Donna’s path to volunteering began during the pandemic and quickly grew into a weekly commitment at our Food Connections Market. Her dedication and leadership play a vital role in keeping the Market running smoothly and ensuring our neighbors have the food they need.
Donna encourages others to find a volunteer role that fits their schedule and passions—because everyone has something valuable to contribute. Ready to make a difference? Join us at the Redwood Empire Food Bank—every shift matters.
At the Redwood Empire Food Bank, we value every moment our volunteers spend supporting the community. That’s why we created Punch Out Hunger—a loyalty program that turns your time into chances to win great prizes. Each shift earns you a stamp, and every 10 stamps gets you entered into our monthly drawing. With prizes donated by generous local businesses, it’s our way of saying thank you for showing up and making a difference. The more you volunteer, the more chances you have to win—and the more impact we make together.
After the devastating 2017 wildfires, Molly Milano stepped up to help her community at the Redwood Empire Food Bank. What started as a single act of kindness grew into a lasting commitment to serve those in need. Through hands-on work, meaningful connections, and inspiring moments in the kitchen, Molly’s story shows how one person’s time and heart can make a powerful difference.
Looking for a fun, affordable, and sustainable way to volunteer at the Redwood Empire Food Bank? Take the SMART Train! Just hop off at the Sonoma County Airport station and walk or take the SMART Connect shuttle to our Distribution Center—it’s that easy.
When Dee Dee Butori began volunteering with the Redwood Empire Food Bank during the pandemic, she never expected how deeply it would impact her life. In this heartfelt story, Dee Dee shares how one rainy afternoon—and an unexpected birthday cake—became a moment of pure connection she'll never forget. From learning not to judge others to finding a sense of purpose, Dee Dee’s journey is a moving reminder of the quiet power of service and compassion.
In this heartwarming blog, we share the story of harvesting green tomatoes alongside passionate volunteers, learning about sustainable farming, and witnessing the journey of fresh produce from the Famr to Fight Hunger fields to the Redwood Empire Food Bank's Kitchen Collective. Discover how this powerful partnership transforms overlooked ingredients into nourishing meals, strengthens community bonds, and highlights the deep connection between agriculture and food security. Whether you're curious about green tomato pie or inspired to volunteer, this behind-the-scenes look offers a fresh perspective on fighting hunger—one harvest at a time.
What happens after you drop a bag of rice into a Redwood Empire Food Bank donation barrel? In honor of our May food drive, Rally for Rice, follow the path your donation takes—from the moment it’s placed in one of our green barrels to the shelves of our Food Connections Market, and finally into the hands of a neighbor in need. Every grain of rice sparks a ripple of compassion. Learn how your small act creates a big impact—and how you can rice to the challenge this May.
We’re looking for a dedicated volunteer to step into a Super Volunteer role each Wednesday in our Food Connections Market, supporting either the 7:00–10:00 AM or 10:00 AM–1:00 PM shift.
At the heart of the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s mission is a strong sense of community. Volunteers play an essential role in ensuring our neighbors facing hunger have access to fresh, nutritious food. Kathy and Dan Sharp exemplify this spirit of service through their dedication to the food bank. Their journey as volunteers is one of connection, purpose, and making a difference—one shift at a time.
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.
