How can you enjoy the new sunshine of the season? Here are some ideas for how to live your best altruistic life and celebrate sunshine on the first day of spring.

Lori Alexander-Winkler’s journey at the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s Food Connections Market showcases the power of volunteering to create real change. What began as a few hours of service grew into a meaningful commitment, with Lori contributing 500 hours to help organize, connect, and support the community. In this blog, we share Lori’s inspiring story of giving back, making a difference, and building connections that fight hunger in our community.

National Plant a Flower Day is the perfect start to the new season, so if you want to get involved, there are a few ways to join. Here’s how you can give back today.

Learn essential food safety tips to keep your meals safe and prevent foodborne illness. From proper handwashing and avoiding cross-contamination to safe cooking temperatures and smart food storage, these simple steps will help protect your health. Follow the FIFO rule, understand expiration dates, and ensure your food stays fresh and safe. Read more for expert kitchen safety tips!

There's nothing quite like a crispy, golden French fries—especially when you’ve made them yourself! Whether you prefer classic russet potatoes or the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, homemade fries are a simple and satisfying addition to any meal. Plus, with a little prep work, you can stock your freezer with ready-to-cook fries for quick and easy meals anytime.

Rice is a staple in many kitchens, and if you've visited a Redwood Empire Food Bank distribution lately, chances are you have plenty of it on hand! Instead of plain rice, why not transform it into something flavorful and delicious? This Mexican Rice recipe is easy to make and pairs well with just about any meal. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can prep ahead for future meals.

Today we dive into the history behind this month and how you can get involved, give back and build a better world by celebrating National Women’s History Month.

This Vegetable Lo Mein is a budget-friendly, easy-to-make meal that proves delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated! Be sure to pick up these ingredients at your next Redwood Empire Food Bank distribution and give it a try. Let us know how it turns out!

Did you know you can also give by supporting small businesses? Here are some hows, whys and benefits of supporting small businesses for your altruistic lifestyle.

At the Redwood Empire Food Bank, food safety and community health are our top priorities, especially during cold and flu season. To prevent the spread of illness, we encourage all volunteers to stay home if feeling unwell, wash hands frequently, use gloves properly, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching their face. Additional precautions like disinfecting surfaces and maintaining personal space further enhance safety. By following these guidelines, we can keep our food safe and our community healthy.

Even if you care about a cause, how can you ensure you’re a good fit for the position? Here are some ideas to help you find the right fit for volunteering.

How Rick and Teresa Denniston Bring Hope to Their Community
For Rick and Teresa Denniston, volunteering isn’t just about handing out food—it’s about restoring dignity, lifting spirits, and reminding people that they are never alone. Their volunteerism with the Redwood Empire Food Bank has been one of service, camaraderie, and compassion, touching the lives of thousands, including one woman who never imagined she’d find herself in a food bank distribution line.

Valentine’s Day can be more than just romantic love, but true, kind, caring love for your neighbors and those in need. How can you lead a more altruistic life this week?

Maximize your impact—Many employers match volunteer hours with financial donations to nonprofits like the Redwood Empire Food Bank. See if your time can go even further for neighbors facing hunger.

Black History Month is a time to remember, celebrate and commemorate the achievements and contributions by African-American men and women throughout U.S. history.

It’s true: with a lack of Vitamin D and little time spent outdoors, the winter months can literally make you sad. Luckily, we have some ways to combat seasonal depression.

How can we as individuals commemorate Dr. King’s life, and further continue his legacy? Here are some ideas to get started and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

A dedicated volunteer captures the spirit of compassion and community in this heartfelt poem about the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Read their inspiring words and see how together, we make a difference.

Not sure if donating blood is the right decision for you? Check out all the answers to your questions here, and help give life this January.

Two generous volunteers, Bill and Jody, transformed the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s kitchen by purchasing a dough sheeter, cutting preparation time from hours to minutes. This new tool enhances creativity and efficiency, supporting the On the Spot Nutrition program in feeding up to 1,500 people daily with fresh, comforting meals.

There are a variety of different ways to be more charitable without spending money. Here are some ideas to try.

Discover how David Irvine, a dedicated volunteer at the Redwood Empire Food Bank, has been making a profound impact since 2020. From food distribution sites to delivering summer meals to children, David’s compassion and hard work have helped fight hunger and bring hope to our community during challenging times.

If you want to be sure your New Year’s resolutions really stick for 2025, check out these useful tips on how to keep the habit hopeful.

Check out this unique spin on 12 ways you can show you care this holiday season.

This season, be a part of the merriment by giving back through these four fun festive ways to spread holiday cheer.

If you want to live a more altruistic lifestyle, help give back in the upcoming season by checking out these volunteering ideas for cold weather months.

A mentorship program has more in store than just for the mentee. If you’re not sure whether mentoring is right for you, take a look at these eight ways becoming a mentor can benefit you.

What’s the best way to show thankfulness? By giving back to others. This Thanksgiving, remember the reason for the season by showing thanks through giving.

Books are a valuable source of information, creativity and empathy. If you’re not a book lover now, you will be soon. Here’s how reading makes you a better person.

This holiday season, try incorporating some of these healthy treats into your life to balance out the rich holiday feasts. Check out these top eight power foods you need to take advantage of.

Gratefulness is not something which comes naturally; it needs practice. If you want to live an altruistic life and practice thankfulness this month, check out these easy steps you can take.

If you’re interested in living a more altruistic lifestyle and helping those in need this Halloween, check out these five spooky ways you can give back.

Since the weather is cooling down, you can add a little sunshine and warmth to a stranger with these simple ideas.

Let’s talk about five strategies to keep your resilience sharp, so you’re ready to handle any obstacle life throws your way.

Let's talk about five ways to spread joy and positivity everywhere you go, that you can practice every day!

No matter what kind of stress we’re experiencing, the better we can learn to cope in a healthy way, the more successfully we’ll be able to manage.

Whether you have a little or a lot of free time, there’s no better way to spend it than by getting out there and making a difference.

Sleep serves a number of essential functions for the human body. Check out these tips to up your sleep game.

To help you make your next vacay the ultimate experience, we put together this list of amazing trip ideas to use as inspiration.

Hobbies are a healthy, relaxing way to spend our free time in ways we enjoy—but with the added perk of mental, physical and social health benefits that television and smartphones simply can’t match.

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's all too easy to put our health on the back burner. Check out these 10 tips below for small changes you can make today that can have a big impact on your health for years to come.

Autumn’s beautiful weather and fun holidays make it easy to find volunteering opportunities in your area. We’ve come up with a few ideas to get you started.

Have you been thinking about expanding your family to add a new furry friend? Look no further than your nearest animal shelter.

Whether you’re headed to the Gulf Coast or the Grand Canyon, we’ve compiled a list of items you’ll need once you’ve hit the road.

If you’re not a frequent reader, you might be missing out on some important perks.

With just a month left of summer, it’s time to take advantage of all it has to offer. Check out these fun ideas to celebrate the end of the sunshine season!

If you have something or some time to give, consider doing so today. Here’s a list of easy ways you can give something away today.

Farmers markets have so much more to offer than just the sights and smells. The following is a list of just a few reasons you should visit your local farmers market this summer.

Planning an Independence Day party shouldn’t have to be stressful. We’ve compiled a list of everything you need—from food to activities—to throw a bash your friends will rave about.

If you’re looking for a way to get outside while also improving your whole self, gardening may be the hobby for you.