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Hunger Persists: Redwood Empire Food Bank Adapts to Ongoing NeedNews & EventsEmpty BowlsGala Raises$730,000 forHunger ReliefPAGE 3CommunityRooted inUnity:FeedingCommunities,Growing LocalPAGE 5FinanceMaximizingEvery Dollarto Help EndHungerPAGE 6VolunteersBoost MealProductionTwo dedicated KitchenCollective volunteers at the Redwood Empire FoodBank have significantlyenhanced the organiza-tion’s meal preparationcapabilities by purchasing
a dough sheeter withtheir own funds. Bill andJody each contributedhalf the cost of the equip-ment, improving kitcheneciency dramatically.The dough sheeter reduc-es preparation time fromtwo and a half hours tojust 45 minutes, allow-ing volunteers to createquiche crusts, galettes,pizzas, and other pastrybases quickly and easily.This upgrade will greatlybenefit the On the SpotNutrition program, whichfeeds 1,000 people daily.With support from fooddonors like Central Millingand Straus Family Cream-ery, the kitchen can nowexpand its oerings. “It allows us to be morecreative and accept awider variety of fooddonations,” said the food bank’s Executive Chef,Don Nolan. Food recipi-ents have expressed theirappreciation, calling tothank the food bank forthe comforting mealsmade possible by thisnew equipment.Smith emphasized, “Safetyis our top priority. While weface space constraints in ourcurrent facility, we continue toinnovate and create solutionsthat allow us to operate safe-ly while meeting the currentneeds. We’re exploring futuresolutions to expand capacitywhile upholding our rigoroussafety standards. This ensureswe can continue to meet in-creasing demand without evercompromising the security of our  sta, volunteers, and  thecommunities we serve.”The food bank is planningfor the future. “We’re look-ing ahead,” Goodwin said.“By sharing our capacity andplans, we aim to secure sup-port for both immediate needsand long-term food security.”Despite the increased needand capacity limitations, thefood bank remains commit-ted to its mission of  endinghunger through innovativeprograms and partnerships.“Community support is cru-cial  in  our  eorts  to  create ahunger-free future for Sono-ma County,” Goodwin added.As needs grow, the RedwoodEmpire Food Bank seeks sup-port from donors, volunteers,and policymakers to addressimmediate and long-termfood security goals. Throughplanning and communitycommitment, the organiza-tion aims to build a resilientsystem capable of  meetingcurrent and future challengesin the ght against hunger.
THE REDWOOD EMPIRE Food Bank continues to ad-dress the growing hungercrisis in Sonoma County. In2024, the organization served61,000 individuals monthly,up from 56,000 the previousyear and 45,000 in 2022,highlighting a consistent up-ward trend since 2017.Allison Goodwin, President& CEO, reected on the chal-lenges: “We’ve seen a contin-ued rise in people needingour help, with an average of 3,300 new individuals turn-ing to us each month. Thispersistent growth under-scores the importance of  ourmission,” she said.The sustained demand stemsfrom Sonoma County’s highcost of  living, coupled withrising food and gas prices.Many families have beenpushed into food insecurity,especially after the expirationof   pandemic-era  benets.These factors have created anunrelenting strain on house-holds already struggling tomake ends meet.While community supporthas remained steady, thefood bank faces the challengeof  meeting ever-increasingneeds. “We are incrediblygrateful for our community’scontinued generosity,” Good-win emphasized. “However,as demand continues to grow,we must plan for the future toensure we can always say yesto those in need.”Operational eciency is cru-cial as the food bank adaptsto growing demands withinspatial limitations. “We’veoptimized our current facilityto its fullest potential, balanc-ing swift turnover of  perish-ables like produce, protein,and dairy with other essentialactivities,” explained AlisonSmith, Chief  Operations Of-cer. “As we approach capac-ity in our operational hub, weremain committed to safetywhile seeking ways to accom-modate further growth.”Young participant finds nourishment at one of the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s School Pantry sites.2024 Impact ReportVolunteer Jody LaRocca,Chef Don Nolan, and volun-teer Bill Conklin hard at workwith the new dough sheeter.Join the Second Helping Society to change lives and inspire hope for years to come. Visit refb.org/legacy to learn more.“ Communitysupport iscrucial inour eortsto create ahunger-freeSonomaCounty.”ENDING HUNGER IN OUR COMMUNITY

Editorial2AS I REFLECT ON 2024, I am lled with a profound sense of gratitude for the resilience and generosity of our community. This past year has been a testament to our collective strength in addressing food insecurity in Sonoma County and beyond. The challenges we faced were signicant, but they also inspired us to innovate and adapt in ways that will shape our future.One of the most rewarding aspects of this year has been witnessing the dedication and commitment of our team—employees, board members, nonprot partners, and volun-teers—who have embraced change with open arms. We tackled complex problems head-on and responded swiftly to the community’s needs. The demand for food assistance increased more than we anticipated, yet we rose to the occasion. We operated within our budget while providing a variety of culturally relevant and seasonal produce through a client choice model, ensuring that those seeking help received not just food, but dignity.As we move into 2025, I am excited to share our top four goals for the Redwood Empire Food Bank:Expand Partnerships with Local Farms: We aim to strengthen our relation-ships with local farms to increase access to fresh produce, dairy, and protein. By sourcing locally, we can provide healthier options while supporting our regional agricultural community.Cultivate Community Partnerships: Building a robust network of commu-nity partnerships, donors, and volunteers is vital. We will focus on education to demonstrate how contributions make a tangible impact on our mission to end hunger. By showing a bit of the magic behind the curtain, we hope to inspire more people to join us in this critical work.Improve Internal Operations: We are committed to maximizing the eec-tiveness of our resources while reducing food waste and increasing operational sustainability. This includes optimizing food distribution logistics, oering client choice to minimize waste, and adopting eco-friendly practices like composting and gleaning produce into reusable containers.Engage with the Public Sector: We will strengthen our engagement with public sector partners through relationship building and education. By providing data on hunger in Sonoma County and advocating for funding, we can ensure the sustainability of essential safety net services.What I am most proud of this year is working at an organization that embraces change and innovation. The creativity and forward-thinking mindset of everyone at the Redwood Empire Food Bank has been remarkable. Despite the challenges we faced in procuring and providing more groceries, we maintained our commitment to serving those in need.As we look ahead to 2025, I am lled with hope for what we can achieve together. Your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy—fuels our determination to create a hunger-free Sonoma County. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has access to the nourishment they need to thrive.Thank you for being an essential part of our mission. I look forward to the positive changes we will create together in the coming year! A Year of Transformation: Redwood Empire Food Bank’s Journey in 2024 and Vision for 2025By Allison Goodwin, President & CEOAllison Goodwin engages with a recipient during a food distribution at the Earle Baum Center of the Blind, part of the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s Food for Independence program.LETTERS to the EditorA Heartfelt Thanks From a Willits Senior While I was lined up waiting in my car, one of your friendly helpers gave me a Carrot and Pineapple Tamale. When I got home, I steamed it and it was delicious! Thanks for your good work and helping with food expenses. I am 73 years old and thankfully, getting by on a fixed income which is a challenge as prices keep going up. I have lived in the Willits area since the early ‘80’s and worked full time at Howard Hospital for 28 years, until retirement and then part time as a private bookkeeper until very recently, when my hearing loss became a problem. I feel very thankful to live in such a beautiful and supportive area during these tough times.~ Diana H.From Embarrassment and Pride to Gratitude I was just laid o. I have 3 kids and my husband is currently in dialysis. When they say to find the silver lining, believe you me, I was trying HARD. Things were getting harder day by day. I kept telling myself it wasn’t bad enough to come to the food bank. I didn’t want to take food from anyone else. But as a mother, realizing your kids are missing out on cer-tain foods and telling you dinner wasn’t enough to keep the hunger away because you are too pride-ful... will really make your heart ache. So I set my pride aside. My friend told me to go to the veterans building in the morning, and so I went with the little gas I had. I contemplated staying in the car, so no one could see me. But realized I didn’t have that luxury as my gas was already running low. So I got o. I stood in line, embarrassed, shy, and most im-portantly feeling alone. But as I looked at the food line, I saw all of these volunteers, smiling, talking to the other people in line as if they were talking to a friend. But most of all, they weren’t asking questions. Looking at me like I was gross. Or making fun of me. Which are all things I had already decided would happen. For the first time in a long time, I was just me. A woman getting groceries to bring home to my family. And so I thank that whole crew for helping me feel hu-man again... it helped me finally find the silver lining.~ Lucy D.Thank You for Bringing Food to Oakridge Thank you all for your service to Oakridge Senior Apts in Sonoma. I remember several years ago requesting your help at Oakridge. I am a senior who struggles with making ends meet. I would stand in line at La Luz or at St Leos then bring food to Oakridge residents. Thank you for delivering to Oakridge Apts and to the young man who took our request for deliveries. We all love all of you.~ Sofia N.Make a lasting impact throughout the year as a monthly donor. Become a Full Plate Partner today at refb.org/fpp

THE REDWOOD EMPIRE Food Bank host-ed its annual Empty Bowls Gala on April 27, 2024, raising an impressive $730,000 to support hunger relief. The event, held at the food bank’s warehouse on Brickway Boulevard in Santa Rosa, com-bined artistry, culinary excellence, and commu-nity spirit to address food insecurity.Guests enjoyed a unique “warehouse chic” at-mosphere, featuring demonstrations by local art-ists Michael Dickinson, Chris Landwehr, Kalia Kliban, and Jerry Kermode. The evening’s highlights included a reception with cheeses by Gary Edwards of Sage Marketing, passed hors d’oeuvres and dinner prepared by Park Ave Ca-tering’s Chef Bruce Riezenman and Chef Ari Weiswasser, locally curated wines, and a silent auction. The auction showcased over 50 hand-crafted bowls created by talented local artisans, including Patrick McDonnell, Marge Mar-gulies, and the late Jade Snow Wong.Allison Goodwin, President & CEO of the food bank, expressed gratitude for the commu-nity’s support, stating, “This event is a testament to the power of collective action in addressing hunger in our community.”The success of Empty Bowls 2024 has set a high bar for next year’s event, already sched-uled for April 26, 2025. The funds raised will signicantly boost the food bank’s eorts to provide nutritious food to those in need across Sonoma County and beyond.Those interested in sponsoring the event are invited to email Nick at nagius@refb.org. THE REDWOOD EMPIRE Food Bank hosted its annual partner conference in Septem-ber 2024, drawing a signi-cant turnout from its network of over 150 local hunger re-lief organizations. This year’s event placed a strong empha-sis on promoting healthy eat-ing among food recipients.A key focus of the confer-ence was the importance of providing nutritious food to individuals in need. The food bank introduced attendees to valuable resources such as Healthy Eating Research, which oers guidelines for cat-egorizing charitable food op-tions. This tool aids in creating a balanced provision of help (POH), ensuring recipients re-ceive well-rounded, nutritious meals.The Redwood Empire Food Bank’s POH, typically weigh-ing 35-40 pounds, primarily consists of protein, dairy, pro-duce, and grains. The food bank encouraged its partners to use both donated and pur-chased food from the food bank to maintain this healthy balance in their distributions.The conference also ad-dressed food safety protocols, stressing the importance of proper training and certica-tion for all sta and volunteers handling food. This commit-ment to safety extends to part-ner organizations, who are responsible for safe transporta-tion and storage of food items.The Redwood Empire Food Bank’s annual conference plays a crucial role in aligning ef-forts to combat food insecurity while prioritizing nutrition and healthy eating in the communi-ties they serve. Empty Bowls Gala Raises Over $730,000 for Hunger ReliefFood Bank Highlights Healthy Eating at Annual Partner ConferenceRedwood Empire Food Bank and Mendo Food Network teams at the Annual Partner Conference. From left: Erika Carstensen, Amanda Friscia, Alison Smith, Mary Tinder, Jessica Hernandez, Lisi Horstman, Rachelle Sutherland.News & Events3Embracing Sustainability with Reusable Containers In a significant move towards environmen-tal sustainability, the Redwood Empire Food Bank has implemented the use of Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) in 2024, phasing out single-use mesh produce bags. This transition marks a substantial step in reducing the organ-ization’s environmental footprint while main-taining ecient food distribution operations.The new RPCs, designed for hundreds of uses, are now employed at distribution sites to transport and dispense loose fruits and vegetables directly into recipients’ vehicles. Redwood Empire Food Bank sta and volun-teers manage these containers, which never leave the food bank’s possession, ensuring their continued reuse across multiple sites and in warehouse operations.This innovative system not only decreases microplastic pollution but also enhances the food bank’s operational eciency. The con-tainers’ ability to be unsnapped and folded flat when empty facilitates easy transportation between distribution sites, further minimizing environmental impact.The Redwood Empire Food Bank’s shift to RPCs demonstrates the organization’s com-mitment to combining eective hunger relief with responsible environmental practices, setting a new standard in sustainable food distribution.The Redwood Empire Food Bank successful-ly hosted its first-ever “Hot Rods for Hunger Relief” car show on October 26, 2024, at their Santa Rosa facility. The event combined auto-motive enthusiasm with community support for the food bank’s mission to end hunger.Featuring an array of classic cars, hot rods, and unique vehicles, the show attracted car enthusiasts and families alike. Attendees enjoyed food trucks, beverages from local vendors, and complimentary tours of the food bank. The event also included a Trunk or Treat Halloween celebration and a People’s Choice Award for favorite vehicles.The event successfully raised awareness and funds for the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s hunger relief eorts. Shana Koehler, Commu-nity Engagement Associate, expressed en-thusiasm for the community’s response and hinted at plans to make it an annual event, with organizers already seeking feedback to improve future editions.Inaugural Hot Rods for Hunger Relief Revs Up Community SupportMike Bartholdy’s 1969 Chevy Camaro SS won the coveted People’s Choice Award. 2024Impact ReportArtist Michael Dickinson displays his glass-making techniques at the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s Empty Bowls Gala.

up to sponsor processing costs for donated livestock, while Buds Meats oered discount-ed rates for processing servic-es. And a thanks to Sonoma County Meat, a long-time partner in the program. This vital support was complement-ed by the generosity of several donors who purchased live-stock specically for the pro-gram. This collaborative eort highlights how various com-munity members can come together for a common cause.Backstage at the Sonoma County Fair Junior Livestock Auction.Sonoma County Fair Boosts Range to Table Program, Tackling Food InsecurityTHE RANGE TO TABLE program at the Redwood Empire Food Bank has expe-rienced remarkable growth thanks to a dynamic partner-ship with the Sonoma County Fair. This collaboration has signicantly expanded food donations while strengthen-ing community ties in the ght against food insecurity in Sonoma County.Founded over 20 years ago by Cheryl LaFranchi of Oak Ridge Angus, Range to Ta-ble was established to provide high-quality protein to indi-viduals and families facing hunger. The program has long relied on generous do-nations from local ranchers, allowing the food bank to dis-tribute locally sourced meat to those in need. However, it was not until 2024 that the Sonoma County Fair began actively collaborating with the food bank to enhance this initiative.The Fair reached out to the Redwood Empire Food Bank and the Sonoma County Farm Bureau with a vision to increase livestock donations through their Junior Livestock Auctions. The Fair’s proactive approach included early out-reach to auction participants and close collaboration on promotional materials aimed at raising awareness among local youth programs like 4H and Future Farmers of America (FFA). A food bank representative attended live-stock auctions to promote the program and engage with bidders. Before bidding commenced, fair ocials an-nounced donation options to auction participants.The results were extraor-dinary; livestock donations surged to 54 animals in 2024—a staggering 440% increase from just 10 animals donated in 2023. This trans-lated into more than 13,600 servings of locally raised meat for community members fac-ing hunger.Colin Davidson, Food Re-sources Manager at the Red-wood Empire Food Bank, emphasized the partnership’s transformative nature: “The Sonoma County Fair’s initi-ative has been pivotal for our Range to Table program. Their enthusiasm and dedica-tion have signicantly raised awareness about food insecu-rity in our community.”The success of the Range to Table program was made possible by the generous con-tributions of key stakeholders. American AgCredit stepped 4Food Bank Launches Inaugural Porch to Plate ProgramThe Redwood Empire Food Bank has suc-cessfully launched its inaugural Porch to Plate food drive program in the Oakmont neighbor-hood. Designed to make donating food easier, this quarterly initiative encourages residents to contribute non-perisha-ble items without leav-ing their homes.Participants receive a bag on their porch, fill it with food from their pantry or purchased items, and have it picked up on a scheduled date. In its first drive, the pro-gram collected 167 bags of groceries, totaling 1,860 pounds of food—equivalent to 1,550 meals for community members in need.The Porch to Plate program aims to en-gage Sonoma County residents in the fight against hunger while fostering community spirit. The food bank is eager to expand this initiative into other neighborhoods in the fu-ture. Those interested in starting Porch to Plate in their area can email Shana at skoehler@refb.org for more information.CommunityHope Marshall, Premium & Exhibit Coordinator at the Sonoma County Fair, noted, “It’s an incredible opportunity for our community to support our youth livestock program while providing high-quality meat products for neighbors facing food insecurity.”The partnership exemplies how local food systems can ef-fectively address community needs while supporting youth development through agricul-tural programs. By connect-ing local ranchers directly with consumers in need, it showcases a sustainable mod-el for food distribution. Looking ahead, the Red-wood Empire Food Bank plans to deepen its collabo-ration with 4H and FFA pro-grams, focusing on education and volunteer opportunities at the food bank. This initi-ative aims to engage young agricultural enthusiasts in hunger relief eorts, fos-tering a new generation of community-minded leaders. Additionally, the food bank is committed to strengthening its partnerships with the Fair and other agricultural com-munity partners, ensuring a sustainable and impactful Range to Table program for years to come. The growth of the Range to Table program through this partnership not only ad-dresses immediate food needs but also strengthens commu-nity bonds and raises aware-ness about food insecurity in Sonoma County. By working together, these organizations are creating a more resilient local food system that benets everyone involved.For more information or to get involved with the Red-wood Empire Food Bank’s Range to Table program, visit refb.org/range-to-table. Young participant happily accepts protein at a Redwood Empire Food Bank distribution site. Redwood Empire Food Bank’s Community Engagement Associate, Shana Koehler, collects donated food from the first Porch to Plate program.

IN A REMARKABLE DIS-PLAY of community collab-oration, the Redwood Em-pire Food Bank and FEED Sonoma have transformed a potential agricultural crisis into an opportunity to feed those in need. Faced with an impending atmospheric riv-er and ood warnings, local farmers in Sebastopol, Peta-luma, Healdsburg, and Sono-ma rushed to harvest their crops on November 19th.Using funds from the Lo-cal Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, the food bank swiftly agreed to pur-chase the emergency harvest through FEED Sonoma, a local food hub. This quick action not only saved crops from potential ood damage but also ensured a fresh sup-ply of local produce for com-munity distribution.Alison Smith, Chief Op-erations Ocer for the food bank, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. “We’re thrilled to support our local farms while simultaneously increasing our ability to serve the community,” she said. “This emergency purchase not only preserves crops that might have been lost but also ensures our neighbors have access to fresh, locally-grown produce.”The rescued harvest arrived at the food bank on Novem-ber 22nd and was distributed to the community on Novem-Redwood Empire Food Bank Turns Flood Threat into Community BountyCommunity5ber 25th. This rapid response highlights the resilience of the local food system and the power of community collabo-ration in the face of challeng-ing weather conditions.Local farmers expressed gratitude for the support, not-ing that this purchase made it possible to salvage crops that would have otherwise been lost to ooding. The initiative not only supports the local agricultural economy but also strengthens the bond between farmers and the community they feed.The LFPA program, a $400 million USDA initiative, aims to strengthen local food sys-tems and support socially disadvantaged farmers while providing fresh, culturally relevant food to underserved communities. In California, over $51 million has been al-located for this program over two years.As the region faces the chal-lenges of extreme weather, this story serves as a hearten-ing example of how programs like LFPA can be leveraged to create win-win situations for farmers, food banks, and the community at large. Rooted in Unity: Feeding Communities, Growing LocalOn August 19, 2024, the Redwood Empire Food Bank hosted a ground-breaking event celebrating the Farms Together pro-gram, California’s itera-tion of the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). The event brought together food banks, state leaders, and local farmers to discuss the program’s success and future potential.Farms Together, a collab-orative eort led by the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB), Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), and Fresh Approach, has made significant strides in connecting small, socially disadvantaged farms with food banks across the state. The program, initially seed-funded by the Cali-fornia Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), has since expanded with support from the Califor-nia Department of Social Services (CDSS).The impact of Farms Together has been sub-stantial. In 2024 alone, the program purchased approximately 2.17 million pounds of produce, provid-ing about 1.8 million meals to Californians in need. Moreover, it has invested $5.2 million in small farms and local food business-es, strengthening region-al economies and food systems.Allison Goodwin, President & CEO of the Redwood Empire Food Bank, em-phasized the program’s importance: “Working with FEED as part of the Farms Together program has am-plified our ability to pro-vide a healthy, nutritious, and hyper-local element to our provision of help for the communities we serve.”The event featured a roundtable discussion with key stakeholders, including CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, CDSS Deputy Director Alexis Fernández Garcia, and representatives from various food banks and farming organizations. Participants explored opportunities and challeng-es facing the program, as well as strategies to ensure its continuation beyond current funding cycles.As the Farms Together program continues to grow, it stands as a mod-el for building resilient regional food systems and bridging the gap between small, local farms and food banks, ultimately working towards a healthier, more food-secure California.2024Impact ReportClockwise from top left: Winter Sister Farm, Coyote Family Farm, lettuce harvested before the rain, and after, at Paul’s Produce.“ This program has amplified our ability to provide a healthy, nutritious, and hyper-local element to our provision of help for the communities we serve.” ~ Allison Goodwin, President & CEO

Finance6$74.5 MILLIONOF FOOD DISTRIBUTEDIn the world of finance, making every dollar count is a true art. The Redwood Empire Food Bank has mastered this art, turning each dollar received into a powerful force in the eort to End Hunger in Our Community.FOR EVERY $1 RECEIVED, WE’RE ABLE TO PROVIDE $3 WORTH OF HEALTHY FOOD2024Finance News 11,000 DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS150,000 HOURS SERVED110 MAJORFOOD DONORS10,000 INDIVIDUAL MONETARY DONORS150 HUNGER RELIEF PARTNERS82 HARD-WORKING STAFF3,800 COMMUNITY FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS142,000 PEOPLE SERVEDEQUIVALENT TO 25.8 MILLION MEALS Our Provisionof HelpOering: 47% produce, 9% protein, 10% dairy, 34% dry goodsSource: 43% purchased produce, 9% purchased staples, 27% donated food, 21% government (USDA) foodValue of healthy groceries provided in 2024: $74.5MInitiatives Neighborhood Hunger Network142,000 Individuals served3,300 New Individuals per month$50.5M Value of food provided17.6M Meal equivalent providedIncluding:Every Child, Every Day48,000 Children servedSenior Security15,600 Seniors served3,000 Veterans servedOn the Spot NutritionHealthy prepared snacks for participants12 Volunteers preparing snacks daily5,000 Healthy Snacks provided each weekHunger Relief Partners$24M Value of food provided to our partner network8.2M Meal equivalent provided to our partner networkRevenueIndividual Donations: $11,721,000Grants and Foundation Support: $739,000Corporate Contributions: $1,739,000Government Contracts: $4,336,000 Other Revenue: $3,564,000Total Revenue: $22,099,000Donated Food: $41,854,000 Funding Breakdown 53% Individual donations20% Government Contracts 16% Other Revenue11% Corporations & FoundationsExpenses Breakdown93% Hunger Relief Programs7% General Operating Expenses

Business7IN AN INNOVATIVE pilot collaboration, Novavine, a premium grapevine nursery in Santa Rosa, has partnered with the Redwood Empire Food Bank to address food insecurity and seasonal un-employment in Sonoma County. This unique initia-tive transforms Novavine’s 3-acre greenhouse facility into a food production hub during its o-season, provid-ing fresh, culturally relevant produce to those in need.The pilot program uses Novavine’s state-of-the-art greenhouses to grow vegeta-bles and herbs when they’re not being used for grapevine propagation. This innova-tive approach not only keeps Novavine’s sta consistently employed throughout the year, but also signicantly boosts the food bank’s supply of fresh produce.Alison Smith, Chief Op-erations Ocer of the Red-wood Empire Food Bank, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “When we survey our clients and ask them what they really want to receive from us, the food items at the top of their list are not always readily avail-able in our normal chan-nels. So for Jay and his team to grow the things that the community is asking for—it couldn’t be more perfect.”Jay Jensen, CEO of No-vavine, described the vari-ety of foods being grown: tomatillos, tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro. The produce is of exceptional quality, as Colin Davidson, Food Re-sources Manager at the food bank, noted: “This is top-tier, restaurant-grade pro-duce—exceptional quality rarely seen at food banks. It’s truly remarkable.”Jensen’s commitment to the program goes beyond just providing produce. This rst year will keep 25 work-ers on the payroll instead of in the unemployment line, producing about 35,000 pounds of fresh food to be shared across ve counties. Jensen is excited about the future potential: “It’s excit-ing to imagine this on a 10 times scale, which is our goal in the next year or two.”Currently, Jensen is fund-ing the program himself but is exploring ways to expand it. “There is an opportuni-ty to maybe nd a grant or something that will help us just cover our costs. That’s all we’re trying to do here is just to have it be a win-win. If we can cover our costs, and the food bank can get some nice product, especial-ly in the o-season, I think it works out well for everyone,” he said.As this pilot program con-tinues to develop, it stands as a testament to the spirit of innovation and community support in Sonoma County. Smith added, “We can put this into a blueprint model and share it across our food bank network... It would be fantastic to replicate this across the country.”In November and Decem-ber of 2024, the food bank received over 2,000 pounds of produce from the pilot program, marking a prom-ising start to this innovative partnership that could rev-olutionize how food banks source fresh, high-quality produce while supporting lo-cal employment. Innovative Partnership Takes Root: Novavine and Redwood Empire Food Bank Unite to Combat HungerRedwood Empire Food Bank Expands Food for Independence ProgramThe Redwood Empire Food Bank has made significant strides in its Food for Independence (FFI) program, which aims to support individuals with disabilities in the community. Launched as a pilot in August 2023, the program has grown to serve three locations, adapting to the unique needs of participants.Initially partnering with the Earle Baum Center of the Blind, the food bank expanded the program to include North Bay Industries (NBI) and Becoming Independent (BI). These partnerships allow the food bank to reach a diverse group of individuals with disabilities, including those with sight loss, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those in vocational training programs.The FFI program has evolved based on participant feedback and observed needs. The food bank shifted from bi-monthly to weekly distributions, allowing participants more frequent access to food resources. The menu has been tailored to accommodate various cooking abilities, diet preferences, and transportation challenges. The new Provision of Help (POH) includes a variety of produce, staple raw items, and ready-to-eat options, with the total weight kept to about 15 pounds or less for ease of transport.The Redwood Empire Food Bank has learned valuable lessons during the pilot phase, including the importance of oering lower-sugar foods and smaller packaging sizes to cater to the many single-person households served. The program now provides seven produce varieties weekly, along with items such as eggs, frozen protein in small portions, milk, and bread.Collaboration with partner organizations has been crucial to the program’s success. These partnerships help with distribution logistics, participant communication, and providing cooking guidance. The program continues to evolve, with the food bank committed to learning, adapting, and finding the best ways to serve this community.As the Food for Independence program grows, it exemplifies the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s dedication to addressing food insecurity among diverse populations, tailoring its approach to meet the specific needs of individuals with disabilities in Sonoma County.$74.5 MILLIONOF FOOD DISTRIBUTEDFOR EVERY $1 RECEIVED, WE’RE ABLE TO PROVIDE $3 WORTH OF HEALTHY FOODAbove, participants at the Earle Baum Center of the Blind receiving food support from the food bank.Redwood Empire Food Bank’s operations team checks out the gorgeous tomatillo plants at Novavine, getting a sneak peek at the fresh produce soon to be harvested for local families in need.Food bank volunteer prepares produce from Novavine for food recipients.2024Impact Report“ This is top-tier, restaurant-grade produce—exceptional quality rarely seen at food banks. It’s truly remarkable.”

3990 BRICKWAY BLVD., SANTA ROSA, CA 95403 | 707-523-7900 | GIVE TODAY AT REFB.ORGTHE REDWOOD EMPIRE Food Bank held its rst-ev-er “Savor the Mission: A Tasting Tour” on November 14, 2024, oering dedicated contributors an exclusive be-hind-the-scenes look at the organization’s operations. The event, centered around the theme “Where Does Our Food Come From?”, com-bined culinary delights with educational insights into the food bank’s mission.Guests were treated to a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and champagne, followed by an immersive tour of the food bank’s facili-ties. Throughout the evening, attendees savored exquisite bites prepared by Executive Chef Don Nolan and his team of volunteers, paired with donated wines from lo-cal partners.The tour included several stations, each highlighting a dierent aspect of the Red-wood Empire Food Bank’s work:Chef Don Nolan explained the Kitchen Collective’s role in transforming donated bulk items into nutritious meals. His team prepares approx-imately 1,000 On the Spot Nutrition meals daily, using wholesome ingredients and cooking from scratch, in-cluding breads. The kitchen also uses produce from local farms that might be dicult to sell due to cosmetic defects.Erika Carstensen, Director of Supply Chain and Analyt-ics, shared insights on part-nerships with local farms and producers. She emphasized the food bank’s commitment to fresh, locally sourced food, highlighting programs like Range to Table and Farm to Fight Hunger. These ini-tiatives have resulted in over 13,600 servings of high-qual-ity protein donated in one month and ensure that at least 50% of distributed food is fresh produce.Colin Davidson, Food Re-sources Manager, discussed the Grocery Recovery pro-gram, revealing that the food bank makes 60 to 70 stops per week at major retailers and grocery stores through-out Sonoma County. This eort, combined with their partners, results in recovering 150,000 to 200,000 pounds of food monthly.Jessica Hernandez, Direc-tor of Programs, provided a comprehensive overview of USDA Foods, detailing the funding, stakeholders, programs, and beneciaries across their ve-county ser-vice area. She emphasized the crucial role of partici-pant feedback in shaping the USDA Foods procurement process, highlighting the im-portance of client surveys and choice-based distribution methods.The tour concluded with an immersive experience at a mock distribution site, de-signed to mirror a real food distribution environment. This setup featured a diverse array of food items present-ed in a market-style format, oering visitors a tangible glimpse into the dignied and empowering experience of receiving assistance from the Redwood Empire Food Bank.The successful inaugural event not only educated do-nors about the food bank’s operations but also deepened their connection to the organ-ization’s mission of ending hunger in our community. The Redwood Empire Food Bank plans to host similar experiences in the future, building on the enthusiastic response from attendees. Redwood Empire Food Bank Hosts Inaugural “Savor the Mission” EventAbove: Kim Carey, Partner Resources Manager, serves hors d’oeuvres at Savor the Mission. Below: Chef Don Nolan demonstrates meals from donated items; Patty Striniste, Chief People & Culture Ocer, explains food distribution setup.Innovative Partnership Takes Root: Novavine and Food Bank Unite to Combat HungerPAGE 7BusinessFood Bank Turns Flood Threat Into Community BountyPAGE 5CommunityFood82024 Impact ReportMushroom Risotto45 minutes, serves 4 to 6INGREDIENTS• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil• 1½ pounds Shiitake and Maitake mushrooms• ¾ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste• Freshly ground black pepper• 2 medium shallots, chopped• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves• 1½ cups uncooked Arborio rice, rinsed• 5 cups warmed vegetable or chicken broth• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnishDIRECTIONS1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, ½ teaspoon of the salt, and several grinds of pepper and toss to coat. Cook, stirring only occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until soft and browned. Remove from the pan and set aside. Work in batches if necessary.2. Wipe out the pan and return it to the heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, the shallots, garlic and the remaining ¼ teaspoon sea salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 8 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the thyme, and rice. Stir and cook for 1 to 3 minutes.3. Add the broth ¾ cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition of broth to be absorbed before adding the next. With the final addition of broth, stir two-thirds of the sautéed mushrooms into the risotto. Cook until the risotto is creamy and the rice has a slight al dente bite. Stir in the cheese and season to taste.4. Top with the remaining sautéed mush-rooms, garnish with parsley, and serve with more grated cheese, if desired.PARTNERFOOD BANK OF