CA: County Connection’s Annual Food Drive Begins Dec. 2

The economic downturn continues to make it difficult for many low-income and working poor families in Contra Costa County. To help, County Connection encourages its riders to donate nonperishable food to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

For two weeks, beginning Dec. 2, County Connection buses will become rolling collection points for passengers wishing to spread some holiday cheer by donating food. The annual tradition, which began nearly 30 years ago, brings much needed food to the community. Last year County Connection passengers and employees contributed over 1,100 pounds of food to the Food Bank.

All County Connection buses will have plastic milk crates placed near the front of the bus to hold donations. Road supervisors will be on call to meet buses on the road and empty crates that become full. The most needed items are protein sources, like peanut butter and canned meats, any canned goods, dried beans, rice, pastas, iron-rich cereal, tomato products, and 100 percent fruit juices. Food Bank officials ask that no glass container goods be donated, as they easily break during transportation and sorting.

“I’m very grateful to have a long-time partnership with County Connection,” said Larry Sly, executive director of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. “The need for nutritious, wholesome food grows each year, and it’s good to know that County Connection will help feed people at the same time they are transporting people.”