News

Joy Over Circumstances

An uncommon spring rainstorm last May didn’t stop Victoria from coming to the foodbank for assistance. With her arms full of bags of groceries, she walked to the sidewalk to wait for her ride home.

After one hour, Victoria was still planted on the sidewalk with her groceries, in the rain. When a volunteer, Jessica, stepped outside to see if Victoria was okay, she expected her to be frustrated or discouraged. Instead, Victoria looked at Jessica with a chuckle and sassy smile then said, “I’m good!” as if standing in the rain with bags of groceries was simply another adventure.

This summer, it was the California sun beating down as she waited for the bus. Once again, we came out to see how she was holding up and Victoria responded with laughter, optimism and that unmistakable spark that emanates from her wherever she goes.

She doesn’t have a car, so getting groceries home isn’t always easy, and she never lets the inconvenience steal her joy. These days, Victoria has more resources and more support around her. We’ve had the privilege of watching her journey as she overcomes struggles with alcohol and now celebrates her recovery with us every time she walks through our doors. As she moves about the line and interacts with guests and volunteers, she shares how long she’s been sober and the positive transformation that has been happening in her life as a result. Her health is better, her relationships are stronger, and she is happier than she’s ever been.

Victoria’s actions demonstrate how joy is contagious and isn’t found in perfect circumstances. Joy is a choice that we make moment by moment. Every time Victoria visits the food bank, she leaves a little bit of that joy with us.

More Than A Backpack

Remember the excitement of starting a new school year? Butterflies of excitement are common amongst students getting ready for the new school year; many of the under resourced students who attended this year’s Back 2 School Extravaganza felt those same butterflies with the addition of anxiety on whether they would get the school supplies they needed to get their school year off to a successful start. It became clear when the families arrived to this event that not only were they going to get stocked up on backpacks and school supplies, but they were also going to take home some memorable experiences.

One little girl looked into a mirror at the face painting station and saw a glittering butterfly staring back at her and her face lit up. Nearby, a boy moved from the free haircut station to the free Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, his smile growing wider with every stop after a fresh haircut, a full stomach and a backpack of his choosing.

After a mom and dad with their three children finished visiting all the booths, they stopped one of the volunteers to express their gratitude as tears welled up in their eyes. The mom shared, “I just didn’t think the community cared this much. Just look at the number of people who have come together to support and bless our kids.” What may have seemed like a small act—a backpack, a haircut, a sandwich, a few hours of someone’s time—meant the world to them.

Executive Director Lisa Tuter saw that same care and support unfolding throughout the morning. “Today was so much more than gifting students with backpacks… That’s what made today extraordinary — kids were seen and celebrated.”

Board President Ron Perry said, “This is one of those reminders that the food bank is more than serving food, it’s serving people.”

That is exactly what our community did. They served people. They showed up. They poured out generosity. They created moments of joy for nearly 400 children—and reminded their families that they don’t have to walk through difficult seasons alone.

As Folsom Mayor Justin Raithel said, our community came together to “pour love on Folsom’s next generation.”

Sometimes, love looks like a backpack. Sometimes, it looks like a room full of people showing up. Sometimes, it looks like a family realizing just how deeply their community cares.

Volunteer Spotlight | Paul Haines

By 7 a.m. every Thursday, Paul Haines is already on the road, driving a Twin Lakes Food Bank truck to Sam’s Club to pick up donations. Back at the food bank, he sorts donations with staff, sets up the produce tables, weighs guest shopping carts and jumps in wherever he’s needed.

But if you spend a Thursday morning at the produce stand, you’ll notice something else about Paul: he knows how to have a little fun.

Some Thursdays you might even find Paul sorting produce, which occasionally turns into juggling—and the kids love it. Their giggles quickly spread through the produce stand, bringing smiles to guests and staff. With his easygoing personality, quick humor and almost constant smile, Paul has a way of making the busiest mornings feel a little lighter.

He also knows when to put the work aside and simply be present with a guest.

“Some are joyful and others are hurting. Just respect them for what they’re going through.”

That understanding has grown through Paul’s three years at the food bank. One conversation that has stayed with him was with a grandmother caring for her grandchildren. She shared how she brought neighbors together to cook meals so everyone could eat. Meanwhile, she continued to encourage her adult children to stay employed and support themselves.

Paul was struck by her determination to care for her family and neighbors.

“I was so moved by her resilience and purpose to make a better life for her loved ones. We both left the conversation knowing more about one another.”

Before retiring, Paul managed sales teams in telecommunications. These days, he enjoys cycling, skiing, kayaking, traveling and spending time with his three grandchildren. Volunteering has become another way he spends his time—and one he hopes others will discover.

For Paul, volunteering is about more than getting the job done. It’s about showing up, lending a hand, sharing a laugh and making someone’s day a little brighter.

Sharon’s Story

It was a cool morning in May when Sharon timidly walked into the Twin Lakes Food Bank courtyard for the first time with fear and uncertainty in her eyes, and asked the volunteer greeter how she could get help with groceries.

Before coming to the food bank, Sharon made ends meet with her small Social Security check and income from a part-time job. She wasn’t rich or even middle-income, but she was proud that she could live humbly by her own efforts.

When Sharon started experiencing mysterious physical symptoms, she sought help from her doctor, who gave her a diagnosis she was not prepared for. Her declining health forced her to leave her job, and with no supplemental income, Sharon faced a vulnerability she’d never experienced before. It was a matter of only a few months when she lost her housing and had to begin living in her car. Sharon could have let this experience make her bitter. Instead, every week when she visits the food bank, she chooses gratitude.

Recently, Sharon arrived on a hot Thursday morning for the ready-to-eat food provided for unhoused guests and asked if we had any idea how she could keep her food cold in her car. The food bank didn’t have coolers, but we gave her a $25 gift card to Safeway where she could purchase one and some ice. Sharon covered her heart, closed her eyes, took a deep breath so as not to cry, and said, “Thank you so very much.”

Because of her health issues, Sharon’s diet is restricted, and fresh produce matters to her more than almost anything else — she loves the organic produce from our garden. She is careful to take only what she needs, always mindful of the other guests facing food insecurity just like her. Sharon still can’t quite believe that she is homeless and comes to a food bank. “I never would have imagined this could happen to me,” she says.

Sharon is hopeful that her health will improve enough for her to return to work and find a place of her own before the end of the year. In the meantime, we’re glad she has somewhere to come for food, support, and encouragement as she finds her way back.

One Empty Carton of Yogurt

Lucy hadn’t planned on needing help. She’d always been the one who picked up groceries, drove herself to appointments, and managed on her own. Then a car accident left her with injuries serious enough that driving — or even standing and walking — was no longer possible.

She had no family nearby or friends who could step in to help. So, when her refrigerator ran empty, Lucy anxiously picked up the phone and called Twin Lakes Food Bank.

Meeting people in the middle of a crisis is exactly why we exist. Food insecurity is something that can build slowly over time, but for Lucy, it arrived without warning. Her body could no longer do what her circumstances required.

A mother and daughter from the National Charity League were volunteering at the food bank the morning that Lucy called and asked how they could help. They offered to serve as her proxy, assembled her groceries and delivered them directly to her door — no small ask, and no small gift, for someone who had spent weeks alone and unable to leave her house.

When they arrived at Lucy’s home and opened her refrigerator to load in the food, they found nothing inside except one carton of vanilla yogurt, nearly empty.

They didn’t say anything about the nearly empty fridge, just began unloading groceries and filling the shelves Lucy hadn’t been able to fill herself. As the mother and daughter team were leaving, Lucy’s gratitude was evident, “Thank you for coming so quickly to help a stranger in need and thank you for your kindness.”

Showing Up For Folsom

Over the past year, we noticed a gap: many people in Folsom recognize the Twin Lakes Food Bank name, but don’t know much about what we actually do—the programs we run, the people we serve, or the scale of our work. In response, we created an Events Team, led by high-capacity volunteers, to increase our presence in the community and at community events, starting with Folsom’s Annual Hometown Parade on July 1.

This was the first time Twin Lakes Food Bank entered the parade lineup. Our goal was to show Folsom residents that the food bank does more than distribute canned goods and pantry staples—we also provide fresh, nutritious food to families.

Our float featured our organic garden, which produces fresh fruit and vegetables that supplement the meat, dairy, and other groceries we distribute through our programs and partnerships. Staff and volunteers walked alongside the float handing out beads, bubbles and garden seed packets to the kids lined up on Sutter Street.

The parade drew thousands of attendees. Our team heard comments throughout the route, including “I didn’t know you had a garden!” and “Thank you for all you do for our community!” Following the parade, we saw a measurable increase in online engagement and inquiries about our programs.

The turnout and response have given us more confidence in the Events Team’s approach: showing up in person, in front of large audiences, building awareness in a way that other outreach hasn’t matched.

We’re planning to bring Twin Lakes Food Bank to more Folsom events this year, so be on the lookout!

Volunteer Spotlight | Matt Cone

Matt Cone has a way of changing the atmosphere the moment he walks into the room. Maybe it’s his contagious smile. Maybe it’s his endless energy that somehow only grows stronger as the morning goes on. Or maybe it’s the genuine joy he brings to every guest and volunteer he meets.

This week marks Matt’s final week serving in our meat and dairy counter on Thursdays as he returns to working daytime hours. While we’ll certainly miss seeing him behind the counter each week, we know this isn’t goodbye. Matt has become part of the Twin Lakes Food Bank family, and we have no doubt we’ll continue to see him serving and investing in this community for years to come.

Matt first joined Twin Lakes Food Bank when his work schedule shifted to evenings, giving him the opportunity to volunteer during the day. Inspired by his wife, who had been serving here for years, he quickly discovered that volunteering would become much more than a way to give back—it would become a place where he found friendship and family.

If you’ve ever visited the meat and dairy counter on a Thursday, you’ve likely experienced Matt’s gift for making people feel seen. He doesn’t just hand out food—he exemplifies the heart of our values every time he greets guests by name, shares a laugh, offers encouragement, and creates moments of genuine connection. His warmth, humor, and compassion help transform what could be an ordinary interaction into one filled with dignity and joy.

His fellow volunteers love serving alongside him just as much as our guests love seeing him. Matt’s enthusiasm is contagious, and his positive attitude has a way of lifting everyone around him. When asked how volunteering has changed him, Matt shared, “It’s made me realize that it is not what you get from the world that matters most, but what you bring to it. Serving others has been a very humbling experience.” That perspective shines through in everything he does.

One of Matt’s favorite memories isn’t a single moment, but the countless hugs he’s shared with guests, “hugs of joy, gratitude, and everything in between.” Those simple acts of connection remind him why he serves. As he puts it, “I’ve made friends here to last a lifetime.”

Outside of the food bank, Matt works in maintenance at American River College and enjoys baseball, hiking, working out, and spending time with his wife, family, and friends. But if you ask him what makes Twin Lakes Food Bank special, his answer is simple: “Nothing compares to the sense of family that you find when serving or being served by this community.”

Community Loaves

It started with an email early this spring, an invitation that felt like it carried something more than just a partnership. It carried possibility.

That invitation came from Community Loaves, a growing network of volunteer bakers dedicated to something beautifully simple — turning flour, honey, and time into nourishment for neighbors facing food insecurity. Right away, we knew this organization aligned with our heart at Twin Lakes Food Bank to provide nutritious food that brings dignity, comfort, and care.

Through this partnership, volunteer bakers in our region will gather for an information session, learn Community Loaves’ proven bread formulas, and begin baking honey oat sandwich loaves and protein bars right from their own kitchens. Twice a month, these loaves will be carefully packaged, transported to local neighborhood hubs, and then delivered to our food bank for distribution to guests.

These local “hubs” become the quiet engine behind the effort. Hub coordinators support bakers, track donations, coordinate volunteers, and ensure every loaf makes it safely to the food bank on time. It is community made tangible, neighbors helping neighbors.

What makes this even more powerful is its simplicity and inclusiveness. Bakers of every level are welcome, from first-time volunteers to seasoned sourdough enthusiasts. Those who don’t bake can still serve by coordinating hubs, helping with logistics, or offering technical and administrative support.

It’s nourishment multiplied with fresh, whole grain loaves designed to be both familiar and nutrient-dense, shared in a rhythm of generosity that happens twice each month. For our guests, it means consistent access to wholesome, freshly baked food made with care by their own community.

At The Gas Pump

The other day, I stood at the gas pump watching the numbers climb higher and higher until my total landed just a few dollars short of $100. I remember feeling my chest tighten as I put the nozzle back, already mentally rearranging my month. Which errands could wait? Which route would save the most gas? What part of my budget would need to shrink just to make room for another tank? The truth is, it’s not just the gas prices. When fuel costs rise, everything rises with it — groceries, services, household essentials, and everyday necessities. Just when it feels like inflation couldn’t possibly climb any higher, it somehow does.

As I drove away, I found myself thinking about the families we serve. Many stand at those same gas pumps feeling the same stress and uncertainty, but for them, there is no extra room in the budget. Higher gas prices often mean taking money away from rent, prescriptions, utilities, or groceries just to make it through the week.

This spring, we have already seen an 15% increase in guests seeking food assistance; in April we served 700 more guests than normal. We anticipate rising inflation and changing SNAP regulations will continue to impact even more families in our community before our next fiscal year hits.

While our guests rely on the food bank during difficult seasons, we also rely on the compassion and generosity of individuals, businesses, volunteers, and community partners who faithfully help carry this work forward. Their kindness continues to bring hope to neighbors who need it most.

Volunteer Spotlight | Krissy Ard

If you’ve ever visited Twin Lakes Food Bank on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Krissy Ard. You might find her stocking meat and dairy, helping guests find what they need, or chatting with a senior who simply needs someone to listen. What you may not realize is that Krissy’s story with Twin Lakes Food Bank stretches back more than a decade—and has come full circle. Ten years ago, Krissy wasn’t looking for a volunteer opportunity. She was simply looking for a way to be part of her community.

After making a donation to the food bank, she learned there was a need for volunteers. So she did what many parents do—she brought her kids along. Together, Krissy and her sons spent their days serving neighbors, creating memories, and discovering the joy that comes from helping others. What started as volunteering eventually led to Krissy joining our staff. After a few years on staff Krissy was ready to retire but she wasn’t ready to leave. Instead, she put her volunteer badge back on and continued helping ensure families leave with nutritious food and a little extra encouragement.

For Krissy, some of the most meaningful moments happen in simple conversations. She loves seeing young families and reassuring parents who may be struggling. Sometimes it’s helping them find diapers or baby supplies. Sometimes it’s simply reminding them that everything is going to be okay. “It’s the little things,” she often says.

She has seen firsthand how something as simple as a package of diapers can bring relief and joy to a young parent. She loves serving seniors, too—listening to stories about their lives, hearing their wisdom, and helping them feel like they belong. In many ways, that’s what keeps Krissy coming back. The food matters. But the relationships matter too.

Over the past decade, she has built lasting friendships with fellow volunteers and staff members. She describes the people at Twin Lakes Food Bank as authentic, kind, and deeply caring. In fact, Krissy often mentions how amazing the volunteers are and how she wishes more people could experience that.

Before coming to Twin Lakes Food Bank, she worked as a personal trainer, helping people become stronger and healthier. These days, she’s retired, but she still stays active. She enjoys working out, golfing, gardening, reading, traveling, and visiting her children throughout California. She loves cooking, wine tasting, and perfecting her espresso martinis. She’s also a devoted fan of reality television—especially Survivor.

And then there’s Tina. Tina is Krissy’s sourdough starter, and by all accounts, a very important member of the family. But for all the hobbies and adventures she enjoys, one thing remains constant. Every time she leaves the food bank, she carries home a renewed sense of gratitude. Serving others has changed the way she sees the world. Watching guests find support during difficult seasons reminds her how much the little things matter. A kind word. A listening ear. A package of diapers. A bag of groceries. Small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

Thanks to volunteers like Krissy, those moments happen every day at Twin Lakes Food Bank. Behind the meat counter, behind the scenes, and often without recognition, she helps create a place where people feel welcomed, cared for, and valued. And that’s exactly what makes her part of the heartbeat of our mission.

News

Paul Phillips

TLFB BOARD | MEMBER AT LARGE