Redwood Credit Union Surpasses $1 Million in Giving Support for Redwood Empire Food Bank

Milestone highlights RCU's enduring commitment to fighting food insecurity

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Redwood Credit Union (RCU) has announced that it has surpassed $1 million in total giving to the Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB), a major milestone in their long-standing partnership. The credit union's support extends beyond monetary donations, with RCU employees volunteering over 400 hours per year at REFB's local food distribution sites. RCU also led an innovative Porch-to-Pantry food drive, which inspired 1,408 donors to contribute more than 36,000 pounds of food during the holiday season.

Why it matters

Food insecurity is often the first visible sign of financial hardship, and RCU believes that stability is the foundation of financial well-being. The credit union's support of the Redwood Empire Food Bank helps ensure that people have access to the food they need, which can help them build a stronger, more secure future.

The details

The $1 million in giving to the REFB represents a major financial commitment, and RCU remains committed to ensuring that no neighbor goes hungry. The credit union's relationship with the REFB has historically focused on sustainable solutions to hunger, with the $1 million in donations supporting the food bank's distribution network, which serves thousands across Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, and other Northern California counties. In 2025 alone, RCU's financial giving to REFB combined with 402 hours of volunteer time equated to 282,038 meals provided to the community.

  • Redwood Credit Union announced the milestone on March 5, 2026.
  • In 2025, RCU's financial giving to REFB combined with 402 hours of volunteer time equated to 282,038 meals provided to the community.

The players

Redwood Credit Union

A full-service, not-for-profit financial institution providing personal and business banking to consumers and businesses in the North Bay and San Francisco, with a mission to passionately serve the best interests of its members, team members, and communities.

Redwood Empire Food Bank

The region's largest hunger‑relief organization, serving over 135,000 neighbors across five North Coast counties and ensuring anyone experiencing hunger can access healthy food all year long.

Brett Martinez

President and CEO of Redwood Credit Union.

Allison Goodwin

President and CEO of the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

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What they’re saying

“Food insecurity is often the first visible sign of financial hardship. When families struggle to meet basic needs like putting food on the table, it signals much broader economic challenges. At RCU, we believe stability is the foundation of financial well-being. That's why our long-standing support of Redwood Empire Food Bank is so important—it helps ensure people have what they need today, so they can build a stronger, more secure future.”

— Brett Martinez, President and CEO of Redwood Credit Union (financialcontent.com)

“We are incredibly grateful for the enduring support of Redwood Credit Union. Reaching the $1 million mark is a testament to RCU's dedication to our mission, as are the volunteer hours and community advocacy that help us lift the hopes of those most in need.”

— Allison Goodwin, President and CEO of the Redwood Empire Food Bank (financialcontent.com)

The takeaway

Redwood Credit Union's $1 million in giving to the Redwood Empire Food Bank, combined with its employee volunteer efforts, demonstrates the credit union's long-term commitment to addressing food insecurity in its local communities. This partnership highlights how financial institutions can play a vital role in supporting essential community organizations and ensuring that no one goes hungry.