Sacramento, Calif. - Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, Sutter Roseville Medical Center and Sutter Health today announced a $14,500 donation to Placer Food Bank. The donation is part of a $252,500 donation the not-for-profit network made to food banks across Northern California to help feed the hungry this holiday season.
‘With more families facing tough economic times, Northern California food banks continue to face challenges in meeting the increased needs,’ said Pat Fry, president and CEO of Sutter Health. ‘Our community partners play a crucial role in helping those who struggle to put food on their tables. With this donation, more families can enjoy a holiday meal this season.’
‘We understand that our donation not only helps feed those who are hungry, but in essence gives them the strength, comfort and confidence to overcome struggles and look forward to a brighter tomorrow,’ said Mitch Hanna, CEO, Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital.
‘We’re proud to support Placer Food Bank,’ said Pat Brady, CEO, Sutter Roseville Medical Center. ‘What we do outside our hospital walls to enhance our local communities is just as important as what we do inside our hospital walls.’
Monetary donations like Sutter Health’s, Sutter Auburn Faith’s and Sutter Roseville’s are vital for food banks, which stretch their purchasing dollars so they can feed even more families in need. In many instances, a donation of $1 can translate to over $5 worth of distributed food.
The Placer Food Bank is a food clearinghouse. They receive, inspect, sort, weigh and package food for delivery to a network of charitable agencies throughout Placer, El Dorado and Nevada Counties. These agencies provide supplemental food to low-income households, the working poor, handicapped or disabled individuals, senior citizen and children’s programs.
‘Due to the generous sum of money donated by Sutter, the Placer Food Bank will move closer to accomplishing our renewed strategic plan,’ said David Martinez, executive director of the Placer Food Bank. ‘We will preserve our aim to grow the food closet network, expand our grant writing capacity and continue to make ever greater strides in delivering superior food quality and nutritional education. We will fight for sound anti-hunger policies, and together with the professional community members of Placer County, we will use these tough times to reaffirm our mission: eliminate hunger!’
Given on behalf of employees, physicians and volunteers, Sutter’s quarter-million dollar donation is among the network’s many community commitments. Last year, Sutter Health’s investment in care and services for the poor and underserved and benefits for the broader community amounted to $667 million.