Exciting news from ExtraFood! We have expanded our food recovery efforts throughout Sonoma County.
We are partnering with the Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund as part of the Fund's multi year pilot project to reduce food insecurity in the Sonoma Valley. Catalyst is currently focused on food recovery and strengthening their local food support network through the implementation of a “community fridge“ model. Fridges are strategically placed in local nonprofits or low income housing sites. ExtraFood's Sonoma-based refrigerated van driver, Damian, picks up recovered food, and directly delivers to five community fridges, as well as, two nonprofits in the region. We are so lucky to have former long time staff member and current Board Member, Kathy Carver leading the operation to expand our efforts into Sonoma! Kathy is working to expand the program through identifying more food sources, and hopefully delivering to additional community fridge sites and nonprofits.
“Sonoma County has a strong community spirit and an established network of organizations working to make a difference,” said Will Dittmar, Executive Director of ExtraFood. “We are excited to bring our expertise in food recovery to Sonoma and to partner with local businesses, farms, and organizations to fight hunger and protect our environment.”
By expanding our reach, we will work with local Sonoma County food businesses, farms, and other partners to recover excess fresh food and deliver it directly to nonprofits, schools, and other service organizations. This initiative aims to provide food-insecure families, seniors, and individuals with nutritious food, while also contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with food waste.
Our expansion into Sonoma County comes at a crucial time. Food insecurity rates have risen significantly in recent years, with many individuals and families struggling to access healthy food. Through partnerships with grocery stores, farmers, restaurants, and other food providers, we rescue surplus food and delivers it promptly to nonprofit partners and food distribution sites, ensuring that high-quality food reaches those in need rather than going to waste.