We know that:

• During the study period, 62,976 people in Sacramento received an average of 22,100 bags of food (each bag provided a three-day supply of food for a family, or nine meals per person). In addition, over 42,000 hot meals were served each month.
• Reports from the major food closets in 1988 indicate that the numbers of people served increased significantly since the original survey; monthly in 1988, 79,359 people received bags of food, a 26% increase in one year. Additionally, 58,750 hot meals were served, an increase of 39%.
• The demand continues to increase even though more emergency food providers are available than ever before.
• Nearly 3,000 people regularly volunteer in emergency food programs and more volunteer time is needed to keep the programs going.
• Providers have a difficult time providing nutritionally adequate meals on a consistent basis, and many purchase needed food
  supplements at retail prices.
• Inadequate storage space limits the services; almost all providers need more refrigerated, freezer and dry storage. (survey conducted fall 1987)
  

"Sometimes I think we are barely scratching the surface when it comes to getting food to people who need it.'"

-Marie Segur, Sacramento Food Closet Coalition