The economic impact of Covid has created a peak need for food assistance. The Redwood Empire Food Bank has the food but faces a logistical problem getting it to the 30,000 households every month that need assistance. From warehouse help to front-line distribution, volunteers are needed to make the system work.
“We don’t have enough volunteers to glean and package this food for distribution,” says REFB’s Rachelle Mesheau.“We desperately need help and all it takes is a couple of hours of someone’s time to make a world of difference.”
The biggest need is at the main warehouse at 3990 Brickway Blvd. in Santa Rosa, where a second shift has been added to keep up. Two and three-hour shifts are available Monday through Friday, between 7am and 7pm.
“Volunteers will help us glean and package fresh produce, assemble grocery boxes, and sort donated staple pantry items for distribution,” she said. “We also encourage businesses to come take over for the day. This is a great way to build team morale and get everyone together, safely.”
From the central warehouse, the food bank services over 300 distribution sites across Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Del Norte and Humboldt counties. Though some volunteer shifts are needed at those spots, the overriding demand is for help at the main Santa Rosa location.
How busy is it? The pre-Covid projection was roughly 23,000 households per month. “Then the pandemic hit and now we’re seeing an average of more than 30,000 households every month, some months we’ve seen close to 50,000,” Mesheau said.
Individuals seeking information for food assistance, many for the first time, increased 70%.
To volunteer, donate, or find out more, visit refb.org
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