Placer Association of Realtors partners with Food Bank, Salt Mine, Salvation Army on funds drive

As the world continues to grapple with the ramifications of COVID-19, the Placer County Association of REALTORS Affiliate Committee will host a funds drive for the Placer Food Bank, Salt Mine and Salvation Army. While PCAR is unable to collect food, as it has in years past, participants can pick up a donation box to collect cash or checks through October at the PCAR Office at 270 Technology Way, #100, in Rocklin from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Check donations can be made out to the PCAR Foundation and delivered to the address above. Online donations can be made via the PCAR Foundation Facebook or Instagram pages or PCAR website at www.pcaor.com. According to the Placer Food Bank and Feeding America team, food insecurity throughout El Dorado, Nevada and Placer counties since COVID-19 hit is expected to see a combined increase of 44.5% in 2020. This staggering increase, especially over the summer months, reflects the rise of unemployment and historical need for additional food resources for children who are out of school and unable to secure the free or reduced-cost meals they would throughout a normal school year. Food insecurity is expected to rise by a staggering 13.6% in Placer County alone. "While we at PCAR have always supported the needs of local food banks and pantries in our region, especially during the summer months, it is more important than ever that we strengthen our resolve to help those most in need in our community," said Ashley Haney, 2020 PCAR President. "Even though we cannot host a traditional food drive, the funds we raise over the next few months will enable our local partners to purchase the product that they so desperately need." Funds collected will help the Placer Food Bank, Salvation Army and Salt Mine provide canned fruits, vegetables, chicken, tuna, beans and meals; pasta and pasta sauce, bags of rice and beans, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, and Top Ramen. "We are dedicated now, more than ever, to making every contribution go farther," noted Lisa Heinrich, director of development for Placer Food Bank. "Even though we cannot currently accept physical donations of food, a donation of $50 can provide 500 meals to your community in need." Furthering the cost per meal model, according to Heinrich, the Placer Food Bank calculates the cost of meals as: · $1 contributed equals 12 pounds of food. · $1 equals 10 meals. · $1 equals $20 of wholesale groceries. · 1.2 pounds of food equals one meal. · 10 pounds of food equals eight meals. · 101 pounds of food feeds a family of four for a week (three meals a day). For questions, contact Sheri Ebert at 916-303-7622 or sheri@pcaor.com.