Following cuts to federal funding which impacted food assistance, Placer Community Foundation gathered funds from the community to support local nonprofits. Courtesy photo

PLACER COUNTY, CA (MPG) - On Oct. 31st on the heels of cuts in government funding directly impacting food assistance to thousands of families in Placer County, Placer Community Foundation sent an email listing four local nonprofits plus our own Community Needs Fund as a means of quickly supporting food delivery. 

This report highlights the number of our neighbors impacted and how Placer Community Foundation deployed grants this month for this purpose. Placer Community Foundation will continue to keep the community updated on this growing need as we close out this year and move into 2026.

Why This Still Matters

Even as SNAP payments begin to restart, local food banks and pantries continue to report significantly elevated demand, with 40 percent more families seeking help compared to last year at this time.

In Placer County, 29,000 CalFresh recipients across 17,000 households receive over $5M in food benefits. 7,000 or 1/4 of recipients are expected to lose SNAP benefits in January 2026 due to H.R.1., 80,000 or 19 percent of Placer County’s population are on Medicaid/Medi-Cal. 

There was a 40% increase in food demand year over year reported by our local food pantries and food closets before the government shutdown.

Funding for Direct Food Delivery in November

Through donor support, a total of $29,000 was given to the following organizations:

$15,000 went to Feeding the Foothills (formerly Placer Food Bank). As the region’s largest hunger-relief organization, Feeding the Foothills distributes over 11+ million pounds of food annually and supports more than 80 local hunger-relief partners. The grant purpose is to sustain communities by nourishing families experiencing food insecurity.

$4,500 went to St. Vincent de Paul Roseville, which serves thousands of meals each month to individuals and families experiencing hunger and hardship. Their dining room and food distribution programs provide essential nutrition and also connect guests with additional services such as rental assistance, clothing, and case management, helping families regain stability and dignity. The grant purpose is to serve individuals and families facing food insecurity through community meals, emergency food boxes and ongoing support programs.

$4,000 went to Auburn Interfaith Food Closet, which serves families and individuals across 17 Placer County zip codes, offering fresh, healthy groceries and home delivery for seniors and homebound residents. The grant purpose is to provide nutritious food to those in need while preserving dignity and encouraging self-reliance.

$3,000 went to Seniors First, which delivers thousands of meals each month to homebound seniors across Placer County, reducing isolation and improving overall health and well-being. Their volunteers provide vital wellness checks during deliveries, ensuring seniors remain connected, supported, and safe in their homes. The grant purpose is to ensure older adults have consistent access to nutritious meals through programs like Meals on Wheels and congregate dining services. 

$2,500 went to The Salt Mine. This Lincoln-based nonprofit has long been a local resource offering food boxes, emergency assistance, and compassion to community members facing hardship. This funding will help expand their outreach and ensure residents in southern and western Placer County have equitable access to food security resources. The grant purpose is to provide emergency food and essential items to families and individuals in need throughout Lincoln and surrounding rural areas.

Funding for Additional Wrap-Around Services

The Placer Community Foundation has recently given grants to food resources, as well as family counseling and resource centers across the county. Courtesy photo 

Following insights from partner organizations within our Placer Collaborative Network, we identified additional funding opportunities focusing on geographic diversity and broader community needs, particularly for families facing economic hardship and instability.

The following grants were made from Placer Community Foundation's Walter and Irmgard Schichtel Fund:

$2,500 went to Lighthouse Counseling & Family Resource Center, which serves families experiencing trauma, financial stress, and mental health challenges. This grant will help them continue offering affordable, bilingual counseling, and resource navigation to strengthen family well-being and stability. The grant purpose is to provide accessible mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and family support services. 

$2,500 went to KidsFirst, which supports parents and caregivers through evidence-based programs that reduce risk factors and build protective family relationships. Their work helps ensure children grow up in safe, nurturing, and resilient environments. The grant purpose is to support families through education, counseling, and family resource programs.

$2,500 went to Child Advocates of Placer, Sutter, Yuba Counties, which trains and deploys community volunteers who mentor and advocate for foster youth and families in crisis. This funding will help sustain their capacity to recruit and train volunteers, ensuring every child in the system has a trusted advocate and positive adult connection. The grant purpose is to provide advocacy, mentorship, and support for foster youth and at-risk families.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff at PCF, we extend our deep appreciation to all who contributed directly to the above organizations or through our Community Needs Fund," said Veronica Blake, CEO, Placer Community Foundation. 

"We know these collective efforts are ongoing. As we close PCF’s 20th year and community giving continues into 2026, we are grateful for an enduring tradition of compassion — neighbors helping neighbors, creating a community where everyone can prosper."