2025 ANNUALREPORT
MESSAGEFROMTHECEO
LEONARD HANSEN
President & CEO
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with deep gratitude for you - our supporters, partners, volunteers and advocates Because of your generosity, the Emergency Food Bank continued to stand strong for our community, even during one of the most challenging periods in our organization’s 58-year history
This year tested us. Product donations declined, placing additional strain on our operations just as demand continued to rise. When the federal government shut down and SNAP benefits were suspended, families were forced to turn to us in unprecedented numbers Almost overnight, our main pantry line grew from an average of 450 cars each weekday to more than 600 And yet - because of you - we did not turn anyone away
Don Ruhstaller, Chair
ABLE Charter School
Ralph Womack, Vice Chair
Retired, Stockton Police Department
Steve Dougherty, Treasurer Principal, Dougherty CPAs
We continued to serve, adapt, and respond, ensuring our neighbors had access to the food they needed when other systems fell short
These moments underscore why we are at a pivotal point Our current facility is operating at full capacity, limiting our ability to respond to emergencies and to meet the growing, ongoing need in our community. As we are preparing to launch our capital campaign, we are taking a bold step forward: constructing a new modern warehouse directly across the street from our current location This expansion will strengthen our infrastructure, increase storage and distribution capacity, and allow us to expand vital programs that support children, families, seniors and individuals throughout our county.
We invite you to come see this work in action. Visit our Food Bank Tour our Pantry and Food-As-Medicine programs Talk with our staff and volunteers Whether you are an individual donor, a corporate partner, or an advocate for our Food Bank, your support is an investment in a stronger, more resilient food bank - one that can continue to respond in times of crisis and serve our community well in the future.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership Together, we are meeting today’s needs and building tomorrow’s solutions
With sincere appreciation,
Leonard Hansen, President & CEO
BOARDOFDIRECTORS
Vanessa VanRaub-Tim, Secretary Van de Pol Enterprises
Michael Blalock
Retired, San Joaquin County
Agatha-Julia Reed
CarMax/Dog Town Junk Removal & Hauling
Greg Meath
Meath & Pereira
Albert Wu
Summerall Law
Dean Ky
Kuy E Ky, DDS, Inc
Brian Heck Lodi Unified School District
Morgan Brann
Deputy DA - CASA Unit
TheChallenge: TheRealityofHunger
89,690 PEOPLE
10.8% OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
live with food insecurity - uncertain where their next nutritious meal will come from.
Hunger remains a daily reality for tens of thousands of individuals and families in San Joaquin County
As more of our neighbors struggle to make ends meet, the demand on the Emergency Food Bank continues to grow, pushing our resources to the limit
255,674
Visits to Food Bank Programs in One Year
6,792,743 Pounds of Food Distributed to Our Community
These numbers reveal both the of in our community and the increasing on the Food Bank operating at full capacity.
These numbers reveal both the depth of hunger in our community and the increasing pressure on the Emergency Food Bank operating at full capacity.
ShowingUpWhenitMatteredMost OurResponse:
When hunger increased across San Joaquin County, the Emergency Food Bank responded - quickly, compassionately, and without hesitation Even as product donations declined and supply chains tightened, our commitment to the community did not waver
During periods of economic uncertainty, families who had never needed assistance before, began turning to the Food Bank for help. When federal disruptions led to the suspension of SNAP benefits, demand surged almost overnight. In the face of these challenges, we continued to serve - ensuring that no one was turned away when they needed food most.
Pantrydemandgrewbymorethan35%
from an average of each weekday to over per day
HowWeResponded
450 cars 600 cars
By developing partnerships with growers, retailers, and distributors, we rescued and redistributed millions of pounds of high-quality food that would have otherwise gone to waste. This effort not only reduced hunger but also strengthened sustainability throughout our local food system.
Our Mobile Farmers Market traveled throughout San Joaquin County, bringing fresh produce and healthy food directly to neighborhoods with limited access to grocery stores By meeting people where they live, we reduced barriers to nutrition and expanded access to fresh, locally sourced food
Through our Golden Hearts Senior Delivery program, we delivered nutritious ingredients to make healthy meals directly to homebound seniors - many of whom live on fixed incomes and face mobility or health challenges. This program ensures that our most vulnerable older adults continue to receive consistent access to food, dignity and care
The Building Better Habits program provides nutrition education for children, teaching the fundamentals of healthy eating, portion awareness, and smart food choices By engaging young people early, this program supports lifelong habits that promote health, learning, and overall well-being
Our Food as Medicine workshops impower individuals and families to use food as a tool to manage and prevent chronic health conditions. Through hands-on education and practical guidance, participants learn how nutrition can support better health outcomes and improved quality of life
TheImpact:
FeedingOurCommunity
Because of the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our partners, the Emergency Food Bank continues to be a lifeline for tens of thousands of individuals and families across San Joaquin County. The impact of this work is measured not only in pounds of food distributed - but in healthier families and stronger communities within San Joaquin County.
255,674
visits to Food Bank programs
6,792,743 pounds of food distributed countywide
73,589 individuals served 88% of the food-insecure population in SJ County was served
ReachingFamiliesWhereTheyAre
Through pantry distributions, mobile markets and community partnerships, families across San Joaquin County accessed nutritious food close to home For many, this support meant stability during times of economic uncertainty and the assurance that food would be available when it was needed most
Our Golden Hearts Senior Delivery program provided 16,351 boxes of healthy ingredients and fresh fruits and vegetables to homebound seniors - ensuring older adults received consistent, nutritious food while maintaining their independence, health and dignity
Through Food as Medicine workshops and our Building Better Habits program, individuals and families gained the knowledge - and tools to make healthier food choices These programs support long-term wellness by connecting nutrition to chronic disease prevention, child development, and overall quality of life
ThePeopleBehindtheMission
Every day, a dedicated team of staff members work behind the scenes and on the front lines to ensure food reaches those who need it most. From early mornings preparing the warehouse to long days supporting distributions and outreach, our staff bring expertise, compassion and commitment to every part of our work
Their dedication ensures that families are treated with dignity, seniors receive consistent care, and programs run smoothly - even during periods of increased demand and uncertainty It is their adaptability and heart for service that allow the Emergency Food Bank to remain a trusted resource for our community.
“I start early and work hard to make sure food is ready for families when they need it.
That’s what keeps me coming back every day.”
Chauncy - Warehouse
“There is nothing better than seeing the joy in our clients faces when they receive their produce. Knowing that I make a difference makes me smile.” Jennifer - Nutrition Educator
“My role may be behind the scenes, but I know that the work I do in helping secure funding for our programs helps the community that we serve.”
Alana - Program Manager
“It doesn’t matter if I am picking up a donation or dropping off produce, when I am driving I know that families won’t go without food.”
Dorian - Driver
PoweredbyVolunteers
Volunteers are essential to the Emergency Food Bank’s ability to serve our community Their time, energy, and generosity extend our reach, strengthen our programs and help ensure that food is available to neighbors in need
From sorting and packing food to assisting with pantry distributions, senior deliveries and special events, volunteers support nearly every aspect of our work. Their service makes it possible for us to respond quickly and efficientlyday after day.
CorporateVolunteers MakingaDifference
VolunteerHours
In 2025, we launched our Corporate Volunteer Program, welcoming local businesses to learn firsthand about the work we do and the impact it has across San Joaquin County
More than 30 local companies participated, beginning their visit with an overview from CEO Leonard Hansen, followed by hands-on volunteer service. These experiences created meaningful connections between businesses and the families they helped support
To honor their commitment, we proudly display their volunteer shirts in our Nutrition Education Center - a visible reminder of the community partnerships that make our work possible.
Adventist Health Arena
Amazon
Bowman & Company
Cephid
Child Abuse Prevention Council
City of Stockton Recycling & Waste Division
Clark Pest Control
Dignity Health
Dutch Bros
Family Resource Center
Friends Outside
FOX40
GRID Alternatives
Haggerty Construction
Home Depot
IBEW
St Mary’s High School Key Club
Lodi Christian Junior High Leadership Club
Martin Brower Company
Niagara
Novo Nordisk
Orkin Pest Control
PG&E
PMZ Realtors
Republic Services
Reyes Coca Cola Bottling
Simpson Strong Tie
University of the Pacific
US Bank
WalMart
WMB Architects
CommunityinAction
AYearofSuccessfulEvents
This past year, our community showed up in powerful ways Through events, partnerships and individual generosity, supporters helped expand awareness, increase resources, and strengthen our ability to serve neighbors facing hunger Every event participant, donor, sponsor and volunteer helped move our mission forward.
21 Annual Run & Walk Against Hunger presented by the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation
Our signature Thanksgiving Day community event once again brought together runners, walkers, sponsors and families in a shared commitment to fight hunger locally with over 2,800 runners!
NAIFA Golf Tournament
The NAIFA Golf Tournament delivered another successful year of partnership and purpose, raising critical support through friendly competition and community spirit Over the past 40 years, the Charity Golf Tournament has raised more than $500,000 dollars for the Emergency Food Bank Nutrition Education Programs.
Skedaddle Bubble Run presented by Kaiser Permanente
Our first-ever, Skedaddle Bubble Run - the first event of its kind in Stockton - brought energy and community spirit together for a fun and meaningful cause. Participants of all ages ran and walked through bubble-filled course zones, creating a memorable experience. The event introduced many new families and supporters to the mission of the Food Bank
