Raley’s Food For Families is marking 40 years of hunger relief with the launch of its 2026 Infrastructure Grant Program, a renewed funding initiative designed to strengthen food access across the communities it serves in California and Nevada.
Since its founding in 1986, Raley’s Food For Families has donated more than $81 million and 70 million pounds of nutritious food to its network of 12 Feeding America food bank partners and more than 2,400 affiliated agencies. As it enters its fifth decade, the organization said the new grant cycle reflects a long-term commitment to addressing hunger beyond immediate food distribution.
Applications for the 2026 Infrastructure Grant Program are open through Feb. 2. The initiative focuses on funding critical infrastructure improvements that enable food banks and partner agencies to operate more efficiently and sustainably.
“For four decades, Food For Families has been privileged to donate millions of pounds of food and to provide support to hungry families across our communities. This milestone is a moment to celebrate that impact and recommit to the long-term work of food security,” said Julie Teel, president of Food For Families’ board of directors.
“By focusing on infrastructure, we’re strategically making funds available so these vital community partners can strengthen their ability to get food to those who need it most.”
Building on prior impact
The new funding round builds on the inaugural 2025 Infrastructure Grant Program, which distributed just more than $340,000 to food banks and partner agencies. Those funds supported a range of operational needs, including refrigeration units, box trucks, forklifts, pallet jacks and shelving systems.
“These investments directly translate to increased food access for families by allowing food bank staff and volunteers to work more efficiently, ultimately serving more people with the same resources. For example, a single pallet jack can save 76 manual trips per truckload,” Teel said. “The grant funding is a tangible example of the profound commitment Raley’s has made to the communities it serves.”
2026 Grant Priorities
The 2026 Infrastructure Grant Program will prioritize projects that increase food access rather than food education initiatives. Eligible applicants include food pantries, food closets and partner agencies affiliated with Raley’s Food For Families’ Feeding America food bank partners across Northern and Central California and Northern and Central Nevada.
As part of its 40th anniversary recognition, Raley’s Food For Families also will highlight the work of one partner food bank each month throughout 2026.
“We’re honored to mark 40 years of food security leadership and real-world impact,” Teel said. “Raley’s Food For Families has remained committed in its mission to alleviate hunger by providing nutritious food to those in need. The organization’s longevity reflects a deep-rooted belief that food security is foundational to community health and opportunity.”
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