John Muir Health Makes $25K Donation to Local Food Bank

John Muir Health is delivering much needed assistance to local families this holiday season with a $25,000 donation to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. This year’s donation has been designated to support the Food Bank’s Community Produce Program.

“This donation also reflects the generosity of our doctors, staff and volunteers who are committed to helping members of our community, especially those in need, during the holiday season and throughout the year.”

The Community Produce Program distributes fresh produce twice a month to more than 50 sites in Contra Costa and Solano counties.

A grant in 2012 from the John Muir/Mt. Diablo Community Health Fund, which is funded by John Muir Health, enabled the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to purchase a beverage truck that was customized to serve as a mobile distribution vehicle for fresh produce.

After a six-month pilot program, a second vehicle was added through Feeding America, a national organization.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of John Muir Health,” said Larry Sly, executive director of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. “The Community Produce Program has an incredible impact on members of our community who are in need. People who visit the local distribution sites and meet income guidelines take home 20-30 pounds of fresh produce. They are receiving healthy food for their families that they might not otherwise be able to afford.”

“We are proud to be able to support the efforts of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables is a critical component of improving the overall health of our community, which is in keeping with John Muir Health’s mission,” said Cal Knight, John Muir Health’s president and CEO. “This donation also reflects the generosity of our doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers who are committed to helping members of our community, especially those in need, during the holiday season and throughout the year.”

In addition to financial support, John Muir Health employees have been participating in a holiday food drive to support the Food Bank.

Since making its first holiday donation in 2008 at the suggestion of an employee, John Muir Health has contributed more than $200,000 to the Food Bank.

For more information on the Community Produce Program and a list of distribution sites, please visit www.foodbankccs.org/get-help/community-produce-program.html.

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About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care organization east of San Francisco serving patients in Contra Costa, eastern Alameda and southern Solano Counties. For more information, visitwww.johnmuirhealth.com.

--Image and information courtesy of John Muir Health.

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