What’s happening?
The gala serves as the food bank’s signature fundraiser and supports hunger relief through its network of partner agencies. The organization said each donated dollar can provide up to four meals.
This year’s theme, “Through the Looking Glass,” invites guests to consider what the county can accomplish “when our community comes together in generosity and compassion,” the release states.
Per the release, the 2026 gala honorees are:
- ExxonMobil, Community Partner of the Year: The food bank credited ExxonMobil’s support for funding an expanded parking lot to create space for more volunteers and said employees logged 1,028 volunteer shifts and more than 3,100 hours in 2025.
- St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Partner Agency of the Year: A partner agency since 2002, the church serves about 8,000 neighbors each month and runs three large-scale food distributions each week, averaging more than 100 neighbors per distribution, according to the release.
- Fortifi Food Processing Solutions, Volunteer of the Year: The food bank said Fortifi’s team helped reengineer processes in a new Produce Rescue Center, resulting in more than double the output per volunteer.
- Ann Snyder, Legacy Award: The Food Bank recognized Snyder for her service as a former board member and current advisory council member and credited her leadership with helping guide the organization through “growth and transition.”
Get involved
Buy tickets or tables for the Feb. 7 gala, or ask about sponsorships, at mcfoodbank.org/gala.
