Set to announce a $1,150,000 Community Project Funding grant, area Congressman Josh Harder will visit the Emergency Food Bank in Stockton this week.

The grant will be used to support construction of the new Emergency Food Bank Food Recovery Hub - an expansion aimed at meeting rapidly growing demand for food assistance in Stockton and throughout San Joaquin County.

As a community food bank, the organization plays a critical role in ensuring families have consistent access to nutritious food in a manner that preserves dignity and respect for every client served.

During the visit, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, Congressman Harder will assist with food distribution to local families in need along with presenting the ceremonial check to the organization.

The Emergency Food Bank currently serves an average of 500 vehicles per distribution, reflecting the increasing food insecurity and need for food assistance across the region. The organization’s existing 7,000 square-foot warehouse, built in the 1980s, lacks a loading dock and is no longer adequate to support current operations or the scale of need.

The new 17,400-square-foot warehouse will more than double capacity and include a dedicated loading dock, significantly improving efficiency and expanding the Food Bank’s ability to recover, store, and distribute fresh and shelf-stable food from local and regional partners. This increased capacity will reduce food waste while ensuring more food reaches families who need it most.

“Food banks play a critical role in our communities providing families with essential resources - that’s why I fought for the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton to receive federal funding to expand their services,” said Rep. Harder. “Many of the families that use food banks work full-time jobs but still can’t make ends meet with rising costs. This expansion project will make sure that more families have access to this lifeline with dignity. We can’t let our community go hungry.”

Congressman Harder will be joined at the check presentation by Emergency Food Bank President and CEO Leonard Hansen; the event will be at 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton.

The Emergency Food Bank is a community nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger and food insecurity in Stockton and San Joaquin County. Through initiatives like the Mobile Farmers Market, the Emergency Food Bank strives to provide nutritious food and essential resources to individuals and families in need.