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.
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.
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.
