Ever wonder what happens after you drop a donation into a Redwood Empire Food Bank donation barrel? That simple act of kindness sets off a remarkable journey—transforming your generosity into meals, comfort, and nourishment for our neighbors in need.
In honor of our May food drive, Rally for Rice, we invite you to rice to the challenge. Donate a bag of rice, and every grain brings us one step closer to a hunger-free community. The journey of a simple bag of rice shows how deeply connected we all are.
Our iconic green donation barrels are placed in grocery stores, schools, and community centers across Sonoma County—see the list. When you place a bag of rice inside, you’re doing more than donating food—you’re taking the first step in a ripple effect of compassion that moves that food through our system and into the hands of someone who truly needs it.
Here’s How It Works
The Pickup—As barrels fill up, our team collects and consolidates them, transporting the donations back to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Each stop on their route adds up to hundreds of meals that will soon make a meaningful difference in our community.
Sorting and Quality Control—At the Redwood Empire Food Bank warehouse, the rice you donated is carefully inspected by our team of dedicated volunteers. They check for expiration dates, ensure packaging is intact, and sort items by type. Thanks to their attention to detail, only quality, safe food reaches the people we serve.
Distribution — The rice’s final stop is at one of our many distribution points, where it reaches community members through a network of partner agencies across Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte counties. Whether it’s through food pantries, mobile distributions, or other community programs, rice is a staple—nutritious, versatile, and comforting—making it a highly valued item for the people we serve.
Feeding Our Neighbors—Your bag of rice could end up in the hands of a single mom preparing dinner for her children, a senior cooking a nourishing meal, or a student needing a quick bite between school and an evening job. Through our network of food pantries, churches, shelters, and after-school programs, your donation becomes more than a meal—it becomes a message of care and solidarity.
Be a Grain of Hope This May!
As we rally together this May, your support means more than ever. A single bag of rice may seem small—but in your hands, it becomes a powerful act of compassion.
Looking to take the next step? Next time you see one of our food barrels at Oliver's Market, Whole Foods, Grocery Outlet, etc, be sure to drop a bag of rice in there. Or, you can donate to the virtual food drive at give.refb.org/rallyforrice. With our wholesale buying power a $25 donation can get us 22 bags of rice!
Whether you donate, volunteer, host a drive, or spread the word, your actions fuel our mission to End Hunger In Our Community.
