Food Bank Launches Winter Food & Funds Drive

The Redwood Empire Food Bank helps to feed 78,000 Sonoma County residents each month, and for the next three months the organization will ask for help providing that assistance.

The food bank on Friday launched its annual Winter Food and Funds Drive; orange donation barrels will be placed in area grocery stores and donation bags will be distributed by the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Petaluma Argus-Courier and Friedman's Home Improvement stores in Santa Rosa and Sonoma.

The Redwood Empire Food Bank also accepts monetary donations, and says for every dollar donated it can provide two meals to a needy resident.

"The colder and wetter winter months can create extra challenges for those already struggling to put food on the table," the food bank said in a press release. "It is more costly to heat homes and the added burden of the holidays often leaves little money for food."

One in six Sonoma County residents struggle with hunger, the food bank says.

The winter fund drive runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31. Here's how the food bank says residents can get involved:

During the Winter Food and Funds Drive, orange REFB food donation barrels can be found at the following grocery stores: Safeway, Oliver’s Markets, Walgreens, G&G Supermarkets, Whole Foods Markets and the Grocery Outlet in Santa Rosa. Additionally, in November the REFB will begin distributing 72,000 “Fill’er Up Bags” to encourage the community to donate food by the bagful to feed hungry families. The bags will be distributed by the Press Democrat and the Argus Courier, as well as by Friedman’s Home Improvement stores in Santa Rosa and Sonoma. 

How to get involved

The colder and wetter winter months can create extra challenges for those already struggling to put food on the table. It is more costly to heat homes and the added burden of the holidays often leaves little money for food. The REFB remains committed to providing critical food assistance to hungry individuals and families during this difficult time and urges the community to join in that effort. Sonoma County residents can get involved in the following ways:

• Make a financial donation. For every one dollar that is donated, the REFB can provide two meals to someone in need. The REFB accepts donations online, by phone, or via check.
• Host a Food & Funds Drive. Food donations ensure our shelves are stocked for people seeking emergency food assistance and donated funds go a long way toward feeding hungry families.
• Volunteer at the REFB. The REFB relies on 3,500 volunteers each year to pack, sort, deliver and distribute over 13.5 million pounds of food annually.
• Visit our website – www.refb.org – for more information.