Collaborative aims to address the root causes of hunger. It also seeks to ensure equitable access to nutritious food for all residents.

All five organizations are members of East Contra Costa Community Alliance (ECCCA). This group proved instrumental in helping to form the Food Security Collaborative.

For more information about the Food Security Collaborative of Contra Costa County, please contact Janette Kennedy at janettekennedy@loavesfishescc.org, 925-293-4792.