Food Bank Announces Biggest Match in 47-year History
Local foundation supports 2 Million Meal Challenge
CONCORD, Calif. (March 21, 2022) – The Behring Global Educational Foundation (Behring Foundation), a global organization with local roots, is fighting hunger in the Bay Area by providing the biggest donation match to date–half a million dollars–in the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano’s 47-year history.
The $500,000 match – named the “2 Million Meal Challenge” – comes at a crucial time, as the cost of living increases and the effects of the pandemic linger for many, especially the most vulnerable members of our community. Since last year, food prices have risen 5.2%, with the cost of meat and healthy proteins up by nearly 10%, according to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. When paired with rising gas and utility prices, putting food on the table is becoming nearly impossible for many.
Through May 31, every donation will be matched dollar for dollar up to $500,000 and every dollar provides at least two meals. If the match is met, the 1 million in funds will provide 2 million nutritious meals, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and protein-rich items, for neighbors in need. That’s enough to purchase three days’ worth of food for each of the 250,000 people served by the Food Bank every month.
Don Williams, Behring Global Educational Foundation board member, comments: “The Food Bank’s work is especially important during these challenging times when so many have lost jobs, wages, and even family members. By making a sizable contribution, we hope this will motivate others to join us and make a serious dent in hunger in our community. The Foundation knows that to end hunger worldwide, we must start right here at home. We hope this opportunity will unite our community behind this shared mission.”
Based in Danville, the Behring Foundation was developed upon the success of the Wheelchair Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Kenneth E. Behring in 2000, which is now a subdivision of the Behring Global Educational Foundation. This marks the foundation’s largest contribution and first matching challenge to the Food Bank.
Joel Sjostrom, Food Bank president, and CEO says: “This gift is breathtaking in both its generosity and its ability to make a significant difference in the levels of food insecurity in the areas we serve. The Behring Foundation has made an incredible impact on the global stage, and we are proud to partner with them as we fight hunger right here in their local community.”
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About the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
Founded in 1975, The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano (FBCCS) is a critical resource, serving 1 in 6 residents in our local communities. Our mission is leading the fight to end hunger, in partnership with our community and in service of our neighbors in need. Through our partnership with Feeding America, FBCCS distributes nutritious food through a network of over 260 partners and nonprofits, serving 250,000 people every month. FBCCS also strategically engages in advocacy work to raise awareness and mobilize support to end hunger and is recognized as one of Feeding America’s Hall of Fame honor roll members for excellence in advocacy. During times of crisis, The Food Bank serves as a second responder, providing access to food in communities impacted by natural disasters, COVID-19, and economic downturns. Since the beginning of the pandemic, FBCCS has served 39% more residents and also offered support to hunger-fighting organizations in 18 Northern California counties. With 96 cents of every $1 donated going toward food distribution, FBCCS is committed to financial transparency and consistently earns Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating. To learn more about The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, go to www.foodbankccs.org.
About Behring Global Educational Foundation
The Behring Global Educational Foundation was developed upon the tremendous success of the Wheelchair Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Kenneth E. Behring in 2000, now a sub-division of BGEF. BGEF was established to identify, create and oversee multiple operations that specialize in providing aid to international health and educational related areas of need. With projects like the Wheelchair Foundation and the International Museums Partnership, BGEF is a united network of charitable organizations dedicated to eliminating suffering, providing hope, mobility, and freedom, and expanding basic education and economic development opportunities around the world. Based in the Blackhawk community in Danville, the Behring Global Educational Foundation is committed to furthering Ken’s belief that, “Together, we are changing the world.” Learn more about the Foundation at http://bgefoundation.org.
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