Through wide-reaching hunger relief programs, including vital partnerships with 150 local human service organizations, the Redwood Empire Food Bank operates a vast emergency food system in Sonoma County and throughout our broader service region. With such a robust network of support, we are able to remove many of the barriers our neighbors face in seeking help and weave a strong nutritional safety net, one that is large enough to support our entire community.

Food Connections Resource Center

Anyone in need of food can contact the Food Connections Resource Center to get help navigating the CalFresh application process, obtain free emergency food boxes, and receive information about vital Redwood Empire Food Bank hunger relief programs and food distributions throughout Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte Counties.

Groceries to Go

The Groceries to Go program provides anyone in need of assistance an offering of government commodities supplemented by the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s fresh produce, bread, and donated shelf-stable groceries.

Produce Pantry

Through weekly distributions in high-need neighborhoods, our Produce Pantry provides participants with an average of 20-30 pounds of seasonally sourced fruits and vegetables, supplemented by healthy staple foods. Produce Pantry distributions are open to anyone in need of assistance. 

Our Produce Pantry sites distribute fresh produce and donated items throughout Sonoma County. Historically, Produce Pantry distributions are hosted in parks, community centers, health clinics, senior housing complexes, low-income apartments, and churches. Due to the expansion of available USDA commodities, we have transitioned many Produce Pantry sites to Groceries To Go locations. Currently, our 3 Produce Pantry sites are at churches and health centers. 

Food Connections Market

Partnering with other hunger-relief organizations throughout our region is essential in fortifying our food safety net. Our 150 partners help to create a vast network of pantries, dining rooms, shelters, group homes, and child care facilities and are located in every city, town, and unincorporated area of Sonoma County. Partners in Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte Counties acquire food from the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s Food Connections Market, our discounted wholesale market, to support their programs, and together we work to support our neighbors in need. 

Station 3990

Station 3990 is the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s response to disasters. The disasters have been natural, economic, political, human-made, and public health.

Station 3990 is activated and deactivated along with the fluid nature of a given disaster. As an example, when a fire hits, we are certain that we are feeding evacuated people. As time moves on, people who were not part of the evacuation begin attending the Station 3990 distributions. Eventually, we close the Station 3990 activity and move everyone being helped into our regular distributions.

Kitchen Collective: On The Spot Nutrition

By the time people come to us for help, many have been enduring persistent hunger over an extended period of time. To address their acute food needs, we launched the On the Spot Nutrition program. Assembled by volunteers using fresh donated ingredients, On the Spot allows us to feed the line at our food distributions with healthy snacks that offer a boost of nutrition and provide immediate relief for hungry participants.

Food for Independence (pilot program)

The Food for Independence pilot program is a pivotal initiative aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities in our community. People with disabilities face unique challenges that can lead to financial hardships, making them more susceptible to food insecurity and hunger. We address this issue by offering essential food resources tailored to the specific needs of those with disabilities, allowing these individuals to focus on their personal growth and well-being.

To make this pilot program a success, we’re calling on our community to join us in this mission. We welcome ideas, financial support, and volunteer efforts to ensure that no one faces food insecurity due to barriers related to disabilities.