Sutter Delta and Sutter Health recently made a $12,500 donation to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Pittsburg. The funds are a portion of a quarter-million-dollar donation by the Sutter Health network to 29 food banks throughout Northern California to help provide more than a million healthy meals to families in need.

Food banks say that monetary donations help maximize the amount of food available for the hungry – in many instances, a $1 donation can translate to more than $5 worth of distributed food. “Many of our patients and neighbors are still struggling to afford healthy, regular meals,” said Sutter Delta CEO Gary Rapaport. “We hope by supporting our local food banks, we can provide some comfort this holiday season.”

This is Sutter Delta’s second year supporting St. Vincent de Paul’s meal programs. Last year’s contribution helped the agency provide:

• More than 39,000 meals to families in need at its Pittsburg Free Dining Room program.

• More than 80 families a month with a three-day supply of groceries, including; canned meat, vegetables, fruit, beans, and soup from its Emergency Food Pantry program.

• Food and gift baskets for 200 families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The baskets included a one-week supply of food for a family of four and one $10 gift card.

• More than 400 families in Brentwood a three-day supply of food and warm coats from its Food Distribution Program in Brentwood.

“Vulnerable families within the communities of Bay Point, Pittsburg and Antioch have been suffering the devastating effects of the downturn in the economy,” said Jim Noe, board president of St. Vincent de Paul. “The demand on our services has increased, and this significant financial support from Sutter Delta Medical Center will be instrumental in providing healthy food to our neighbors in need.”

As Rapaport put it, “We recognize that health care extends beyond the walls of our care centers. Wellness begins in our communities with a healthy meal on the kitchen table.”