ediblesf.com | 23 Tanis Crosby, executive director of SF Marin Food Bank, shared that “70% or more” of the food they collect is “fresh desired products.” In our interview, I asked about the other 30%, which might include brown rice, not a cultural fit at the Canal Alliance, or sugary, eye-catching juice boxes. “Participants can choose what they want and not take what they don’t want,” Crosby explained. “We have a hugely diverse community that we serve, with diverse perspectives and needs.” Crosby’s point is hard to argue with. I have the luxury of choosing what to eat every single day. Clients at my food pantry may only get to say “No” once a week. Nothing is new here. I’ve been volunteering at the Canal Alliance for over five years, and I’ve seen it all. So has Tia, another volunteer. She reminds me of something I forgot to shake my fist at. “What bums me out is when we get unhealthy versions of stuff in lieu of healthy versions. For example, the “cheese” that comes in white boxes is made with oil, rather than “real” cheese, or juice that has only a small percentage of fruit juice.” How right she is. Last week, we saw dried cherries. I wanted to take a bag home, only to read they had added sugar. Cherries are already sweet enough! A few weeks after the Lunchables incident, we received a pallet of Pepperidge Farms Goldfish crackers. UPF for our clients… again! My cortisol levels skyrocketed. I picked up a bag and read over the packaging. Anger ebbed quickly to mild acceptance. The ingredients weren’t terrible, and I was reminded of filling endless to-go containers for my niece and nephew. Wow, I thought. The product had even improved. What was once made red and blue with artificial coloring was now done with extracts from watermelon and beets. When the pantry opened at 8 A.M., I no longer minded that this was the last thing our clients picked up. While I remain vigilant, who am I to say no to “birthday cake”? 1 Larissa Zimberoff volunteering onsite 2 Food pantry distribution by Canal Alliance in San Rafael 3 Bags of brown and white rice 2 3 3
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