Sonoma County’s free Summer Lunch program for kids is back!

As summer vacation begins, the Redwood Empire Food Bank is once again stepping up to ensure that no child in Sonoma County goes without a healthy meal. The annual Summer Lunch program will operate from June 9 to August 8, 2025, providing free, nutritious lunches at 12 convenient sites across Sonoma County. 

Food insecurity continues to be a reality for many local families, especially when school meal programs pause for summer break. Throughout the regular school year, the Redwood Empire Food Bank supports children through initiatives like the Afterschool Café, School Pantry, and Preschool Pantry programs. The Summer Lunch program bridges the gap, making sure children have access to healthy meals all summer long. 

“We know that summer should be a time of fun and adventure for every child—not a time to worry about where their next meal will come from. By bringing free, healthy lunches to communities across Sonoma County, we’re helping kids stay nourished and ready to make the most of their summer break.” – Maria Fuentes, Hunger Relief Worker and Every Child, Every Day Manager, Redwood Empire Food Bank. 

This year, families can access Summer Lunch sites in Cloverdale, Santa Rosa, Geyserville, Guerneville, Cotati, Sonoma, Rohnert Park, and Sebastopol. The program is made possible through a partnership with Santa Rosa City Schools, who will provide the meals. Additionally, the Redwood Empire Food Bank will offer non-congregate meal options in select rural areas, allowing parents or guardians to pick up meals for children who may not be able to attend a lunch site in person. 

For details on the nearest Summer Lunch 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 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.