Archives for April 1, 2026

I recently visited Folsom Lake College to witness one of our Pantry Outreach Program (POP) partners in action. This program allows us to partner with local organizations and expand accessibility to nutritious food while supporting vulnerable neighbors through services like education, counseling, and employment resources. While I knew the statistics and was familiar with the logistics, being on campus and watching the food distribution unfold in front of me brought the relational aspect of our mission, front and center.

I watched as Byron Butler, from our operations team, along with some student volunteers unload food from our boxed truck. Boxes of food and other pantry staples moved quickly from truck to carts, then into the Welcome Center. Right inside the doors, tables were set up and a line had already begun to form—quiet at first, but full of anticipation.

As the food was carefully arranged, I met David Martinez, the Falcon Cares Basic Needs Specialist at Folsom Lake College, who oversees this vital service. He shared how deeply grateful he is for the partnership and support that Twin Lakes Food Bank provides. David recalls that when the pantry first started, students didn’t come as many were embarrassed to be seen by their peers.

However, through consistency and a welcoming spirit from volunteers and staff, the culture began to shift and the stigma softened. What was once something to hide became something students and families not only needed, but looked forward to. A student recently shared with David, “I love this program! It always makes me happy seeing it even if I don’t grab anything for myself. I really appreciate everyone coming together every week to help us all.”

I watched students waiting in line, connecting with one another through conversation and laughter, as friendly volunteers greeted each person with warmth and dignity. I was able to quietly celebrate the beauty of what happens when acts of kindness and community collide.

How do you prepare for a trip to the grocery store? For most of us, it requires little more than grabbing a wallet, a shopping list, and a few reusable bags. But for the guests we serve at the food bank, the experience is far more challenging. During the hottest months, they often wait outside—sometimes for up to 30-40 minutes—before stepping into the relief of an air-conditioned space. What is a routine errand for some becomes an exercise in patience, endurance, and resilience for others.

When temperatures surged a few weeks ago, Guest Engagement Coordinator Lindsay Olson saw firsthand how the uncovered courtyard was affecting guests. One woman with health concerns had to leave without food because she simply couldn’t endure the heat. Nearby, a young mother stood cradling her crying baby, gently fanning her with a piece of paper in a desperate attempt to keep her cool.

In that moment, Lindsay knew something had to change. “We can’t go through another summer like last year,” she said.

Determined to find a solution, she partnered with a volunteer who had building experience and began researching options. Together, they found a practical and lasting answer: a retractable awning to provide much-needed shade and relief.

This is where the 24-hour Big Day of Giving (BDOG) fundraiser connects directly to the real, immediate needs of our hungry neighbors—turning compassion into action at the food bank.

Since 2013, BDOG has united our neighbors across the Sacramento region and inspired more than 60,000 donors, like you, to give $117 million to nonprofits serving El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties.

On May 7, our goal is to raise $75,000 to help strengthen the way we provide food and care for the vulnerable who come to us for food.

Funds raised will support three key priorities:

1. Nutritious Food — $58,000
2. Retractable Awning — $15,000
3. Produce Stand — $12,000

Early giving opens April 27, and we invite you to make a donation between then and May 7 that will make a practical and heartwarming impact on our food insecure neighbors’ ability to access nutritious food with dignity and respect.

Learn More About Big Day of Giving by clicking the button below.

Big Day Of Giving