Announcing Engine One
During the government shutdown earlier this year, Redwood Empire Food Bank had the distinct honor of assisting the Coast Guard in Petaluma. The Coast Guard lives by the motto, “Always Ready,” and is usually in the position of helping rather than receiving. When their pay was furloughed, however, our nation’s armed forces turned to us, thanking us for being “Always Ready.”
We continue with our commitment to be ready at a moment’s notice, with the unveiling of our new disaster-relief vehicle, Engine One.
The idea for Engine One emerged from our work during the Sonoma Complex Fire, and was the main focus of our Empty Bowls Fundraiser. Engine One will provide food to people in the event of a disaster, capable of transporting more than 35,000 pounds of groceries per truckload. Additionally, it is able to serve in inclement weather, at night, and through other challenging conditions.
Introducing Engine One from Redwood Empire Food Bank on Vimeo.
Of course, we have no intention of letting Engine One sit dormant until a disaster we hope never arrives. Rather, Engine One will be a workhorse every day of the year as we meet the needs of our neighbors experiencing hunger for any type of disaster that may be encountered in life.
Finally, below its heavy-duty hydraulic awning, Engine One is adorned with a marketplace-style mural intended to make the people we serve feel welcome and comfortable during the most difficult time in their lives. This mural was created by a local artist and is truly spectacular.
When you see our trucks on the road, know that they’ve been packed with care first thing in the morning, and are taking food to a distribution site at a local park, community center, or senior center. Want to help fuel our trucks and our mission? Please donate!
