Frequently Asked Questions at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

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FAQs

Here are the most commonly asked questions about our organization. Hopefully this information will help you better understand what SFBFS does and how you can become involved.

What services does SFBFS offer?
SFBFS offers free educational services along with emergency goods such as food, clothing and diapers. Click on the programs page to learn about the nine programs that provide services free of charge.

How do I find out if I qualify for these programs?
Each program uses zip codes to distribute goods and services. Click on the programs page to select a program you are interested in. At the bottom of the page, you will see the requirements and qualifications for that program.
If you do not see your zip code listed, please look through our additional resources to locate another organization that may serve your needs.

Where is SFBFS located?
SFBFS has two locations. Click here for addresses, telephone numbers and interactive maps to help you locate the SFBFS facility closest to you.

Is it true that services are free?
Yes, all goods and services are provided to clients free of charge. This is made possible by donations from community members and caring companies. Click here to support SFBFS’ various programs.

Who are the people being served by this agency?
SFBFS serves families and individuals in need in Sacramento. Individuals of all ages, genders, races and backgrounds find their way to SFBFS for services. Clients accessing services do not need to provide any financial information to qualify, but must have proof of address to receive goods and services.

How is SFBFS funded?
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is a 501c(3) charity that accepts monetary and in-kind donations from the community. Most contributions come through private donations, along with corporate support. Approximately 97% of our donors live in the Sacramento area. SFBFS does not receive any government funding to run programs or sustain operations. Support also comes from three large annual fundraisers: Saca Benefit Ball, Brokers’ Punt, Pass & Kick and the Run to Feed the Hungry. If you are interested in becoming a supporter, click here to learn about the various ways you can become involved with SFBFS.

Where do I bring donations and what are your donation hours?
SFBFS accepts donations at our Guest Services area located in the parking lot on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 33rd Street; enter the parking lot through the alley. Our hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm with extended hours on Wednesday until 7 pm.

What items do you accept for donation?
In an effort to create more usable space for serving our clients, we have decided to focus specifically on donations which directly affect our nine service and education programs. In lieu of accepting your donation, we will gladly provide you with contact information for other well-respected social service organizations which could benefit from your generosity. For a list of items we can and cannot accept, click here.

Does SFBFS assist with payments for rent or provide temporary housing?
SFBFS does not assist with housing assistance, but we encourage you to look for resources that may be able to assist such as Francis House.

Does SFBFS assist with bus passes or gasoline vouchers?
SFBFS does not assist with transportation assistance, but we encourage you to look for resources that may be able to assist such as Francis House.

Does SFBFS assist with payment for utilities?
The SMUD EnergyHelp program is managed by SMUD, funded through SMUD customer donations and administered by SMUD’s community partners (Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Salvation Army, Folsom-Cordova Community Center and Traveler’s Aid). This program provides qualified low-income customers with immediate financial assistance to maintain electrical service in their homes. Qualified recipients can receive assistance of up to $200 a year toward past-due balances on their SMUD bill. Contact SMUD Customer Service at 888-742-7683 to apply.

Does SFBFS do anything special for Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Clients in need of assistance during the holiday season may receive assistance in the form of food, clothing and holiday gifts. SFBFS hosts an annual turkey drive in an effort to collect enough food to meet the needs of families around the holiday season. Click here to find out details about this year’s drive. Volunteer groups are also needed to help prepare goods for the busy season. Click here for more information on scheduling a group to assist. If you would like to sponsor a family or child for the holiday season, please contact us and mention adopting a family for the holiday season in your note.

How can I find out what’s going on with SFBFS on a regular basis?
Join our e-newsletter or request a copy of our monthly newsletter and mention you’d like to receive a copy of our monthly newsletter. Volunteers receive a regular electronic newsletter with features about exciting new ways to become involved with SFBFS and programmatic updates.

How do I volunteer?
Information on becoming a volunteer is located on the Volunteer page. The minimum age to volunteer is 10 years old and all volunteers must attend an orientation. Please consider a donation of your time and volunteer for SFBFS.

Hay personas que hablen Espanol en sus programas?
Si, contamos con personal que habla Espanol y podemos ofrecer muchos de nuestros servicios en Ingles y Espanol. Favor de hacer clic en la palabra ESPANOL que se encuentra en la parte superior de la pagina de los programas para leer la descripcion de nuestros nueve programas en Espanol. Si usted no encuentra la informacion que esta buscando, favor de hacer clic aqui para que envie un mensaje.