Skip to main content

 

PORCH to PLATE

 

Porch to Plate

Helping Neighbors—One Porch at a Time

The Redwood Empire Food Bank is proud to introduce PORCH to PLATE, a seasonal food drive program designed to make donating food easier than ever. In Sonoma County, where 142,000 of our neighbors face food insecurity, your contribution can make a real difference.

With PORCH to PLATE, you can help fight hunger right from your doorstep—ensuring that nutritious meals reach those who need them most. Join us in building a stronger, healthier community—one bag of food at a time.

 

How It Works

Here’s how simple it is to participate:

  1. Bag Drop
    A volunteer will leave a labeled bag on your porch with a pickup date and instructions.

  2. Fill It Up
    Add non-perishable items from your pantry or recent grocery trip.

  3. Pickup Day
    Volunteers return on the scheduled date to collect your food donation.

  4. Repeat!
    A fresh bag is left for the next collection cycle.

Most Needed Items

While all non-perishable items are welcome, some of the most needed items include:

  • Canned tuna and chicken
  • Peanut butter
  • Rice and pasta
  • Oats and low-sugar cereal
  • Dry beans


Why Participate?

  • Donate without leaving home
  • Support your community year-round
  • Make a real impact on local hunger

 

Take the Lead: Run Your Own PORCH to PLATE Drive

Ready to rally your neighborhood and lead a recurring food drive—independently? PORCH to PLATE is a community-powered program built for clubs, service groups, student organizations, HOAs, and neighbors who want to make a lasting impact.

As a drive leader, you’ll take the reins: organizing, staffing, and completing the entire process—from porch drop-offs to delivering donations to the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

We’ll provide the guidance and resources to get you started—but the drive is yours to run.

How to Run a PORCH to PLATE Drive

  1. Choose Your Route
    Pick a neighborhood, street, or housing community to serve. We’ll confirm the area isn’t already covered.
  2. Schedule Your Bag Drop Day
    Select a day to walk your route and drop off collection bags. Each bag should include simple instructions and the scheduled pickup date.
  3. Collect Donations
    On pickup day, return to collect the filled bags from porches. Leave a reminder for the next collection cycle!
  4. Deliver to the Food Bank
    Bring the donations to a Redwood Empire Food Bank drop-off site.
  5. Repeat!
    PORCH to PLATE is designed to be recurring. Choose a regular schedule that works for your group and encourages consistent participation from your neighbors.

Not ready to commit to a recurring drive?
Check out our Ding Dong Donate program—a one-time neighborhood food drive with the same great concept: canvass your area, collect donations from porches, and help fight hunger in your community.

Current PORCH to PLATE Drives

Join a drive already happening in your area or help spread the word!

  • Healdsburg
    Led by: Healdsburg Rotary Club
    Contact: Coming soon
    Bag Drop: TBD | Pick Up: TBD

 

.

 

 

Thank You to Our Pilot Program Hosts

  • Oakmont
    Led by: SIRs 92 of Oakmont
    A huge thank you for leading the very first PORCH to PLATE!

 

 

.

 

 

Ready to Make a Difference?

Whether you're dropping a can in a bag or leading your neighborhood in a community-wide drive, PORCH to PLATE makes it easy to give—and even easier to inspire others.

MENU CLOSE