Sonoma County is known for our rich farmland and incredible local food, but despite all the abundance, many of our neighbors are going hungry. How can it be that in a place famous for fresh produce and farm-to-table restaurants, people are struggling to put food on the table?
Local groups like Redwood Empire Food Bank and Food For Thought are doing their best to help. These nonprofits provide food and support to those in need, but the demand keeps growing, and so do the challenges they face.
Redwood Empire Food Bank: tackling hunger on a large scale
Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB) is the biggest hunger-relief organization in Sonoma County, helping tens of thousands of people every year. For Allison Smith, director of operations, this work is personal. She’s seen the toll it takes on families as the cost of living continues to rise.
“Our services have really expanded over the past decade,” says Smith. “With rent and food prices climbing, more people are turning to us for help.”
REFB sources food from local farms, grocery stores, and manufacturers. It’s a community effort to provide both shelf-stable goods and fresh produce, making sure the food people receive isn’t just filling but also healthy.
“We’re not just focused on filling bellies; we want to make sure people are getting the nutrition they need,” Smith says. “The people we serve — kids, seniors, families — need healthy food, and we’re committed to providing that.”
Programs like Every Child, Every Day make sure kids have access to food on weekends and during school breaks when free meals aren’t available. The Senior Basket Program delivers balanced food baskets to low-income seniors.
But the challenges keep coming. “Funding is a big hurdle. We rely a lot on community donations, but with the demand growing, we’re always trying to stretch our resources,” says Smith. “Logistics is another challenge. Sonoma County is a big area, and getting food to everyone quickly takes a lot of coordination.”
Food For Thought: nutrition support for those who need it most
While Redwood Empire Food Bank helps a broad range of people, Food For Thought focuses on those dealing with serious health issues. Executive Director Ron Karp understands that for people with chronic illnesses like HIV, diabetes, and cancer, good nutrition isn’t just a comfort — it’s essential to recovery and staying healthy.
“The right food can have a huge impact on someone’s health when they’re dealing with a serious illness,” says Karp. “We’ve expanded our services to include specific meal plans for clients with diabetes, kidney disease, and other conditions. Proper nutrition can help manage symptoms and improve recovery.”
Food For Thought’s approach is personalized. They work with registered dietitians to create meal plans tailored to each person’s medical needs, like low-sugar meals for those with diabetes or nutrient-rich diets for people undergoing cancer treatment.
“We also have special programs for new moms,” Karp adds. “Good nutrition during pregnancy and postpartum is critical for both the mom and the baby. We make sure they’re getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy.”
Unlike many food banks, Food For Thought lets clients choose what they receive. “We give people choices because food is personal. If someone doesn’t like what they’re given, they won’t eat it,” says Karp. “By giving them the option to pick, we make sure they’re not just eating — they’re enjoying what they eat, which makes a big difference.”
Meeting the growing need
Both organizations are seeing more and more people in need. Food For Thought provided 324,000 meals to over 4,000 people last year, and that number keeps rising. Redwood Empire Food Bank is facing similar challenges as the gap between what people can afford and what they need continues to grow.
“We’re out of space at our facility,” Karp says. “We’ve expanded as much as we can, but the need just keeps growing. We’re pushing at every level — local, state, and national — for more resources and support to help people facing food insecurity.”
For REFB, the urgency is clear. “We’re always looking for ways to keep up with demand, but it’s tough,” Smith says. “We’re so grateful for the community’s generosity, but we need to keep pushing to make sure everyone who needs food gets it.”
How you can help
As we celebrate Sonoma County’s bounty, it’s important to remember that not everyone has access to that abundance. Both Redwood Empire Food Bank and Food For Thought are working hard to make sure no one in our community goes hungry — but they need your help.
You can make a difference. Donations of time, money, or food are always appreciated. Some local restaurants are also partnering with Food For Thought, donating part of their sales to support its work.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of this community,” Karp says. “Every dollar, every hour volunteered makes a real impact on the lives of the people we serve.”
In a place as rich in food as Sonoma County, no one should be hungry. These organizations are making sure of that — but they need your help to keep going.
