Sonoma County’s Free Lunch Program for kids return

As school doors close for the summer break, the Redwood Empire Food Bank gears up to ensure no child goes hungry with the return of its Summer Lunch program, running from June 10th to August 9th across Sonoma County.

Amidst concerns about where their next meal will come from, approximately 1 in 6 children face food insecurity. Throughout the regular school year, the Redwood Empire Food Bank diligently supports many of these children through initiatives like the Afterschool Café, School Pantry, and Preschool Pantry programs.

“Summer is a time for children to explore, play, and grow. Ensuring they have access to nutritious meals not only fuels their bodies but also nourishes their potential. We’re committed to making this summer a season of joy and abundance for every child in Sonoma County.”– Maria Fuentes, Hunger Relief Worker and Every Child, Everyday Manager, Redwood Empire Food Bank.

Partnering with Santa Rosa City Schools who will provide the meals, the Redwood Empire Food Bank aims to bridge the meal gap over the summer months. Multiple Summer Lunch sites will be available throughout Santa Rosa, Cloverdale, Sonoma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Petaluma, and Sebastopol. The food bank will also offer some non-congregate meals in rural areas, where parents or guardians can pick up meals for their children who may not be able to access a congregate site.

For details on the nearest location, visit www.refb.org/summer-lunch. For immediate assistance or further information about the Summer Lunch Program, contact the Redwood Empire Food Bank directly at 707-523-7903.

About the Redwood Empire Food Bank

The Redwood Empire Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization serving Northern California. Since 1987, the Redwood Empire Food Bank has provided food and nourishment to those facing hunger—serving more than 140,000 children, families, and 3990 Brickway Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95403 | T: 707-523-7900 | F: 707-523-7901 | refb.org

A Member of Feeding America | This institution is an equal opportunity provider for seniors in Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte Counties. With over 300 direct service distributions and 150 partnerships with local human service organizations, all residents facing food insecurity have regular access to weekly and monthly food distribution sites across the five counties.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your

completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: 202-690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.