Sutter Coast Hospital aids local food banks

Sutter Coast Hospital announced it has donated $2,500 to the food banks of two local nonprofit organizations, Rural Human Services of Crescent City and Brookings Harbor Community Helpers. 

“Building and sustaining strong, healthy communities begins with putting wholesome food on the table,” said Ellie Popadic, the hospital’s director of ambulatory services, strategy and business development. “We are proud to work with our community partners to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors who experience hunger.”   

In addition to donating money to the local food banks, Sutter Coast Hospital said its employees this holiday season have been competing in a fun food drive to support those nonprofits.  

Departments throughout the hospital have brought in boxes of food, which staff members weigh to determine which department has donated the most food per person. Last year, the drive brought in 3,771 pounds of food.  

“Supporting local food banks is another way to help improve the health of our community,” said Sutter Coast CEO Mitch Hanna. “Our staff enjoys the spirit of giving during the holiday season, and the monetary donations and their food drive help support the food banks and feed the community throughout the next year, not just during the holidays.” 

This holiday season, according to a press release, Sutter Health donated $265,000 to 32 food banks, food kitchens and free pantries in northern California, Oregon and Hawaii.  

The donations by the not-for-profit health network assist local groups with providing free, healthy meals and bags of food to those in need. 

Sutter Health’s investment in community food banks over the past 11 years has totaled more than $2.7 million, said a spokesperson.