CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael Presbyterian Church is inviting the community to a barbecue celebrating the Food Closet’s 50^th anniversary on Saturday, September 16. So come to the party and get ready for delicious hot dogs, chili, ice cream and sundaes, plus enjoy the live music of the Tom Carpenter Quartet at the church’s 5645 Marconi Ave location from 3 to 5 PM.

The Carmichael Food Closet was founded in 1969 at the Carmichael Presbyterian Church. Its goal was to “Address the needs of those who experience hunger in our community”.

Originally The Food Closet had literally operated out of a closet, and then it was moved to part of a Sunday school room. As the volume of calls increased, a request went out to other local churches for assistance. In 1993 over 130,000 meals were provided.

The Closet now operates four days a week, serving 150 families a week. It is staffed by 130 community volunteers.

In the past the Food Closet partnered with the Sacramento Food Closet Network and participated in the Senior Gleaners Program. When these two agencies merged to form Sacramento Food Bank, the Carmichael Food Closet joined their new program.

In 1986 CPC worked with the Sacramento Bee to publish a special supplement on “Hunger In Sacramento”. In response to the articles, CPC was contacted by Joyce Raley-Teel and a new program, “Raley’s Food For Families” program was developed.

In the late 90’s San Juan School District supported the Food Closet with Peanut Butter Patrols and Tuna Times. Channel 58 (KCRA) initiated a Kid’s Can Program through the local schools. The Food Closet helped develop the concept and was the recipient of the first food drive from SJUSD schools. In 2019 seven tons of canned goods were collected from fifteen schools participating in the “Kid’s Can Drive” in the SJUSD.

The Closet provides the following to every family served: peanut butter, soup, pasta, pasta sauce, canned fruit and vegetables, cereal, rice, beans, canned tuna or chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meat, eggs, milk, other dairy items (yogurt, butter & cheese), bread and pastry products.

This year a new service was provided for homeless people without cooking and refrigeration facilities.  Each person receives peanut butter, bread, soup, a canned pasta serving, canned tuna or chicken, canned and fresh fruit and vegetables, protein bars, nonperishable milk, a drink, and pastries. All the canned goods must be flip top cans for practical use. Included in the heavy-duty plastic bag is a roll of toilet paper, toiletries, utensils, and a garbage bag.

For more information visit carmichaelpres.org/community-care/ or call (916) 483-9232.