Where to get free meals and groceries in Sonoma County during coronavirus pandemic
If you've recently been laid off or are struggling to make ends meet during the coronavirus pandemic, we have compiled a list of local food banks and nonprofits in Sonoma County that are providing free meals and groceries.
Know of a nonprofit we missed? Email onlineideas@pressdemocrat.com to have it added to our list.
Santa Rosa City Schools
Santa Rosa City Schools is offering a drive-thru meal service for students on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at nine locations throughout the city. Students ages 18 and under from any school district are eligible to receive two breakfasts and lunches on Monday and three breakfasts and lunches on Wednesday. For more information, visit srcschools.org/freemeals.
Petaluma City Schools
Petaluma City Schools are providing grab-and-go meals to all students who attend district schools and any of their siblings who are younger than 18. Breakfasts and lunches are being distributed on Mondays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. at Petaluma Junior High (700 Bantam Way, Petaluma) and McDowell Elementary School (421 S. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma). Students do not need to be present at the time of pickup. For more information, go here. Questions can be directed to the Food Services Department at rdigiaimo@petk12.org or 707-778-4636.
Redwood Empire Food Bank
The Redwood Empire Food Bank is providing food to residents in need without proof of income, Food Connections manager Maria Fuentes said. Residents can visit the office (3990 Brickway Blvd., Santa Rosa) for a box of dry goods or to be directed to a pick-up location. Coronavirus concerns have forced some pick-up locations to close and others' hours to be extended, so visit getfood.refb.org for an updated list. Additional questions can be directed to 707-523-7900.
The food bank also has partnered with local school kitchens to provide families lunch and care packages with groceries. The meals can be picked up from any of the participating schools, but children must be present to receive food. Click here for a list of participating schools and here for a map to see where they're located.
Meals on Wheels
Run by the Council on Aging, Meals on Wheels provides seniors with food in exchange for a small monetary donation, although no one in need is turned away. For more information about meal delivery, call 707-525-0143. Meals on Wheels also is distributing meal packs at seven pick-up locations throughout Sonoma County for residents ages 60 and older. The suggested donation is $20 per pack, and residents must register the day before by 10 a.m. to receive the meals. For more information, call 707-525-0143 ext. 013.
Corazón Healdsburg
Corazón Healdsburg (1557 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg) is offering a drive-thru service for Healdsburg residents to receive groceries and takeout meals on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Residents do not need to show ID but will be asked to give their name and address. For more information, visit the organization's Facebook page.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa is continuing its food distribution programs for anyone who needs help feeding their family throughout the pandemic. Go here for a list of days, times and locations. Go here for more information and a full list of resources.
Salvation Army
Salvation Army is providing food to any resident in need Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon during the pandemic, said Santa Rosa Salvation Army Capt. Rio Ray. To receive food, go to the parking lot of the Corps Community Center (93 Stony Circle, Santa Rosa) with a valid ID. Families are limited to picking up groceries once per week. For more information, call 707-542-0981.
Windsor Service Alliance Food Pantry
The Windsor Service Alliance Food Pantry (8987 Windsor Road, Windsor) is doling out fresh produce and packaged groceries to Windsor residents on Fridays from 2-5 p.m. Go here or call 707-838- 6947 for more information.
Healdsburg Food Pantry
Healdsburg Food Pantry (1505 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg) is providing Healdsburg and Geyserville residents with food Tuesday-Friday from 3-4:30 p.m. Go here for more information.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin are providing grab-and-go lunches for children who live in west county. Meals can be picked up at Guerneville Elementary School (14630 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville) from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Children must be present to receive the meals. For more information, go here.
Rotary Clubs of Santa Rosa, Petaluma and Rohnert Park
Several Rotary Clubs in Sonoma County are offering drive-thru meal services every Saturday at noon for both laid-off and employed hospitality and service workers in need. Meals can be picked up at these locations: Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library (6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park), the Multicultural Child Development Center (1650 W. 3rd St., Santa Rosa) and the Petaluma Community Center (320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma).
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