SOUTH SACRAMENTO INTERFAITH PARTNERSHIP (SSIP) FOOD CLOSET
WHAT IS SSIP?
The South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership (SSIP) is a non-profit partnership of 13 congregations and faith communities in South Sacramento, including St. Anthony Parish, that supports each other in the joint operation of a food closet covering 10 Zip Codes, generally defined as the areas south of Broadway, east of the Sacramento River and north of Sheldon Road. It is the second largest Food Closet in Sacramento County. Currently, it distributes food to over 1,500 families and more than 5,000 individuals per month
SSIP obtain funding from many sources, including special donations, member congregation dues, grants, and fund-raising activities. It receives donations of food from individuals, businesses and organizations in the community. Over 200 Food Closets in the region, including SSIP, receive groceries from the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. In addition, the SSIP Food Closet disperses USDA surplus commodities. SSIP’s food distribution is made without regard to religious affiliation.
HOW DOES THE FOOD CLOSET OPERATE?
A family in need of food assistance may come to SSIP to receive enough provisions for three meals a day for three days. Recipients are asked for an I.D. for record keeping purposes. Although available food supplies vary from day to day—based on what’s donated—every effort is made to meet specific food needs. Families with babies may request baby food or the homeless may ask for food that does not require cooking.
HOURS AND LOCATION
The Food Closet is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. except on major holidays. Location: Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5625 24th Street, Sacramento CA 95822
WHO RUNS THE FOOD CLOSET?
While the SSIP employs three part-time paid staff members, the Emergency Food Closet relies heavily on 120 Volunteers to work on site and bring in food donations from many sources. Volunteers are always welcome. A Board of Directors governs the development and direction of policy. Two St. Anthony’s parishioners are on the Board (Patricia Ramirez (428-3125) and Fred Nichols (428-6459)) and may be called to receive additional information.
HOW CAN I HELP?
The SSIP Emergency Food Closet relies on volunteers and donations of food and supplies from corporate sponsors and individuals alike to keep hunger at bay in our communities. Any offering of time, supplies or contributions is invaluable to our efforts. You may also participate in fundraisers such as the annual dinner-auction held at St. Anthony, the Bowl-a-Thon, and the Crop Walk.
TO VOLUNTEER OR DONATE FOOD OR SUPPLIES, CALL 916.428.5290, EMAIL ssipfci@att.net, OR VISIT www.ssipfoodcloset.org.