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News Release

California Department of Food and Agriculture

Media Contacts: Steve Lyle, CDFA Public Affairs, (916) 654-0462, steve.lyle@cdfa.ca.gov

California Department of Food and Agriculture
Release #15-058

CDFA SECRETARY KAREN ROSS TO CELEBRATE FARM TO FOOD BANK MONTH AT THE COMMUNITY FOOD BANK IN FRESNO

WHAT:
On Wednesday, December 16th, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross will celebrate “Farm to Food Bank Month” by visiting the Community Food Bank in Fresno. This event will highlight food donations by farmers and ranchers and bring visibility to the need for food donations statewide.

WHEN:
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. ~ Press Conference

WHERE:
Community Food Bank of Fresno
3403 E. Central Avenue
Fresno, CA 93725
Phone: (559) 237-3663

WHO:
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross
Ryan Jacobson, Executive Director, Fresno County Farm Bureau Federation
Sue Sigler, Executive Director, California Association of Food Banks
Andy Souza, CEO, Community Food Bank, Fresno
Denise Jonqueiro, Vice Chair, Buy California Marketing Agreement (CA GROWN)
Kion Kashefi, Secretary, California Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee
Local farmers and ranchers

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 estimated that 13.5 percent, or more than five million Californians, are food insecure, including more than two million children. 14 percent of American households overall are food insecure, meaning that they lacked reliable access to sufficient, nutritious food at some point in the past year.

So far this year, California farmers and ranchers have donated approximately 150 million pounds of food to food banks. This event will 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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California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Public Affairs
1220 N St., Ste. 214, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0462, www.cdfa.ca.gov