A DAY AT THE FARM
On a crisp October morning, the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s Development Team traded their desks for the fields of Farm to Fight Hunger in Windsor, CA. As we entered the property, we were greeted by rows of tomatoes, vibrant banana trees, and an abundance of peppers. Alongside fellow volunteers, we set to work on the season’s final harvest.
Steve Pogue, a longtime volunteer at Farm to Fight Hunger, wasted no time getting us to work. His welcoming presence and passion for the farm’s mission set the tone for the day. Steve explained the operation: harvesting green tomatoes before the impending frost. Green tomatoes may seem an unusual choice, but their story—and destination—is compelling.
Farm to Fight Hunger is no ordinary farm. This nonprofit, volunteer-run organization (led by many volunteers and a single farm manager, Shayna) donates 100% of its produce and pasture-raised eggs to the local community in need. Every crop is carefully selected to reflect the needs and preferences of those it serves. Donated banana leaves support an aspiring local tamale-maker, while peppers, cilantro, and vibrant red jamaica flowers celebrate community favorites like salsas and agua frescas. The farm also prioritizes sustainability, focusing on soil health, native plants, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating a balanced ecosystem for plants and wildlife alike.
After Steve’s introduction, he led us to a lush expanse of fields. Citrus and olive trees stood tall alongside rows of tomatoes, squash, and a cozy barn, complete with a sprawling chicken coop that felt more like a mansion for its feathered residents. Twenty rows of tomato plants stood ready for harvest, their glossy green fruits waiting to be picked.
Armed with buckets, we got to work, filling them with tomatoes until we had enough to fill a pallet. Our hands—sticky and fragrant with the sweet smell of tomato plants—were a testament to the morning’s labor. As the sun rose, we retreated to the barn to wash up and warm ourselves. Inside, we discovered not just a barn but a community gathering space—a cozy couch in one corner and a long wooden table at the center, where volunteers contributed jams, biscuits, and breads. Sharing these treats felt like the perfect end to a rewarding morning in the fields.
For us, the experience was far more than a morning spent in the fields; it was a chance to connect as coworkers, share laughter, and deepen our appreciation for the land and the harvest that sustains so many. As we worked side by side, the physical effort became a poignant reminder of the tireless labor performed daily by farmworkers in our region. Their dedication ensures that fresh, nutritious food reaches our tables, yet many of these individuals depend on organizations like Farm to Fight Hunger and the Redwood Empire Food Bank to feed their own families. It was a humbling realization that underscored the vital role these organizations play in fostering food security and community resilience.
BACK TO THE FOOD BANK
But what about the green tomatoes? Their journey doesn’t end in the buckets; they embark on a culinary adventure, delivered by, none other than, Steve Pogue to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. What I haven’t mentioned yet is just how extraordinary Steve is. In addition to his volunteerism with Farm to Fight Hunger, Steve dedicates countless hours to the Redwood Empire Food Bank, splitting his time between the Farm, Redwood Empire Food Bank distribution sites, and the Kitchen Collective with Chef Don—sometimes all in a single day!
Steve and Chef Don unload the tomatoes upon arrival at the Redwood Empire Food Bank, where the volunteer team eagerly begins washing and prepping. This is a familiar process for the Kitchen Collective, where the majority of meals and snacks are crafted from generous food donations. Chef Don and his dedicated team of volunteers produce over 1,000 snacks daily, fueling the impactful On the Spot Nutrition program.
The On the Spot Nutrition program was designed to address the immediate needs of community members who turn to the Redwood Empire Food Bank for support. Understanding that families have to wait in line at our food distributions, the program offers a swift, nutritious boost—delivering much-needed relief and sustenance right when it’s most essential.
Today’s On the Spot Nutrition? A surprising and delightful creation: Green Tomato “Mock Apple” Pie.
Yes, you read that right—green tomatoes transformed into a dessert so delicious you’d swear it was made with apple filling. Chef Don, ever the culinary genius, crafted a dish that not only delighted the taste buds but also highlighted the incredible creativity and resourcefulness involved in giving new life to ingredients that might otherwise have been overlooked or discarded.
This remarkable partnership between Farm to Fight Hunger and the Redwood Empire Food Bank embodies the essence of community, creativity, and a shared commitment to ending hunger with dignity and joy. By blending the farm’s dedication to sustainable, locally grown produce with the food bank’s innovative culinary efforts, they create more than just meals—they deliver hope, connection, and a sense of belonging. Together, they’re not simply feeding people; they’re crafting a narrative of nourishment that uplifts the soul of our region, proving that through collaboration and care, even something as humble as a green tomato can become a delightful symbol of possibility.
GET INVOLVED
Farm to Fight Hunger and the Redwood Empire Food Bank are bringing the farm-to-plate journey full circle. From harvesting fresh produce to transforming it into nourishing meals, this collaboration gives volunteers and food recipients the unique opportunity to witness the power of community-driven change firsthand. Additionally, if you'd like to volunteer with Farm to Fight Hunger, please check out our website or reach out to Liz Berry at 707-523-7905 or at volunteers@refb.org.
