Living between the vineyards, verdant rolling hills and the pacific ocean, it’s easy to see life in Sonoma County as a charmed existence. With our wealth of elegant restaurants, artisanal food markets and organic farms, it can be hard to imagine hunger in our area. The truth is, hunger is an important issue in our community. And because as a Registered Dietitian I see the devastating physical and emotional side effects of hunger on a regular basis, it is an issue close to my heart.
One out of every five people in Sonoma County is touched by hunger and food insecurity. According to the Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB), the county’s largest hunger-relief organization, children make up the largest group at risk of hunger in our community. Children comprise 40% of REFB’s food recipients, while seniors and disabled individuals make up another sizable portion. In a study by REFB of families already receiving assistance, 25% reported that their children still must go without food sometimes.
The Redwood Empire Food Bank, whose mission is to end hunger in our community, is the hub of a network of 128 non-profit and faith-based charitable organizations. These community organizations, including soup kitchens, food pantries, senior programs, childcare centers for low-income children, and programs for the disabled, all depend on food from REFB. Some of REFB’s wonderful programs include “The Backpack Project” that sends low-income children home from school on Friday afternoons with a bag full of nutritious, kid-friendly groceries, or the “Megan Furth Harvest Pantry” that acts as a mobile farmer’s market, bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to targeted neighborhoods. The “Senior Brown Bag” program provides low-income seniors with nutritious, supplemental groceries each month to help them maintain their health.
If, like me, you feel that even one hungry child is too many, you can make a difference in our community by supporting the Redwood Empire Food Bank. During the holiday season, take advantage of the large green food barrels at your grocery store to conveniently drop off fresh, frozen or non-perishable foods. In the spring, summer, or fall, bring the extra fruit from your trees to an REFB donation site. Along with fresh produce, REFB particularly needs high protein foods like canned tuna or chicken, beans, soups or stews, peanut butter and macaroni and cheese. Donations of money are equally important, as every dollar given equals five dollars worth of donated food. Money donations are used for truck services and to purchase foods that aren’t as commonly donated, like fresh fruits and vegetables. Of course, volunteers are also welcomed to help pack food boxes, distribute food to recipients, organize a food drive, or even help at the reception desk.
Visit the Redwood Empire Food Bank website to sign up to volunteer, make a donation with your Visa or MasterCard, or to join their Monthly Giving Program. Personal checks may be mailed to: Redwood Empire Food Bank, 3320 Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. For locations of the food donation barrels, call REFB at (707)523-7900.