City officials and community leaders took part in the groundbreaking event for the inaugural Community Food Hub on Jan. 10. Photo courtesy the Rancho Cordova Food Locker

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova Food Locker marked a new chapter in its mission to fight food insecurity with a heartful groundbreaking ceremony Jan. 10 for its first of its kind Community Food Hub.

The new facility, located at 2771 Don Juan Drive, will expand the organization’s capacity to serve local families in need and offer a range of community resources, including a prep kitchen, nutrition education and resource hub.

In a symbolic “Smash Out Hunger” ceremony, community leaders and local officials took part in demolishing a wall to officially kick off the construction. The new hub, designed to offer a grocery store-style experience, aims to provide dignity, choice and a modern approach to food assistance.

“It’s amazing what a community can do when we see challenges and come together as one to face those challenges and that’s what we are doing here today,” said Rancho Cordova Food Locker executive director Carrie Johnson.

The Rancho Cordova Food Locker has been a cornerstone of the local community for more than 30 years. Serving more than 15,000 people monthly, the organization has long been a vital resource for families facing food insecurity. With one in four Sacramento County residents experiencing food insecurity, the new hub will significantly increase the organization’s ability to meet the needs of its diverse community, including children, seniors and immigrant families.

In a symbolic “Smash Out Hunger” ceremony, Rancho Cordova Mayor Siri Pulipati took part in demolishing a wall to officially kick off the construction. Photo courtesy the Rancho Cordova Food Locker

“What started as a compassionate group has evolved into the third largest partner agency in Sacramento food bank and family services network throughout the entire county. Today, we are dedicated to reshaping not just the experience but the outcome for individuals and families facing food insecurity. The ground beneath us will represent a place that says to everyone, ‘you matter, you belong here and you are welcome here,’ replacing the stigma of hunger with dignity,” said Johnson.

Local officials, including Rancho Cordova Mayor Siri Pulipati and Congressman Ami Bera, also attended the event, praising the Food Locker’s efforts and the impact that the new hub will have on the community.

“As mayor, it’s an honor to be here today,” said Pulipati. “In Rancho Cordova, community isn’t just a word, it’s about showing up for each other. This is not just about food. It’s about hope. We’re breaking down barriers and building a better future for all our neighbors.”

Bera echoed those sentiments, highlighting the importance of the new facility’s cultural sensitivity and its focus on dignity.

 “What I love about the Sacramento community is that we all come together to take care of those who need it most,” he said. “This new facility will provide a space for culturally appropriate food and services, all while preserving the dignity of those who need help.”

Congressman Ami Bera praised the Food Locker’s efforts and the impact that the new hub will have on the community. Photo courtesy the Rancho Cordova Food Locker

The Rancho Cordova Food Locker’s new Community Food Hub will also serve as a gathering place for health screenings, resource fairs and community meetings. It will serve as a food recovery hub, rescuing food from local grocery stores to help feed even more families in need.

“One thing about food insecurity that often gets forgotten about is that it’s not only about feeding hungry people but those also who identify as hungry must do so in sacrifice of some of their dignity,” said Brad Cecchi, co-founder of Family Meal Sacramento. “What this opportunity affords this community is the idea that they can come into a place knowing that they need help and maintain a sense of dignity through that process.”

Johnson also shared how in the upcoming months the Rancho Cordova Food Locker will change its name to the Community Food Hub, a name that that captures the essence of the power of community, connection and mutual support.

“This new name will reflect our extended vision the Community Food Hub will be far more than a place to receive food assistance,” said Johnson.

For more information or to donate, visit www.ranchocordovafoodlocker.org.