About Yolo Food Bank

Yolo Food Bank durably increases food and nutrition security and helps create an equitable and sustainable local food system by connecting, collaborating, and convening.

For 50 years, Yolo Food Bank has elevated the common good for the people and communities of Yolo County by reducing poverty and elevating food security. Founded as a volunteer-run backyard gleaning program, Yolo Food Bank now is a Feeding America partner serving the nutrition needs of tens of thousands Yolo County residents each month.

Yolo Food Bank coordinates the recovery, collection, and storage of more than ten million pounds of food annually from a network of grocers and retailers, farmers, processors, and distributors. Through collaborations with the private sector, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations throughout Yolo County, this food is provided to those who struggle in the community via 130 distributions each month and more than 80 local food pantries, senior meal delivery programs, homeless and domestic violence shelters, migrant centers, college campuses, mental health and recovery facilities and more.

Despite being known for an abundant agricultural economy, food security is an everyday concern for many Yolo County residents, with nearly half of the population earning less than what they need to meet their basic needs each month. Working families and their children represent the majority of those served, and senior citizens and rural residents are impacted disproportionately. By nourishing our most vulnerable neighbors, Yolo Food Bank plays a vital role in advancing the quality of life for all who live and do business in Yolo County.

Our Team

Michael Bisch

Executive Director

Michael Bisch joined Yolo Food Bank in January 2018, bringing an accomplished background in business management and nonprofit board leadership with him to the position. Following his undergraduate education in Business Administration, he launched an extensive career in mortgage lending and international corporate finance. Prior to joining Yolo Food Bank, Michael had been a self-employed entrepreneur for 20 years owning and operating a restaurant and bar, a cross-cultural translating company, and a full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm.

As president of the nonprofit Davis Downtown organization for four years, Michael acquired deep knowledge of nonprofit management best practices. He is a co-founder of JumpStart Davis, Pollinate Davis, and the first downtown Davis artist studios. Additionally, he provided volunteer service to the Downtown Parking Task Force, the steering committee for Pathways to Employment, convened the first meetings of what became the Davis Arts Alliance, authored the Yolo County Economic Development Proposal, co-authored the City of Davis response to UC Davis innovation center’s Request for Expressions of Interest and further lent his talents and expertise to numerous other arts, economic development, and planning efforts in Yolo County.

At this time of transformation for Yolo Food Bank, Michael’s unique qualifications enable him to guide the organization with a balance of innovation and stability, blending business acumen with a passion to serve. Michael’s leadership is keenly focused upon the need for our community not just to survive, but to thrive.