Episode 90: Redwood Empire Food Bank

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Redwood Empire Food Bank Programs: Senior Basket, Summer Lunch, Groceries to Go, Every Child Every Day, Volunteers, Distribution and Warehouse

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“It's just understanding that, life is tenuous. Life is hard and, sometimes people need help and it's all okay” - David Goodman

Over the past two years of producing this special series, we have brought you stories from nonprofits working on some of our long-term social issues such as homelessness, housing, hygiene, and mental health. In this one-hour-long special show, we wanted to turn our focus back to food insecurity for children, families, and seniors. Since the Covid-19 pandemic breakout in March of 2020, food insecurity has increased dramatically.

This episode is focused on the work of the Redwood Empire Food Bank which provides one of the most basic needs, food, along with wraparound services to our north bay community members. Our featured guests are Chief Executive Officer, David Goodman, Director of Programs, Alison Goodwin as well as food bank services, recipient and volunteer, Sam Cagle, and Programs Coordinator, Juana Renovato.

David Goodman -CEO

Over twenty years ago, I stepped into a food bank for the very first time. When asked why I was there, I replied that I wasn’t there to feed hungry people. I said I was there to work hard, and if hungry people benefited, then it would be a job well done. The interviewer replied, “Good.”

I still embrace the idea of working hard, but I would no longer answer the question in the same way. I have come to believe that it is a privilege to help people in need. I believe that in many ways we owe a debt of gratitude to many of the people who turn to us for help, as they are the people who care for our children, tend to our homes, serve us meals, work our land, and help our parents age with dignity.

Finally, there is one belief that I hold above all others—people are in need for one of two reasons, decisions they have made or circumstances beyond their control. In either case, hunger cannot be the price they pay. You can reach David at dgoodman@refb.org

Allison Goodwin - Director of Programs

Born and raised in Sonoma County, I am proud to live, work and raise my children in this community. I appreciate that my education and career path in the nonprofit sector has led me to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. It is the work of our community, with a daily goal of doing better, doing more, and giving to those who need a bit of help, a smile, and someone to share their story. You can reach Allison at agoodwin@refb.org

Sam Cagle - Food Recipient & Volunteer

Originally from Alabama, I moved to Sonoma County 15 years ago. I’ve been receiving food from the Redwood Empire Food Bank off and on for more than a decade and volunteering at distribution sites 3-4 times per week over the last couple of years. As a disabled Veteran living on a fixed income, I’ve found comfort in the Redwood Empire Food Bank. In addition to being a food resource, the opportunity to help others also provides a sense of fulfillment. Volunteering feeds me in a way that food never will. You can reach Sam at cagle.sam@gmail.com

Juana Renovato - Programs Coordinator

Though I was born in Mexico, I now call Sonoma County home. I was first introduced to the Redwood Empire Food Bank during a time when I needed their support. A few years later I became an employee—that was 18 years ago. When your daily routine includes caring for the community, it’s hard not to love what you do. My hope is that I can give people what they need to thrive and it warms my heart to see the smiles on our participant’s faces. I’m so proud to be part of this organization. You can reach Juana at jrenovato@refb.org

Redwood Empire Food Bank

Why we’re here is simple: people are hungry. We can help them. And we do. However, what we do—and how we do it—is surprisingly complicated.

About the Redwood Empire Food Bank

The Redwood Empire Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization serving Northern California. Since 1987, the Redwood Empire Food Bank has provided food and nourishment to those facing hunger—serving more than 100,000 children, families and seniors in Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte Counties. With over 300 direct service distributions, and 150 partnerships with other hunger-relief organizations, all residents facing food insecurity have access to more than 450 weekly and monthly distribution sites across the five counties. Please visit refb.org for more information.

We rely on the support of:
● 10,000 dedicated volunteers
● 82 passionate staff members
● 13,783 individual monetary donors
● 710 corporate, foundation, and organization donors
● 113 farms, food manufacturers, and suppliers
● 150 other hunger-relief partner organizations
Get Food - please click here to stay current on where and when to get food

Media Contact: Rachelle Mesheau rmesheau@refb.org (707) 523-7900

Donation/Volunteer

What can you do to help the Redwood Empire Food Bank continue on its mission of ending hunger in our community?

■ We are in dire need of food, funds, and volunteers. It’s not one or the other — we need all of it. Every dollar, every minute, and every food donation makes a difference.

■ We need volunteers. Throughout the year, the Redwood Empire Food Bank relies on more than 10,000 volunteers—the equivalent of more than 45 full-time staff.

■ We are taking all necessary precautions and following CDC guidelines to ensure that staff, volunteers, food, and participants remain safe so our distributions can continue. We have turned the majority of our distribution sites into drive-thrus to accommodate safe social distancing practices. As a result, we are having volunteers distribute food boxes for participants to grab and go. To stay current on volunteer opportunities: please click here

■ We need food. Food donations help keep our warehouse shelves stocked with non-perishable staple groceries for distribution through Redwood Empire Food Bank programs and partner organizations.

■ Our most needed items include Canned Tuna, Canned Chicken, Peanut Butter, Rice, Pasta, Oats, Dry Beans, Low Sugar Cereal.

■ We need money. When you donate to the Redwood Empire Food Bank, your money helps us purchase food, pay our staff, fuel our trucks and keep our lights on. Without money, we wouldn't be able to operate and distribute food to those in need. For every $1 received, we’re able to provide $4 worth of healthy food. To make a donation: please click here

■ Corporate Support Programs: To find out more about how your company can support the Redwood Empire Food Bank please click here

■ Partner Organizations: For more information about how to access food for your hunger relief organization please click here

Videos

To find out more about the Redwood Empire Food Bank Please Check Out These Videos:

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“Nothing happens without empathy. Empathy is the fuel for all that. Charity goes a little way, you know, and sympathy goes a little way, but it’s not until people can put themselves in the shoes of others where sort of, they become us. And we can identify with the people that are being impacted. That’s the real shift. That’s the real paradigm shift.”

— David Goodman,CEO,Redwood Empire Food Bank

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