Make a Lasting Impact in Our Community
At the Redwood Empire Food Bank, we are on a mission to end hunger and improve lives across our region. We invite passionate and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors and help us drive this mission forward. As a board member, you will have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of people who rely on our services.
The Redwood Empire Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization serving communities across Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte counties, distributing millions of meals each year through direct-service programs and a network of more than 130 community partners. With strong financial stewardship and a Four-Star Charity Navigator rating, we are a trusted leader in advancing food security, health, and community resilience across our five-county service area.
Why Join Us?
- Shape Regional Impact: Help guide one of our region’s most trusted nonprofits at a pivotal time of growth and community need.
Be a Catalyst for Change: Use your expertise to influence strategy, strengthen food systems, and advance long-term solutions to hunger.
- Champion Our Mission: Serve as an ambassador and help expand awareness, partnerships, and community support.
- Strengthen Sustainability: Support financial stewardship, fundraising, and philanthropic engagement to ensure lasting impact.
Why This Work Matters
Food insecurity continues to impact thousands of households across Northern California. Rising housing costs, inflation, and recovery from natural disasters have made it increasingly difficult for many families to access nutritious food.
At the same time, the Redwood Empire Food Bank is helping redefine what a modern food bank can be—not only providing groceries, but improving health outcomes, strengthening community resilience, and advancing long-term solutions to hunger.
Board service offers a meaningful opportunity to help shape this future while making a lasting difference in the lives of our neighbors.
What We’re Looking For
We seek individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to fighting hunger. The Redwood Empire Food Bank values board members with expertise in various professional and industry fields, including but not limited to:
- Accounting/Audit
- Advocacy/Public Policy
- Agriculture
- Banking
- Building/Construction
- Disaster Relief
- Economic Development
- Finance & Investments
- Food Procurement/Industry
- Fundraising
- Health Care
- Human Resources/Personnel
- Legal
- Real Estate
- Transportation
- Warehouse/Operations
We particularly value candidates with lived experience related to food insecurity and strive for diversity in gender, age, race, ethnicity, and geographic representation. Whether you’re actively working in your field or retired, your unique perspective and skills can help us achieve our goals and make a significant impact in our community.
In addition to professional expertise, we seek individuals who bring strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, strong community relationships, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Ideal candidates are thoughtful, engaged, and motivated to use their networks and experience to advance our mission.
Board Member Responsibilities
- Governance: Ensure compliance with laws and regulations while setting the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic direction.
- Leadership & CEO Partnership: Partner with and support the President & CEO while ensuring appropriate governance and accountability.
- Financial Oversight: Review budgets, financial statements, and funding sources; ensure responsible financial management.
- Fundraising & Advocacy: Actively engage in fundraising efforts and promote our mission in the community.
- Policy & Board Development: Contribute to policy creation and support board recruitment, training, and evaluation.
Commitment & Engagement
- Time Commitment: Board members attend regular board meetings and participate in committee meetings and special events, typically dedicating 4–6 hours each month to their service.
- Active Engagement: Stay informed about our programs, issues, and opportunities. We value your active participation in discussions and decision-making processes to help shape the future of the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Board members are expected to prepare for meetings, contribute thoughtfully to discussions, and follow through on commitments.
- Fundraising: Board members are expected to commit to specific fundraising goals or activities that align with their skills and networks. We also ask board members to make a personal financial contribution that reflects their commitment to our mission and encourages others to give. We view philanthropy as an extension of board leadership, and value members who actively help build relationships, expand visibility, and inspire community investment in our mission.
Your dedication and involvement are crucial to our success in fighting hunger and serving our community. We appreciate the time, expertise, and resources you bring to our organization.
The Redwood Empire Food Bank is led by President & CEO Allison Goodwin and governed by a dedicated board of leaders from across business, agriculture, healthcare, public service, and nonprofit sectors.
Join Us in Making a Difference
If you are ready to use your talents for a great cause, we invite you to apply today. Together, we can build a hunger-free community where everyone has access to nutritious food.
