HOW TO HELP
Make A Donation
No one should wonder where their next meal is coming from.
More of Elk Grove’s residents are facing food insecurity due to business and school closures and job disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Elk Grove’s seniors need more help than ever before. Please donate food, funds, or your time to support the Elk Grove Food Bank today. Any little bit will help. Together, we will get through this.
Online Donations
For monetary donations, use secure donation form. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (916) 685-8453. The Elk Grove Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation under the IRS code. Tax ID # 38-3664737.
Credit / Debit Card Donation
Make a one-time donation, or a monthly recurring donation, for an amount you choose via credit or debit card.
Mail-In Donations
Please mail checks or money orders to:
Elk Grove Food Bank Services
P.O. Box 1447
Elk Grove, CA 95759
Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join our team of dedicated volunteers and help make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting our mission and are essential to the daily operations of our food distribution programs and Clothes Closet. There are dozens of volunteer opportunities, including sorting food, packing boxes, helping our clients “shop” for food, and sorting clothes.
VOLUNTEER SHIFTS
Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Friday during the following times:
- Morning shift: 8:30 am – Noon
- Afternoon shift: 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Occasional Saturday shifts (8:30 am – Noon) may be offered and will be announced as needed.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to work in the warehouse or Clothes Closet.
(A parent or adult guardian may attend the mandatory orientation on their behalf.)
VOLUNTEER GROUPS
We welcome volunteer groups! If your organization or group is interested, please contact us at [email protected] for more information and scheduling. (Orientation is not a requirement for groups.)
We are unable to accept court-ordered community service volunteers.
Thank you for your interest in supporting Elk Grove Food Bank Services—we couldn’t do it without you!
ORIENTATION
To ensure a positive and organized experience, all prospective volunteers must attend an orientation before volunteering. Click here for a complete listing of orientation dates and to register.
Please note: volunteer applications will be provided during orientation.
Give Food & Clothing
Grocery Shopping List
All donations of foods need to be unexpired and before the USE BY date.
- Low Sodium Non-Perishables
- Sugar-Free Non-Perishables
- Ensure
- Mac & Cheese
- Boxed Mashed Potatoes
- Packaged Rice
- Packaged Beans
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Vegetables
- Soup, low sodium varieties
- Tuna and other Canned Meat
- Canned Chicken
- Cereal Products
- Canned Goods
- Non-perishables
- High protein foods (such as canned chili, peanut butter, beans)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables that store well in the refrigerator
Ongoing Needs
- Gift cards for gas and food
- Bus Passes
- Ziploc bags: sandwich
- Heavy duty garbage bags (35 gallon)
- Bags – produce, plastic or paper
- Gloves (small, medium and large)
- Toiletries (hotel or sample size soaps, shampoos, and conditioners are very handy for our clients.) Full size toiletries are also welcome.
- Baby items (food and/or formula, diapers and wipes)
- Hand sanitizer
- Cloth grocery bags
Clothing Donation Guidelines
Thank you for your interest in supporting the Elk Grove Food Bank! We gratefully accept clothing donations to help individuals and families in need. To ensure donations are distributed with dignity and care, please follow the guidelines below:
Clothing for all sizes and genders
In new or gently used condition. No rips, stains, or soiled items.
Shoes in good condition
Bedding items
Only new items, free of stains or rips.
New pillows only
New undergarments
Includes underwear, socks, and T-shirts. These items must be new for hygiene reasons.
High-need items
Boys’ and men’s pants and shirts are especially appreciated!
Stained, ripped, soiled, or wet items
Items with strong or foul odors
Mildew
Pet urine or spray
Body odor
Non clothing items
Including:
Housewares
Decorative items
Drop-Off Notes
Please ensure all donations are clean, folded, and bagged or boxed securely. Donations that do not meet these guidelines may not be accepted, as we strive to offer only high-quality items to those we serve.
We are open to accept clothing donations from 9 am to 3 pm, Mondays through Fridays. Note: We are closed on most major holidays
Please call us at 916.685.8453 or email [email protected] with any questions.
Thank you for helping us serve our community with compassion and respect!
Host A Food Drive
Food Drive Information
Thank you for your interest in holding a food drive to benefit the Elk Grove Food Bank Services. Below are some frequently asked questions for hosting a food drive.
How long should my food drive be? When should I have my food drive?
A food drive can be any length of time you wish. Most food drives are 1-2 weeks. Others are just 1 day.
Food drives are welcome all year long. A large percentage happen in November and December during the holiday season: however, we strongly encourage food drives during the summer months.
What are the most recommended non-perishable items to collect?
- Mac & cheese
- Canned tuna and chicken
- Dry and canned pasta
- Ramen
- Peanut butter and jam
- Baby food
- Ensure
- Cereal
- Rice
- Beans
- Dried fruit
- Soup & chili
Monetary donations are always welcome.
Specific Theme?
A food drive theme is not necessary. Some businesses, schools and individuals enjoy having a creative theme and name. A few examples:
- Business Food Fight: different businesses compete against each other.
- Entry fee for an event: bring canned food for admission.
- One Food Item: such as Soup, Cereal, Baby Food, Tuna, Peanut Butter or Canned Fruit & Vegetables.
- Collect cans at local events.
By hosting a food drive you can help the EGFBS continue to meet the growing needs of many people in our community.
Car Donations
The Elk Grove Food Bank Services has partnered with Car Program LLC to provide an easy-to-use, tax deductible process to donate your vehicle. As a charitable contribution, your donation will make a big difference to EGFBS! Please use the vehicle donation form to donate your car, boat, or RV. A towing company and will contact you via telephone within 4 business days at the latest. If you have any questions before initiating the donation process, please contact our toll free line at 800-238-3051, which is available seven days a week. Please fax forms to (916) 631-1328. To get started, all you have to do is fill out the online donation form.
Car Donation FAQs
Get answers to frequently asked questions.