YUBA-SUTTER, CA (MPG) - The Yuba-Sutter Food Bank and all other local food providers for lower-income families are seeing a sharp increase in demand for nutritious foods this summer for Yuba-Sutter families.

The increased demand is fueled by post-pandemic cutbacks in federal government programs such as SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, to pre-pandemic levels, along with price rises in utilities, rent, childcare, food, and other expenses.

Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way and the Yuba City Grocery Outlet store team up each year to put a solid dent in serving that demand with the “Cash for Food Drive,” which in turn donates 100% of the proceeds to 14 local food organizations.

“More than 20% of our local families are food insecure, meaning they need assistance to provide nutritious, well-balanced meals for their households,” said Bob Harlan, Executive Director of Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way.

During last year’s drive, July 2022, $21,829 was collected and 100% of the donations were distributed to 13 food providers in Yuba, Sutter, and Colusa Counties. Funds came from cash donations to Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way and from the Yuba City Grocery Outlet’s “Independence from Hunger” promotion in which customers donate at least $5.00 in exchange for $5.00 discount coupon for a future shopping.

In addition to the “Cash for Food Drive” this year, YSC United Way also has a Holiday Turkey Drive in association with Results Radio in early November, which garners cash and meat donations to feed and estimated 6000 people during the holidays.

“Our United Way takes the needs of struggling families very seriously. A 2023 statewide United Ways of California study showed that in Yuba-Sutter, 45% of families have trouble making ends meet each month,” Harlan said.

Donations to United Way may be made: online at yscunitedway.org (click on “Events”); by sending a check to P.O. Box 122, Marysville, CA 95901; or call (530) 743-1847 weekdays between 8:30 and 4:00.

Organizations receiving funds from the “Cash for Food Drive” included: The Catholic Ladies Relief Society; The Christian Assistance Network; Crossroads Community Church; First Presbyterian Church of Marysville; Foothill Food Pantry; Hillhaven Community Outreach; Marysville First United Methodist Church; The Ministerial Association of Colusa County; The Salvation Army Yuba-Sutter Corps; St. Andrew Presbyterian Church; St. John’s Episcopal Church St.; Vincent de Paul; Twin Cities Rescue Mission; and The Yuba-Sutter Food Bank.