Sources of Influence on Public Organizations

Rosary Ann Nadonza

Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation – Arizona State University

PAF311 Leadership and Change

Peiyao Li

July 10, 2023

 The San Francisco-Marin (SF-Marin) Food Bank, a public service organization located in

California, strives to end hunger and provide food assistance in the San Francisco and Marin

counties (n.d.). Established in 1987 with founders Jessica Berg and Cigdem Gencer, the SF-

Marin Food Bank has transformed many lives by addressing the issue of food insecurity initially

in San Francisco and later with its merger with the Marin Community Food Bank in 2011

(Zippia, 2022).

For years, they have introduced different innovative programs that have increased their

access to families, communities, and neighborhoods with the greatest food needs. Some of these

programs include: (1) the Pantry Network where networks of food pantries are located on

strategic locations such as churches, schools, housing sites, and community-based organizations

to easily provide food; (2) the Farm to Family program where farm-fresh produce from farmers

across California is included in the food that they distribute; (3) the Nutrition Education program

where classes on how to prepare healthy, tasty and quick recipes are taught; and (4) the Home-

Delivered Groceries program where low-income seniors and adults with disabilities are provided

with home-delivered groceries to support their health needs and promote self-sufficiency.

Six external actors or institutions that can affect or influence the SF-Marin Food Bank

are: (1) local citizens; (2) industry partners such as manufacturers, produce growers, grocery

stores, etc.; (3) private corporations and companies; (4) foundations; and legislative bodies such

as (5) State of California and (6) the Federal Government. In 2021, SF-Marin Food Bank has

recognized that majority of their funding (i.e., 47%) came from different individuals who

donated, 33% from government grants, 10% from corporations and 8% foundations.

Local citizens can affect and/or influence the SF-Marin Food Bank in two general ways:

local citizens as donors and local citizens as recipients. Since majority of their donations come
from individuals from all walks of life, it is important that the organization convey a clear

message of what their mission is and that people understand and share with the organization this

mission and passion to help address the issue of food insecurity. In their 2021-2022 annual

report, the organization has served 53,000 household every week and provided 56,000,000 meals

with 67,000,000 pounds of food distributed. This data alone shows the large the number of

recipients with food insecurity problems that is being catered to and being served by the

organization. Without this organization and other food banks, what will happen to more than

53,000 households who face hunger every single day?

Industry partners such as manufacturers, produce growers, and grocery stores affect

and/or influence the SF-Marin Food Bank because, like local citizens, they could possibly

contribute or donate their unsold but still safe for consumption food products and other

miscellaneous logistics (i.e., utensils, food packaging, cookware, etc.) if they choose to. Of the

241 million tons of food available in the U.S., only 1.8 million tons is donated food while 80

million tons of food just goes to waste (ReFED, 2023). This data shows that there are abundant

sources of food out there and industry partners can do their share in any food bank’s mission to

end hunger.

Private corporations, companies, and foundations affect and/or influence the SF-Marin

Food Bank as they can help sustain the activities of the said organization because of their

unwavering support to the mission of ending hunger with their continuous monetary and/or in-

kind donations. The organization must ensure transparency in the donations (i.e., proceeds of the

donations, detailed annual report) made by these private corporations, companies, and

foundations for their constant support.

 Both the State of California and the Federal Government affect and/or influence the SF-

Marin Food Bank as they are the second largest source of funds that help the organization put

into action their mission through their numerous food programs and activities. For example, the

San Francisco Human Services Agency granted the organization approximately six million

dollars for citywide grocery access distribution (San Francisco Human Services Agency, 2022).

Just imagine how many thousands of families will suffer if public funding is not given to

organizations such as this food bank. The organization, in turn, must comply with their legal

obligations (i.e., financial reporting, auditing requirements) in order to establish its credibility as

a good public service organization.

The problems of food waste and food insecurity are affecting millions of people across

the globe. Individuals who experience food insecurity are also at a high-risk of developing health

problems such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity among others because of a poor

diet. Public service organizations like the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank help lessen this

economic and social burden that afflicts millions of families in the U.S. through their effective

and efficient food programs.

 References:

ReFED. (2023). In the u.s., 38% of all food goes unsold or uneaten – and most of that goes to

waste. https://refed.org/food-waste/the-problem?

gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6cHf7dPz_wIVNy3UAR0vHwYQEAAYASAAEgKrAPD_BwE

San Francisco Human Services Agency. (2022, July 22). New grant: San Francisco-Marin food

bank (non-profit) for citywide grocery access.

https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/migrated/VII%20%28D

%29%20SAN%20FRANCISCO-MARIN%20FOOD%20BANK_supplemental

%20groceries%20to%20San%20Franciscans%20citywide%20via%20Pop-Up

%20Pantr.pdf

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. (n.d.). About us. https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/about/

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. (n.d.). 2021-2022 Annual report.

https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/annual-report-2021-2022/#:~:text=Together%2C%20with

%20our%20partners%2C%20volunteers,is%20not%20just%20providing%20food.

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. (n.d.). Fast facts.

https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/fast-facts/#:~:text=Funding,funding%20came%20from

%20miscellaneous%20sources.

Zippia. (2022). SF-marin food bank history.

https://www.zippia.com/sf-marin-food-bank-careers-2194875/history/