Through fires, floods and a pandemic, Sonoma County nonprofit continues to feed those in need

After the Tubbs Fire roared through Sonoma County in 2017, wiping out neighborhoods in Santa Rosa and destroying nearly 3,000 structures in the city, Heather Irwin watched the chaos unfold and knew immediately what she could do to help. 

Irwin, a food editor for a local newspaper, started a meal program at a local restaurant to feed those affected by the fire. She named the program Sonoma Family Meal, and rallied chefs from the Sonoma County food community together to cook meals for displaced families, first responders and those otherwise in need.