The Rural Food Project is a cost effective, high impact program.

At 15 rural sites around Sonoma County and two in Lake County, we distribute food monthly to low-income families, senior citizens and farmworkers. During the summer, we distribute seasonal fruit and vegetables. Each month, we coordinate 28 food distribution events that reach over 15,000 families.

Volunteers provide the vast majority of the service, with Catholic Charities providing program coordination, food purchase/acceptance of donation, and transportation. In 2008, 262 volunteers helped distribute 310,000 pounds of food to 60,000 individuals, or 15,000 families.

To help us grow the Sharon Malm Read Endowment for the Rural Food Project Fund, contact us or Community Foundation Sonoma County at 579-4073.

Rural Food Endowment Background

In November 2000, Mr. and Mrs. Rick Rosa along with Catholic Charities established an endowment fund for the Rural Food Project and named it the Sharon Malm Read Endowment for the Rural Food Project Fund. Using gifts received from a retirement reception in Sharon's honor and other personal donations, the fund, which is administered by the Community Foundation Sonoma County, was created with an initial balance of $15,000.