Ever wonder what happens after you drop a donation into a Redwood Empire Food Bank donation barrel? That simple act of kindness sets off a remarkable journey—transforming your generosity into meals, comfort, and nourishment for our neighbors in need.
In honor of our May food drive, Rally for Rice, we invite you to rice to the challenge. Donate a bag of rice, and every grain brings us one step closer to a hunger-free community. The journey of a simple bag of rice shows how deeply connected we all are.
Our iconic green donation barrels are placed in grocery stores, schools, and community centers across Sonoma County—see the list. When you place a bag of rice inside, you’re doing more than donating food—you’re taking the first step in a ripple effect of compassion that moves that food through our system and into the hands of someone who truly needs it.
Here’s How It Works
The Pickup—As barrels fill up, our skilled volunteer drivers collect and consolidate them, transporting the donations back to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Each stop on their route adds up to hundreds of meals that will soon make a meaningful difference in our community.
Sorting and Quality Control—At the Food Bank warehouse, the rice you donated is carefully inspected by our team of dedicated volunteers. They check for expiration dates, ensure packaging is intact, and sort items by type. Thanks to their attention to detail, only quality, safe food reaches the people we serve.
The Food Connections Market—The rice’s last stop at the Food Bank is in our Food Connections Market, a cornerstone of our operations. Here, partner agencies from across Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte counties come by appointment to select food that best fits the needs of their communities. Rice is a staple—nutritious, versatile, and comforting—making it a highly valued item for our community partners.
Feeding Our Neighbors—Your bag of rice could end up in the hands of a single mom preparing dinner for her children, a senior cooking a nourishing meal, or a student needing a quick bite between school and an evening job. Through our network of food pantries, churches, shelters, and after-school programs, your donation becomes more than a meal—it becomes a message of care and solidarity.
Be a Grain of Hope This May!
As we rally together this May, your support means more than ever. A single bag of rice may seem small—but in your hands, it becomes a powerful act of compassion.
Looking to take the next step? Sponsor a food barrel or bring one to your school’s next sports game. It’s an easy, impactful way to rally your community around a meaningful cause. Every bag of rice collected helps put food on the table for a neighbor in need.
Whether you donate, volunteer, host a drive, or spread the word, your actions fuel our mission to End Hunger In Our Community.
