Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB), the largest food bank on California's North Coast, is running low on food. Contributions that were made last winter are nearly gone, and as more and more families are turning to food pantries because of the recession, the need for donations is imperative, says REFB executive director David Goodman. With Sonoma County's unemployment rate hovering near 10 percent, the REFB is trying to increase donations by 16 percent. The food bank will be collecting food and cash donations from the public from May to July with a goal to raise $10,000 in cash and receive 30,000 pounds of nonperishable food.

These food donations are put directly on the shelves and out to pantries in the North Bay. The recession is affecting us all, yet those without food will be hit the worst if the food banks aren't well supplied. Food donations can be made where there are REFB barrels, at such locations as the Santa Rosa Grocery Outlet, all Starbucks, Zone Music in Cotati and the Sonoma Valley YMCA. There will be food barrels at Safeways countywide from July to August. Bags of food can also be dropped off at REFB headquarters. Redwood Empire Food Bank. 3320 Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa. 707.523.7900.

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