How to Help: • donate money
• host a distribution
• donate food
• donate a vehicle
• volunteer
• advocate
• organize a food drive
• contact lawmakers
The mission of REFB is to end hunger in our community.
Our mission: Founded in 1987, REFB is Sonoma County's largest hunger-relief organization in Sonoma County. We acquire food and distribute it through a network of charitable agencies and our own food assistance programs, and also provide food to Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte Counties through smaller food banks. In addition, the REFB advocates for effective legislation that will provide long-term solutions to hunger in our community. Number of Sonoma County charitable organizations served: 146. Types of charities include emergency food pantries/closets, shelters and dining rooms, childcare centers/youth programs, group homes, and disaster relief agencies. Programs: The Agency Shopping Program provides food to 146 member charities that serve people in
need. REFB also operates 13 of its own programs throughout the county. Number of people served on a monthly basis: 70,000 No one is out of hunger's reach— seniors, children, and working families are all coming to food distributions seeking supplemental groceries to help them make it through the month. Amount of food distributed this year: 11.7 million pounds This is the equivalent of 9.1 million meals annually, or 25,000 meals every day. Volunteers: Over 5,000 individuals volunteer 70,000 hours by packing and sorting food, doing clerical tasks, driving trucks to pick up and deliver food, participating in special projects such as food drives and special events, and sharing their technologi-
cal expertise. These volunteers fill the equivalent of more than 33 full-time staff positions. Sources of Donated Food: 15% from local food companies, farmers, retailers, food drives, and 85% through regional collaborations and Feeding America national network of food banks. Efficiency: We are able to distribute nearly $4.00 (wholesale value) worth of food for every $1 we spend, making the REFB a cost effective investment in the community. Charity Navigator: America’s largest independent charity evaluator, gave REFB its highest rating—four stars— for the 6th year in a row, recognizing that 96.9% of REFB resources go directly towards feeding the hungry.
HAVING A BAD DAY? EVERYDAY? Are your decisions mistreating YOU?
t 707.523.7900 f 707.523.7901 3320 Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa, CA email info@refb.org www.refb.org
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THE BOHEMIAN 11.18.09-11.24.09