Food Bank gets big boost from USDA program

Faced with double the demand for food assistance, The Redwood Empire Food Bank is receiving produce, dairy and meat boxes as part of the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

Nationwide, the USDA is spending $3 billion on farm products and calling on nonprofit organizations such as REFB to get the food to those who need it. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we have the funds to transport and distribute this bounty of food,” said David Goodman, Redwood Empire Food Bank CEO. 

The current pandemic has increased the need for food in the region by 200 percent, Goodman said.

By partnering with regional and local distributors, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, the USDA has purchased $3 billion of fresh produce, dairy and meat to distribute to those in need. 

The Redwood Empire Food Bank is one of the recipients of this bounty and will continue to receive the CFAP food boxes over the next six weeks. “We want the community to know that we have food, and we are here to help,” said Goodman. 

If you or anyone you know is experiencing hunger, has been impacted through unemployment, reduced wage, lack of childcare, or any other reason you may not be able to afford to eat, please call the Redwood Empire Food Bank at (707) 523-7900, visit refb.org or go to getfood.refb.org to locate food distribution sites near you.