Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) What is included in my meal?
One entree and two sides for two people. Our meals are well-rounded, and always include a starch, veggies, and protein. Sometimes we might even surprise you with some fun extras in the bag!
2) I have special dietary preferences, restrictions, or allergies. Can I request a substitution for an ingredient or item I don’t want in my meal?
We accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions such as gluten-free and dairy-free for an additional fee of $5 per week. We are unable to make custom substitutions based on personal food preferences, but you are welcome to give your meal to a family or friend, or we can donate your meal to a family in need with advanced notice. Please email elana@sonomafamilymeal.org for assistance.
3) Where and when do I pick up my meal?
Days and times: Pick ups are on Tuesdays, time depending on location. Our refrigerated delivery van drops meals off to the non-refrigerated distribution sites by 5pm, so this time range is to ensure there is no health risk from the food being unrefrigerated for too long.
Locations:
East Petaluma - Sonoma Family Meal
1370A Redwood Way, Petaluma, CA 94954
Santa Rosa - Wilibees Wine & Spirits
700 3rd St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Please pick up during your allotted timeframe or let us know if you aren't able.
4) What if I miss my pick up or What are my alternatives if I can't pick up my meal this week?
If you are unable to pick up on pick up day, please email elana@sonomafamilymeal.org in advance to explore alternative options. Some distribution sites may be able to refrigerate your meal overnight if needed, but it's not guaranteed, so your meal might be donated by the end of the night. Please do not reach out to the business directly, as it could jeopardize our partnership with them.
If you are on a subscription and know you cannot pick up your meal at all in any particular week, it is best to let us know as much in advance as possible, so that we can divert food waste and arrange for your meal to be donated to a family experiencing food insecurity before being sent for delivery.
5) Can someone else pick up my meal on my behalf?
Absolutely! If you'd like someone else to pick up your order or you’re going to be out of town that week and want to share the love with a friend or family member, just make sure they can provide the name the order was placed under and arrive at the designated pick-up location and time. You can also let us know in advance by emailing elana@sonomafamilymeal.org.
6) Planning on being out of town for one of the subscription weeks? No problem! Here are your alternatives:
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Place your subscription on "pause" for whichever weeks you will be out of town!
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Let Sonoma Family Meal donate your meal.
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Donate your meal to a friend or family member to enjoy!
Contact elana@sonomafamilymeal.org in advance to schedule one of these options.
7) What is the cost of the meal subscription?
The meal subscription costs $36 per week for a pack that typically serves two people. This breaks down to $18/meal.
8) How long will my meal stay good for?
Meals are cooked one day before distribution to pickup sites to leave our team enough time to pack and deliver on pickup day. Please consume your meal within four days from pickup to reduce risk of food illness.
9) Is SFM Provisions right for me?
Provisions is perfect for adventurous eaters who love discovering new flavors and dishes that might not typically be part of their home cooking repertoire. Our meals are partially prepared by alumni of our culinary job training program, and while every effort is made to ensure quality, occasional variations may occur. We encourage you to enhance flavors to suit your taste by adding extra seasonings or reheating with butter or a healthy cooking oil such as olive or avocado oil, if desired.
If you're seeking a subscription that delivers consistent variety and supports a great cause, we think you'll enjoy what Provisions has to offer! However, if you have very specific preferences or are looking for perfectly uniform meals, this may not be the best fit for your needs.
Should you have feedback or a less-than-satisfactory experience, please reach out to elana@sonomafamilymeal.org—we are committed to making things right and ensuring your satisfaction.
10) How does the auto-recurring subscription work and can I purchase it for one week only?
SFM Provisions is now available as a weekly recurring subscription AS WELL AS a one-time, one-week purchase for those who want to try the meal subscription out or just order week per week based on the meals you like. This expansion was driven by popular demand for an auto-renewing option and more flexibility in ordering time-frames and receiving meals.
In an auto-recurring subscription, your card will be charged on the same date as your original payment date each week.
12) Can I change my meal type or size from week to week?
Unfortunately, our platform does not allow for meal type or pickup location changes from week to week on the subscription plan or in the prepaid 16-week product. If you believe you will want to change these variables weekly, please purchase the one-time one-week product and order your meals week to week instead.
11) How do I cancel or pause my auto-recurring Provisions subscription or change my credit card details?
To cancel or pause your subscription or update the credit card on file, please contact Elana at 707-536-1026 or elana@sonomafamilymeal.org.
Subscriptions are automatically charged each week on the date you originally signed up. To avoid being charged for the upcoming week, please contact us prior to your next scheduled payment date.
Please note that we are unable to provide refunds since raw ingredients for meals are ordered one week before the meals go out.
You also have the option to simply pause/suspend your subscription if you know you will be out of town for a few weeks or just need to take a break. This pause is indefinite and there is no need to give us an end date. Just reach out at least one week in advance when you're ready to receive meals again!
15) Additional questions?
Please contact our office at (707) 978-2340 or email elana@sonomafamilymeal.org.
14) What kind of container is my Provisions meal packaged in? And is it heat safe?
Sonoma Family Meal uses World Centric green paper products for your meals. Here is the specific container we use. It is microwave-safe, but we recommend transferring to a more oven-safe container for higher temp/length heating in the oven.