Building a Hunger-Free Future for All

As I look back on 2025, I’m filled with gratitude for the continued strength and compassion of our community. Each day, I am reminded that the Redwood Empire Food Bank is more than a provider of groceries—it is a lifeline, a partner, and a pillar of health and stability across our region. This year, we not only met the growing demand for nourishment but also reinforced our role as a leader in addressing the root causes of hunger.

In June, I joined fellow Bay Area food bank leaders at Second Harvest of Silicon Valley to call on Congress to protect vital hunger relief programs like CalFresh from devastating cuts—one of many efforts I undertook this year to help safeguard these critical food resources and a powerful reminder that collaboration strengthens all of our efforts to ensure food access for every community. This experience reaffirmed how essential it is for the Redwood Empire Food Bank to lead conversations, initiatives, and actions that improve access to food and strengthen our safety net systems.

Looking ahead, our focus for 2026 is to deepen our engagement with public sector partners—educating county leaders and elected officials about the vital role the Redwood Empire Food Bank plays as a cornerstone of a healthy community. We’ll highlight our expansive partner network, the economic impact of our food and programs, champion culturally relevant food access for our most vulnerable neighbors, and continue to promote familiar and trusted programs such as CalFresh, WIC, and universal school meals.

We will also expand educational opportunities through gatherings like our Board Reunion, Investor Briefing, Full Plate Partner Luncheon, Second Helping Society Gathering, and Annual Gala—events designed to inform, inspire, and connect people to our mission.

Equally important is our dedication to food. Through programs like Grocery Recovery, Range to Table, and new initiatives like A Simple Gesture, we are creating innovative ways for people to join us in the effort to end hunger. As an expansion to our existing partnerships with farms that grow food (Farm to Fight Hunger, Novavine), we will pilot a new model that transforms underutilized local farmland into productive spaces to grow food for our neighbors in need—a true reflection of agriculture, community, and compassion.       

And because sustainability must be part of feeding our future, our Operations team is deepening partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to reducing waste and protecting the environment. Together, we are focusing on lowering our impact on natural resources through practical, on-the-ground solutions—such as our collaboration with Conservation Corps North Bay to recycle plastic wrap from our facility and partner sites. This plastic recycling initiative is just one example of how these sustainability partnerships help us divert materials from landfills while expanding our positive environmental impact.

Together, we are shaping a future where healthy, reliable food access is a reality for all. As we move forward, I am inspired by the creativity and spirit that drive this organization—a shared belief that collective action can solve even the most persistent challenges. Every bag of groceries shared, every partnership forged, and every voice raised brings us closer to a hunger-free community. Thank you for standing with us on this journey.

Allison Goodwin, President & CEO

Disclaimer: The financial statements presented are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and integrity of this information, it should not be relied upon as the official record. A copy of the printed financial statements is available upon request.

The Redwood Empire Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit. Our Tax ID is
68-0121855.

Charity Navigator Rating

For the 15th consecutive year, the Redwood Empire Food Bank earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. A 4-star rating is the highest rating given by the organization. Learn more here.