'Summer Giving' Opportunity: Food Bank Needs Volunteers for Lunch Program

The Redwood Empire Food Bank will be offering 30,000 low-income children a healthy lunch and fun summer activities at “Hunger-Free Summer” sites throughout Sonoma County from June 2 to Aug. 8 and is need of volunteers. 

More than 100 volunteers are needed to help at the 42 lunch sites to serve meals and oversee fun educational activities.  

Garden-based nutrition activities introduce children to vegetable gardening and the benefits of eating healthy and fresh food. Recreational activities will be offered at some sites. 

Now in its 11th year, the REFB’s ConAgra Foundation Hunger-Free Summer Program provides a nutritious meal to thousands of children who depend on free or reduced-price lunches during the school year, and miss these meals during summer vacation. 

When the program was launched in 2004, 20,000 children were eligible. This year the number has risen to 30,000 children, officials said. 

In spite of a better economy, more families at the lower end of the wage scale still struggle to feed their children and families, turning to the REFB for help. 

“There is an increased risk of hunger during summer months when school is out of session. Summer Lunch is the REFB’s direct response to ensure that local children have access to healthy meals," said Itzul Gutierrez, programs manager.

"Obtaining a meal is easy. No paperwork or sign up is required, and the program serves any child 18 years of age and under,” Gutierrez added. 

To volunteer and learn more about Summer Lunch, contact Vanessa Wallace, REFB Community Programs Coordinator, at 523-7900, ext. 155 or email vwallace@refb.org. 

Volunteer signup deadline is June 7.  

To find a “Hunger-Free Summer” lunch site, call the 2-1-1 Sonoma County Resource Directory line, the REFB at 523-7900 or visit www.refb.org. Sites and times are subject to change.  

The Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization serving north coastal California from Sonoma County to the Oregon border. Since 1987, the REFB has fed hungry people, currently serving 78,000 children, families and seniors each month in Sonoma County, while striving to end hunger in our community.