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!
