Giving Back, Marin-Style

Hunger and food-insecurity are real problems — even here in Marin. Community Action Marin cites that 1 in 5 families (and 1 in 3 seniors) struggle to put fresh food on the table.

Fortunately, Marin is full of caring organizations working to ensure families get these and other basic needs met. This week’s issue pulls together some of those organizations, with simple ways you can help — whether you’ve got time, money, or just a little extra in your pantry.

We’ve also got some fun picks for what to do in Marin this weekend, but FIRST, let’s raise a glass to Marin County — 175 never looked so good!

Enjoy,

Kim Neumann

Feature photo courtesy of San Francisco-Marin Food Bank.

Happy 175, Marin!

On Tuesday (11/18/25), the Board of Supervisors signed a beautifully written resolution marking Marin’s 175th anniversary. It’s worth printing and reading.

The resolution traces Marin’s story from its ancestral Coast Miwok homelands through early ranchos, dairy towns, the Gold Rush economy, and the immigrant-built industries — dairy, timber, fishing, ranching, brickmaking, and the railroads that shaped our earliest towns.

It goes on to highlight China Camp’s shrimping village, Hamilton Field, Marinship, conservation milestones, and the many cultural icons who later called Marin home — including George Lucas, Janis Joplin, Tupac Shakur, Jerry Garcia, Robin Williams, Amy Tan, Huey Lewis, and Sammy Hagar.

Hats off to the Board of Supervisors for producing such a rich and detailed document that captures the greatness of Marin’s history and how we got here.

Local ways to help the community this season – and every season

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank — Based in San Rafael, this major food-bank network serves Marin and surrounding counties. They provide free groceries, emergency assistance, home-delivered meals for seniors, and CalFresh outreach.
How you can help: Donate online (every $1 provides about 2 meals). Volunteer in their warehouse or support a food drive.

Community Action Marin — Works on food-and-climate justice: growing local produce, preparing meals for children and seniors, and operating a central kitchen in San Rafael. Over 40,000 + pounds of groceries were provided to food-insecure families last year.
How you can help: Coordinate a produce drop-off, volunteer in their kitchen, or support their farm programs.

ExtraFood — A Bay Area organization rescuing surplus fresh food (from businesses, schools, gardens) and delivering it to nonprofits in Marin and San Francisco.
How you can help: You can register for food rescue (grocery stores, restaurants, schools, farmers' markets, caterers/events, bakeries, corporations, civic organizations, hospitals, backyards, gardens, and farms); volunteer; or donate to support operations.

West Marin Community Services — Their food pantry in West Marin is the only one open Monday through Friday year-round.
How you can help: Volunteer locally or organize a mobile donation drive for West Marin communities.

Ritter Center — Located in San Rafael, the Ritter Center operates the largest food pantry in Marin, providing about 22,000 bags of groceries annually.
How you can help: Host a holiday food collection, sign up as a pantry volunteer, or spread awareness.

See more events here.

Thanks for reading,
Kim

Kim Neumann, Publisher