Here is a group shot of Lifetime Achievement Volunteers, pictured with Yolo Food Bank Board Member Patrice Griffith (center in purple shirt). Photo courtesy of Yolo Food Bank

WOODLAND, CA (MPG) – Yolo Food Bank hosted a vibrant afternoon of celebration and gratitude at its annual appreciation event on Saturday, March 22.

The “Food Bank Fiesta” brought together more than 300 community members, financial donors, volunteers and food donors to honor the unwavering commitment of those whose generosity continues to strengthen and feed vulnerable Yolo County members. 

At a time when only 54% of Americans report feeling a connection to people in their local community, according to the Pew Research Center, this year’s event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of building and nurturing community connections.

Mariachi Los Claveles, a local nonprofit youth mariachi group, performed at Yolo Food Bank’s “Food Bank Fiesta.” Photo courtesy of Yolo Food Bank

Supporters of all backgrounds were united at the Food Bank’s warehouse where they learned about the work being done to address food insecurity through self-guided tours. The event also featured a festive atmosphere with music by Mariachi Los Claveles, delicious street tacos and a silent auction showcasing unique handcrafted garden items.

“This is now the second year we bring all supporters together under one roof, many of which give in multifaceted ways,” said Executive Director Karen Baker. “Our common agenda is so simple: we all want to feed our neighbors.” 

The highlight of the day came during the annual Pallet Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to support the mission of Yolo Food Bank. This year, Yolo Food Bank was proud to honor a diverse group of outstanding partners who have made significant contributions to strengthening food security in the community.

Raley's Bel Air received the Creative Legacy Grocery Partner Award. From left are Chelsea Carbahal, Community Impact and Public Affairs for The Raley’s Companies; Corkey Mapalo, director of operations at Yolo Food Bank; and Zoe Edwards, Raley's Food for Families operations specialist. Photo courtesy of Yolo Food Bank

Food Security Ambassador

Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs was given the award for his leadership and advocacy in securing funding for food security initiatives countywide, including a $20,000 contribution of his Community Benefit Funds to support the Cultivo program in Winters and Davis.

Creative Legacy Grocery Partner

Raley’s Bel Air received the award for its continued donations via Yolo Food Bank’s grocery recovery efforts, and its enduring and dynamic partnership through Raley’s Food for Families.

Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs received the Food Security Ambassador Award. From left are Karen Baker, executive director of the Yolo Food Bank; Frerichs; and Maria Segoviano, development and communications director at Yolo Food Bank. Photo courtesy of Yolo Food Bank

Volunteer Groups of the Year

Girl Scout Troop Number 1290 received the award for its continued dedication to supporting Yolo Food Bank’s Holiday Food Distributions with 30 to 40 volunteers each year and for their consistent commitment to giving back.

The Drive & Thrive Team group of volunteers received the award for using their own vehicles to deliver food to seniors and individuals with disabilities in rural Yolo County, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Collaborative Agricultural Partner

Jim and Deborah Durst of Durst Organic Growers received the award for their long-standing support and for growing 400 pounds of fresh produce for Yolo Food Bank this past spring, including broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, through a unique project with Winters High School. 

HM.Clause received the award for its continued generosity, including a major pumpkin donation in 2024 and planting a new special crop to support Yolo Food Bank’s efforts in the coming year.

More than 300 attendees were at Yolo Food Bank’s “Food Bank Fiesta” on March 22 at Yolo Food Bank’s warehouse in Woodland. Photo courtesy of Yolo Food Bank

Rural Community Ambassador

Rachel De La Cruz from the Madison Community Committee received the award for her tireless work organizing and distributing food to one third of families in need in the rural town of Madison.

In addition to the Pallet Awards, Yolo Food Bank proudly awarded 20 Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Awards to individuals who have dedicated more than 500 hours of service. With these new honorees, Yolo Food Bank has now recognized 65 volunteers since launching the Lifetime Achievement program in 2023.

“We are deeply grateful to our incredible volunteers, donors, and community partners who help make our mission possible year-round,” said Baker. “With federal support for vulnerable communities dramatically decreasing, our community’s generosity matters more than ever. We must rally to ensure every Yolo County family has food on the table, no matter what lies ahead.”

To learn more about Yolo Food Bank, visit yolofoodbank.org.