Yolo Food Bank faces loss of 2M pounds as Amazon warehouse closes

The Yolo Food Bank is facing a significant challenge as it prepares to lose nearly 2 million pounds of food donations due to the closure of the Amazon Fulfillment Center in West Sacramento on October 30. This closure will impact the food bank's operations, as Amazon has been a crucial donor, providing a substantial portion of the food they distribute. Maria Segoviano from the food bank highlighted that approximately 60% of their food comes from donations recovered from various sources, including Amazon, which has been a top contributor for several years. The financial implications of this loss are severe, equating to over $2.8 million, which represents about 10% of the food bank's current supply. With annual distributions of around 10 million pounds of food throughout Yolo County, the food bank is now in urgent need of alternative funding and support to fill the gap left by Amazon's departure. The situation is exacerbated by a 50% increase in attendance at their weekly distributions, indicating a growing need for food assistance in the community. Yolo County has been identified as the most food insecure county in California, with one in three residents facing food insecurity. This alarming statistic underscores the critical role that the Yolo Food Bank plays in the community, especially as the holiday season approaches, when household budgets typically become tighter. Organizations like the Center for Land Based Learning are also stepping up to address hunger in the area, but the food bank is calling on the community for help to mitigate the impending donation disruption. As the food bank navigates this challenging period, it emphasizes the importance of community support to continue providing essential services to those in need. The loss of Amazon's donations comes at a time when the demand for food assistance is rising, making it imperative for the food bank to seek new sources of food and funding to sustain its operations.