TLFB News from the Community

• Turkey & Trimmings
  

  A Thanksgiving Full of Love

  Our “Turkey & Trimmings” Giveaway

  This year, Thanksgiving feels different.

  Every November, as I set my own table—laden with dishes I’ve made for years—I rarely stop to consider where it all comes from. The grocery runs, the traditions, the bustle of cooking, the football games, the parades… it can all feel ordinary. Familiar. Expected.

  But over the past month, as our team prepared for our annual Turkey & Trimmings giveaway, that perspective shifted. I’ve been reminded, again and again, that for many in our community, this holiday brings something entirely different.

  For a veteran, it can be a day marked by loneliness.
  For a parent, a reminder of what they desperately wish they could provide.
  For families facing food insecurity, it can stir the anxiety of not knowing where the next meal will come from.

  And yet—this year—something extraordinary happened.

  Our community showed up in a way that left us overwhelmed with gratitude. Churches, businesses, service clubs, and local organizations rallied together, pouring in support, donations, and love. Because of their generosity, we were able to provide over 425 full Thanksgiving meals to families in need—up nearly 20% from previous years. Last year we served 335. This year, the need grew—and the community met that need with open hearts and outstretched hands.

  More Than Thanksgiving Meals

  When guests arrived, they were greeted not just with boxes of fresh produce, turkeys, desserts, sides, and all the trimmings—they were greeted with joy. For three days volunteers donned turkey hats, festive aprons, and big smiles. They welcomed each family warmly, walked with them, loaded cars, offered hugs, and shared in the moment. It was a 360-degree act of service: joyful, compassionate, and deeply human.

  And the response… the response is what will stay with us.

  There were hugs that lingered.
  Tears of relief that fell quietly.
  Kids bouncing with excitement as they saw the food being loaded.
  Parents whispering, “Thank you… you don’t know what this means.”

  One mother cried when she learned she would also receive a Safeway gift card—something that allowed her to pick up a special item she otherwise could not afford. We’ve all had moments when the weight of the world feels too heavy to carry, and then someone steps in with unexpected kindness. For her, that small act was everything.

  Another guest—one who had registered to receive a meal—reached out during the CalFresh benefit cuts earlier this fall. He told us, “I think there’s a family who needs my meal more. Could you give it to them instead?” Even in his own uncertainty, he chose generosity.

  This is what real community looks like.

  A Community That Cares

  To everyone who made this year’s Turkey & Trimmings giveaway possible: thank you. You brought hope to tables across Folsom. You reminded families that they are not alone. And you reminded all of us that giving is not just about what we offer—it’s about how deeply we choose to care.

  With full hearts and deep gratitude, we want to recognize and thank the organizations who donated time, money, volunteers, and food to make this giveaway possible:

  Lakeside Church
  Bayside Church of Folsom
  Safeway
  Harbor Church
  Folsom Lake Rotary
  Folsom Kiwanis
  Folsom High ACCT

  Micron
  Inductive Automation
  Rehya Dance
  Folsom Lions Club
  Community Bible Church
  Journey Church
  Trinity Episcopal Church

  Columbia Bank
  Rotary Club of Folsom
  Rotary Club of Historic Folsom
  Folsom Lake Rotary
  Diamond Glenn
  Folsom Prison
  Tricks Gymnastics

  Thank you for helping us feed hope this Thanksgiving. You made a difference—and you reminded us all what the holiday is truly about.

  Article By: Rachel Hill 

  View The Gallery

  Photos from the our week of Turkey & Trimmings

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Gala 2025
  

  A Night to Remember

  Our Community Shines Bright at a Starry Night Gala

   On Saturday, November 8, under a canopy of twinkling lights and endless community spirit, the Twin Lakes Food Bank’s Starry Night Gala reminded us all what happens when generosity and joy come together for a purpose.

   Nearly 300 guests and over 50 volunteers filled the room with laughter, compassion, and a shared commitment to feeding hope in Folsom and beyond. The atmosphere was nothing short of magical—warm, radiant, and full of connection. From the first welcoming smile to the last song of the night, the energy was electric. Guests arrived dressed to impress, ready not only to celebrate but to make a difference. And they did just that.

  Together, our incredible supporters raised $288,000 through the Gala and Live Auction combined—the most ever raised in the history of the Twin Lakes Food Bank Gala! This record-breaking achievement will help us meet the growing and urgent needs of our neighbors throughout the year ahead.

  Joy, Laughter, and Giving from the Heart

   The night was filled with unforgettable moments—heartfelt stories that moved us to tears, friendly bidding battles that had us cheering, and a performance by Groove Therapy that kept everyone dancing well into the evening.

  The live auction, led by the energetic Freddie Silveria and Ian Cornell, was a whirlwind of excitement, raising more than $49,000 on its own! When eight handcrafted garden-inspired cocktails hit the auction block—each mixed with fruit and herbs fresh from our own food bank garden—the room erupted with friendly competition. Those creative drinks alone raised another $3,000!

  Guests laughed through the Lucky Card Draw, sprinted during the Dessert Dash (raising $22,000 for those sweet treats!), and opened their hearts wide during Fund-A-Need, which brought in an incredible $96,000 to nourish our neighbors.

  United by Compassion

  Before dinner, Executive Director Lisa Tuter captured the spirit of the evening perfectly:

  “In a time of deep division and distrust in our world, there are nearly 300 people in this room with diverse cultural, political, and religious experiences standing united with the shared belief that access to nutritious food is not a privilege—it’s a right for all humanity.”

  And that unity shone brighter than any star in the room.

  Board President Ron Perry added,

  “Our investment tonight has an immediate return. Guests will receive nourishing food this very next week to meet their immediate needs in these uncertain times—food given in a manner that gives them dignity and hope.”

  Coming Together in Challenging Times

  Right now, our community—and communities across California—are feeling the ripple effects of the temporary hold on CalFresh and SNAP benefits. Each week, we’re seeing more families turning to us for help. It’s truly unprecedented.

  But on this night, as we looked around the beautifully lit room, what we saw was hope. Hope reflected in every guest, sponsor, volunteer, and donor who chose to stand with us. This Gala, paired with the incredible outpouring of local food drives and food donations pouring into the food bank, reminds us that even in uncertain times, the spirit of compassion is stronger than ever. As we move into the busy holiday season, we remain both humbled and inspired. The need is growing, but thanks to our compassionate community, so is the hope. Between the Gala’s record-breaking success and the incredible outpouring of food donations from local drives, we’re confident that together, we can continue to meet the rising demand.

  To everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, danced, or cheered—thank you. You are the light that makes nights like this possible.

  You Can Still Help

  Keep the Light Shining & Join the Movement Today

  1

  2

  3

  DONATE MONTHLY

  HOST A FOOD DRIVE

  MAKE A YEAR END GIFT

  ***(Already a monthly donor? Check with your employer to see if they have a Matching gift program and double your impact!)

  Donate Today!

  View The Gallery

  Photos from the Starry Night Gala 2025

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Volunteer Spotlight | Krista May
  

  Volunteer Spotlight: Krista May

  Bringing Smiles and Community Connections to Twin Lakes Food Bank

  When Krista May moved to Folsom three years ago, she was looking for more than just a new address—she was looking for connection. “I wanted to meet people and feel like a part of my new community,” Krista recalls. A quick search for volunteer opportunities led her straight to Twin Lakes Food Bank (TLFB), and the rest, as they say, is history.

  Every week, you’ll find Krista at the Registration desk, greeting both new guests and familiar faces with warmth and humor. “I call them friends,” she says. It’s a role that allows her to connect, share moments, and leave people feeling seen and valued—even on their hardest days. “I am consistently humbled by the number of guests who are experiencing their worst days, yet making me smile. They are grateful, they joke around, they share recipes, and leave us volunteers better than they found us.”

  

  *Krista with guest and volunteer

  Krista’s journey into volunteering mirrors her professional path. As a full-time headshot photographer and studio owner in Folsom, she knows what it means to help others feel comfortable, confident, and even joyful in a vulnerable moment. “Clients often walk into my studio feeling nervous, but nearly every time, they leave saying, ‘That was more fun than I expected!’ I like to think we leave that same impact on the guests at the food bank,” she reflects.

  Volunteering at TLFB has also reshaped Krista’s view of the world. She has learned the power of meeting people exactly where they are, embracing their unique stories without expectation. “It’s a grounding and humbling experience to know I’m in a position to affect someone’s day for the better, no matter their starting point,” she says.

  Outside of the food bank, Krista is a creative spirit and adventurer at heart. She loves baking and cake decorating, painting with watercolors, paddleboarding, stargazing through her telescope—and yes, finally living out a longtime dream by zipping around town in her Mini Cooper Roadster, top down, music blasting, and a grin on her face.

  Above all, Krista wants everyone to know that TLFB is here for the community. “You don’t have to be on the brink of disaster to ask for help. We will support you in the times you need us, and be here waiting in the times you don’t.”

  Krista May’s story is a shining example of how one person’s desire to connect and serve can ripple out, creating joy, comfort, and community for countless others.

  To learn more about how you can serve the food bank like Krista, visit our website here: https://twinlakesfoodbank.org/volunteer/

• Community Service Day 2025
  

  Filling Hearts & Shelves

  FOLSOM COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY 2025 

  This past weekend, we were reminded once again of the extraordinary heart of our Folsom community. On Community Service Day, hundreds of volunteers came together with one shared mission: to make sure our hungry neighbors know they are not forgotten. 

  From the very beginning of the day, we could feel the energy and excitement. At a brand-new garden site donated by Oak Hills Church, we stood side by side with Garden Coordinator Michelle Kwek and a team of volunteers, breaking new ground and preparing soil for planting. It wasn’t just about turning over dirt—it was about planting hope, about making sure that fresh, healthy food will be available to nourish families in the months ahead. 

  Meanwhile, across town, another group of volunteers sprang into action. Led by Mark Behouth from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, teams fanned out across Folsom to collect food donations. One by one, families left bags of groceries on their doorsteps, and one by one, those bags were picked up and delivered to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. There, volunteers led by Dr. Anthony Retodo of Kaiser Permanente and our very own Operations Manager, Elizabeth Martin, worked tirelessly to receive, sort, and prepare the donations for families who will need them. 

  When we gathered at the warehouse later that day, our hearts swelled. What had been an empty space just days before was suddenly filled with row after row of canned goods, boxes, and nonperishables—all reminders of a community that cares deeply. As our Inventory Coordinator, Mark Hockaday, said, “It was an incredible sight to watch our empty warehouse fill back up. Every single item represented hope for a family in need.” 

  In total, the food collected will provide the equivalent of 38,000 meals over the next five months. That number is more than just statistics to us—it’s children going to bed with full stomachs, parents finding relief in knowing they can put dinner on the table, and seniors no longer having to choose between paying bills and buying groceries. 

  We are deeply grateful. Grateful for every volunteer who showed up, every donor who filled a bag of food, every leader who gave their time and energy, and every partner who helped make this day possible. Together, we are building a stronger, kinder community—one where no neighbor is left behind. 

  But as we celebrate, we also know our work is not finished. The need in our community continues to grow, and hunger doesn’t end after one day of service. That’s why we’re still accepting food donations and inviting anyone who feels moved to help to join us. Whether it’s hosting a food drive through your school, business, or neighborhood, or simply dropping off a few extra groceries, every action makes a difference. 

  This is our community. These are our neighbors. And together, with open hands and open hearts, we can make sure no table goes empty. 

  If you’d like to be part of this ongoing effort, you can learn more at https://twinlakesfoodbank.org/donate-food/  or by emailing us at info@twinlakesfoodbank.org . 

  • Staff & Partners
  • Food Drive
  • Garden Project

  
• Empty Shelves

  Join Us for Folsom’s Community Service Day 

  Together, We Can Fill the Shelves and Fuel Hope

  Right now, our pantry shelves at Twin Lakes Food Bank are bare. While our grocery store partners bless us with meat, dairy, and produce, the bins that normally hold pasta, rice, canned goods, and other non-perishable staples are nearly empty. This past year alone, we served 7,000 more families than in any other year in our history — and with expected cuts to food assistance programs by year’s end, we know the need will only grow.

  That’s why Folsom’s Community Service Day is more important than ever. In past years, this incredible day of service brought in as much as 77,000 pounds of food — enough to help keep our shelves stocked for 8-9 months. But in recent years, that number has dropped to 50,000–60,000 pounds, and we simply can’t keep up with demand. 

  Every pound matters, and every person can make a difference. This year, we anticipate needing a minimum of 70,000 pounds of food to get through the next year.

  

  We’re asking you to rally your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers — your entire network — to join us on Folsom’s Community Service Day. Grab the grocery bag delivered to your doorstep the week before, fill it with non-perishable food, and help feed our neighbors in need. Please place your bags in front of your home by 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 20th, so Folsom’s Community Service Day volunteers can collect them. Together, we will ensure that none of our neighbors go to bed hungry.

  And while Folsom’s Community Service Day directly helps us feed families right now, our record-breaking need is also a powerful reminder of why our Capital Campaign matters. A larger, more efficient facility will give us the space to store more food, serve more families, and be ready for times of unprecedented demand. Mark your calendars! Learn where to donate food or volunteer on September 20th here: Folsom Community Service Day  Our community is stronger when we serve together. Will you join us? If you can’t volunteer or donate food in person, you can still be part of building that future. Learn more about how you can make a lasting impact by visiting: https://twinlakesfoodbank.org/capital-campaign/.