SANTA ROSA, May 10 – The Redwood Empire Food Bank is looking again for volunteers to help distribute lunches to low-income children throughout Sonoma County this summer.

REFB’s Summer Lunch program is now in its 7th year and is dealing with increasing numbers of low-income children who from September to June count on school lunches for much of their daily nutrition but often go hungry during summer vacation.

The lunch program over the years has expanded to include recreational opportunities when possible at each site. This year, the ConAgra Foods Foundation Hunger-Free Summer Program will include garden based nutrition activities where children will be introduced to vegetable gardening and the benefits of eating healthy and fresh food.

The need for the summer program is increasing dramatically each year and especially during the current recession. When the program began, about 20,000 children were eligible for free or reduced price school lunches. Last year, that number of low-income children dependent on school lunches hit 23,000. This year, the number has risen to 26,000.

“So, more and more young people are at risk of going hungry over the summer, and we’re urging volunteers who can spare a few hours a day or week to help us feed these kids,” said Jill Barron, REFB Community Programs Coordinator.

Last year, the summer lunch sites served 75,824 meals, and that number is expected to rise this year.

Beginning June 7 and through early August or until school begins, the REFB and participating agencies will be serving lunches at over 40 sites. Volunteers are needed at locations in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park-Cotati, Healdsburg, Windsor, a new site in Cloverdale and in Petaluma.

Volunteers are needed one or more days per week for approximately 90 minutes throughout the 8-10 week program summer. Typically, volunteers receive, serve and account for meals served to children. Volunteers are also needed to deliver meals to sites and lead recreation, art and other summer-time activities held in conjunction with the noon meal. The meals are prepared and delivered by participating school districts.

For the Garden Based Nutrition Program, the REFB is hoping to recruit people who have strong gardening skills and are interested in working with children.
Volunteers are encouraged to team up with friends and colleagues to share the duties.

To volunteer or get more information, contact Jill Barron, REFB Community Programs Coordinator, at 523-7900 Ext. 34 or jbarron@refb.org.