What is Beyond the Plate?

Food Is Only Part of the Story.

For 40 years, the Food Bank of Nevada County has been about more than providing food. It's about the people, relationships, and community that make this work possible.

To celebrate our 40th anniversary, we're doing something a little different.

Instead of hosting a traditional fundraising gala, we're inviting our community to join us for Beyond the Plate — a month-long digital storytelling and fundraising campaign.

Through videos, photographs, audio, and written stories, we'll introduce you to the neighbors we serve, the volunteers who show up, the farmers who grow our food, and the community partners who help make our work possible.

Because behind every meal, every distribution, and every act of generosity is a story worth telling.

And the next chapter belongs to all of us.

Stories From Our Community

The Food Bank of Nevada County does more than distribute food—we connect neighbors with nutritious food through community distributions, schools, home delivery, and local partnerships. Hear from Executive Director Brett Bentley about who we are, what we do, and why our work matters.

Aubrey Puetz, Executive Director of the North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center, reflects on rising costs, the stigma surrounding food insecurity, and the importance of ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food. As part of Beyond the Plate, Aubrey reminds us that nourishing our community means supporting one another with dignity and compassion.

Meet Megan Leswick, Board President of the Food Bank of Nevada County, as she reflects on a moment that stayed with her and what it reveals about the importance of our work. Her story is a reminder of the people, connections, and shared commitment that have shaped 40 years of serving our community.

Nancy Lorenz, a volunteer with Oak Tree Pantry and the Food Bank of Nevada County, shares why access to nutritious food is especially challenging for residents living on the Ridge. Hear how local food pantries and dedicated volunteers help bridge the gap for neighbors with limited access to other food resources.

Meet Rachel Pena, a member of the Food Bank of Nevada County’s Board of Directors, as she challenges common assumptions about who experiences food insecurity. From working families to seniors living on fixed incomes, Rachel reminds us that the people we serve are our neighbors, friends, and family members.

Meet John Lewis, a U.S. Navy veteran and Nevada County resident, as he shares the challenges of living on a fixed income and making ends meet. In Part I of his story, John reminds us that food insecurity affects people from all walks of life and highlights the importance of ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food.

“What would I do without you guys being there?” In Part II of his story, U.S. Navy veteran John Lewis reflects on the challenges of food insecurity and the difference that access to nutritious food and a supportive community makes in his life.

Meet Dean Bardon, Board Member of the Food Bank of Nevada County, as he shares a heartwarming story about a young boy in our Summer Lunch Program who made sure his friends and other children received their meals. His story is a reminder that compassion and the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors can begin at any age.

Meet Karina Williams, Community Liaison and Place Based Specialist with the Twin Ridges Elementary School District and Oak Tree Food Pantry, as she shares her perspective on life on the North San Juan Ridge. In Part 1, Karina explores the unique challenges of rural food access and the importance of understanding the needs of our more isolated communities.

In Part 2 of her story, Karina Williams explores the transportation barriers that make accessing nutritious food especially challenging for families living on the North San Juan Ridge. With high gas prices, long distances, and limited access to vehicles, her perspective highlights why bringing food closer to rural communities is so essential.

Meet John and Sherry, two retired Nevada County residents who began volunteering at the Food Bank as a way to connect with their community and give back. Their story reminds us that volunteering is about more than helping others—it's about building relationships, finding purpose, and creating a sense of belonging.

Meet Miranda Smith, Administrative Specialist at the Food Bank of Nevada County. Miranda shares how the Food Bank provides fresh, nutritious produce from local farmers, helping nourish our neighbors while supporting our local agricultural community.

Jeremy Mineau of Super Tuber Farm shares why keeping locally grown food in Nevada County matters. His story highlights the importance of connecting local farmers with neighbors who need access to fresh, nutritious food.

Executive Director Brett Bentley shares how Food Bank of Nevada County's network of 36+ partner agencies helps expand access to nutritious food throughout our community. Together, these partnerships strengthen our collective ability to reach neighbors experiencing food insecurity and build a more food-secure Nevada County.

Kerri Downing, Operations Manager at Food Bank of Nevada County, reflects on the generosity of our community and her hope for a future where no one experiences hunger. As we celebrate 40 years of service, Kerri reminds us that our ultimate goal is a world where the need for food banks continues to diminish.

Rachel O'Neal, Volunteer Coordinator at Food Bank of Nevada County, recalls receiving a call from a man who hadn't eaten in three days. Her experience is a powerful reminder that hunger exists right here in Nevada County and why access to nutritious food remains essential for our neighbors.

From moving pallets to preparing food distributions, Warehouse Manager Daniel Kahl shares the work that happens long before food reaches the table. Nearly 10 years into his time with the Food Bank, he reflects on the people and partnerships that have kept our community nourished for 40 years.

A longtime North San Juan resident and Oak Tree Pantry volunteer, Diana Pasquini reminds us that hunger knows no boundaries.

Through local food pantries and monthly distributions, Food Bank of Nevada County works alongside dedicated volunteers like Diana to make nutritious food accessible to neighbors throughout our community.

Her message is simple and powerful: everyone needs to eat, regardless of age, income, or circumstance.

40 Years of Showing Up for Nevada County

In 1986, a small group of community members came together with a simple belief: no one in Nevada County should have to face hunger alone. With a $20,000 grant from the county, a handful of dedicated volunteers, and a shared commitment to helping their neighbors, the Food Bank of Nevada County began.

What started as a grassroots effort grew through the generosity of an entire community. Volunteers gave their time, local businesses donated food, farmers and producers shared their harvests, and neighbors supported neighbors.

Over the past four decades, our work has evolved to meet the changing needs of Nevada County. From community food distributions and school partnerships to home delivery and increasing access to fresh, nutritious food, we've continued to grow while staying rooted in the same purpose.

Today, as we celebrate 40 years, we're reflecting not only on how far we've come, but on the thousands of people who have made this work possible.

Because the story of the Food Bank has always been a story about community.

And as we look toward the next 40 years, we invite you to be part of what comes next.