Redwood Empire Food Bank

It's just understanding that, life is tenuous. Life is hard and, sometimes people need help and it's all okay - David GoodmanOver the past two years of producing this special series, we have brought you stories from nonprofits working on some of our long-term social issues such as homelessness, housing, hygiene, and mental health.  In this one-hour-long special show, we wanted to turn our focus back to food insecurity for children families, and seniors. Since the Covid-19 pandemic breakout in March of 2020, food insecurity has increased dramatically. According to Feeding America, in the state of California, the overall food insecurity rate for 2021 was projected to be 12 percent which is four hundred and eighty-four thousand people who are food insecure on any given day. CalFresh is the California version of the old federal food stamp program and their numbers show that CalFresh recipients in San Francisco increased by 42% from November 2019 to November 2021. This episode is focused on the work of the Redwood Empire Food Bank which provides one of the most basic needs food, along with wraparound services to our San Francisco North Bay and Northern California community members. Our featured guests are: Chief Executive Officer, David Goodman, Director of Programs, Alison Goodwin along with food bank services, recipient and volunteer Sam Cagle, as well as Programs Coordinator, Juana Renovato. To make a donation, volunteer, and support the work of the Redwood Empire Food Bank please go to R E F B dot orgPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is now fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one. 🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact:Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.