Drive-through food bank event for hospitality workers

A food distribution event for hospitality workers impacted by the Covid-19 economy will be held June 12 in Santa Rosa.

“We know it’s a challenging and difficult place to be, to ask for food,” said David Goodman, Redwood Empire Food Bank CEO. “You’ve been serving us for so many years, now please let us serve you.” 

Workers who have lost their job at a winery, hotel, restaurant, winegrower, or other hospitality organization — or have had their hours reduced — are invited to participate.

A drive-thru site will be available from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on June 12: American AgCredit, 400 Aviation Blvd, Santa Rosa.

The event continues the long partnership of the Redwood Empire Food Bank and Sonoma County Vintners Foundation will host a food distribution site specifically for furloughed hospitality workers.

“It is incredibly unfortunate the number of hospitality workers who have been impacted by the pandemic. We are honored to partner with the Redwood Empire Food Bank, who has provided an incredible resource to our community since 1987, to provide an additional location for food distribution,” says Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Executive Director Michael Haney. “Last year the Redwood Empire Food Bank served one in six people in Sonoma County and now their service is more essential than ever. We hope those who have been impacted in our community participate in this initiative.” 

Individuals who arrive at the drive-thru location will have their car trunks loaded with a variety of provisions purchased from farmers and supplied through the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) via the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals are invited without a need to register in advance or provide proof of their previous employment. 

The distribution station in the American AgCredit parking lot is located at 400 Aviation Blvd, Santa Rosa. American AgCredit has a long history supporting Redwood Empire Food Bank and their mission to increase food security in their community.