The City of Sacramento has concluded its Food Justice Grant Program, a $1 million initiative launched in 2023 during the COVID-19 pandemic to combat food insecurity in vulnerable communities.
The program provided funding to 17 organizations, resulting in the distribution of nearly 150,000 freshly prepared meals and over 1.2 million pounds of food to at-risk populations in Sacramento.
“The Food Justice Grant Program reflects our City’s commitment to equity and resilience,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “By empowering organizations rooted in the community, we have made tremendous strides in ensuring that our most vulnerable residents have reliable access to nutritious food.”
Mayor Steinberg, along with District 8 Councilmember Mai Vang, spearheaded the creation of the Food Justice Task Force, which led to the launch of the grant program.
The program, managed by the Office of Innovation and Economic Development, achieved several key accomplishments. Among them was the expansion of food distribution programs by organizations such as Common Ground Covenant Church, which utilized grant funding to serve over 455,000 pounds of food to 41,000 individuals, including repeat recipients.
Alchemist CDC also played a key role in the program’s success by offering access booths at five farmers’ market locations. These booths enabled CalFresh recipients to exchange their benefits for vouchers accepted by farmers’ market vendors, facilitating over $1 million in spending.
The grants also supported essential infrastructure improvements, including the purchase of food delivery trucks and the establishment of new food pantries in affordable housing communities.
“The City partnered with organizations trusted within their communities, which helped reach residents where they are and provide culturally relevant food and services,” Councilmember Vang said. “This program is a testament to what the City and its residents can achieve when we work together to lift up our communities.”
The program also led to the creation of education and cultural programs, such as cooking classes and gardening programs, which provide community members with resources for long-term food security. Its success demonstrates how targeted, equitable funding can build a stronger and healthier Sacramento.
A full report on the outcomes of the program and its partners can be found using this interactive story map.
