It is hard to believe, but the new year has arrived. We remain in awe and humbled at all that was accomplished this past year with the help of 7,584 volunteers, representing 39,259 hours! Each day is unique onto itself not knowing the blessings that will be sent our way, of the love and compassion that our staff and volunteers will have the opportunity to show to our recipients and pantries. We received and processed 2,388,119 pounds of perishable food; 1,035,058 canned food items; and 1,201,661 boxed/dry goods. Each day, without fail and without end we come to the Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank knowing that, whatever aspect of our multi-faceted agenda we will be doing that day, it will be serving the greater mission of the food bank, and thereby helping our most vulnerable neighbors. In the past 12 months, we helped to serve 43,580 families, representing 151,928 in men, women, children, and seniors.

Get ready, because from day one we have planned more food resources and other necessities for our network. One of our biggest excitements of this quarter will be receiving funds from a grant to purchase a refrigerated truck to replace the aging one in use now.

The Bible teaches us “For there will never cease to be poor in the land … you shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land.” (Deut. 15:11). As long as that is the case, Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank will be here to serve. And with your partnership, we will continue to do together what we cannot do alone: Fighting Hunger – Feeding Hope.

With blessings and gratitude for each one of our heroes, partners, friends, volunteers, and encouragers—may you have a happy, healthy, prosperous new year.