Unemployment In Sacramento Drops 2.5% Year Over Year

The State of California Employment Development Department's preliminary numbers for May 2013 provide positive news for some job seekers in the Sacramento metropolitan region. Preliminary figures reflect clear job growth in parts of the leisure and hospitality sector over the same period last year, particularly in food service.

Employment in food services and drinking establishments rose 2.1 percent to 62,700 over the May 2012 figure of 61,400 filled positions. The May 2013 numbers are an increase of 1.3 percent over the 61,900 reported for the prior month, April 2013.

The region, encompassing the Sacramento-Arden Arcade-Roseville areas for statistical purposes, has shown a drop in overall unemployment from 10.3 percent in May 2012 to 7.8 percent in preliminary numbers for May 2013.

The Center for Strategic Economic Research reports that consumers are spending more on hospitality and leisure activities, leading to job growth in those businesses that prepare and service food and beverages.

"There has been lots of focus on food culture in Sacramento lately," says Angelica Pappas, communications manager of the California Restaurant Association.

The region may experience continued job growth in this sector due to the branding of Sacramento as the Farm-to-Fork Capital of America.

The designation, announced in October 2012 by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, is bringing widespread attention to dining in the capital city. The Farm-to-Fork initiative highlights the agricultural heritage and future of the region, expanding public awareness of the area's gastronomic contributions.

Sacramento restaurants and bars that regularly use fruits, vegetables, rice and other ingredients from local farms are receiving increased exposure through the initiative, potentially adding to the expansion of hiring within the sector. Fresh Sacramento-grown produce is shipped for use in restaurants across the country.

The Farm-to-Fork Capital designation also draws attention to businesses such as Local Roots Food Tours, with employees leading groups of guests on walking tours and short day trips to restaurants, bars and farms.

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.