People coming together to create hope for a dignified and abundant life for everyone.

Our Story

About Us

Founded in 1979, the Mendocino Food & Nutrition Program (the Fort Bragg Food Bank) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Our objective is to distribute food to those who need it most.


In 1993, we moved into our current location, a 4,800 square foot warehouse in Fort Bragg, with help from a Community Development Block Grant. We own this facility free and clear. With additional funding from Mazon, S.H. Cowell foundation and local donors, we installed walk-in refrigeration, pallet shelving, a kitchen and purchased forklifts and vehicles. We currently own three delivery trucks. In 2011, through a Community Development Block Grant, we replaced our walk-in freezer with a larger more efficient one and installed a generator to power our food distribution facility (including refrigeration) to get us through all too frequent winter power outages. We also received funding through a USDA Rural Development agency grant to maintain our facility and to add a weather-shelter over our outside produce sorting area. In 2019, the repaving of our parking lot was finished. Looking ahead to positive changes in future years.


Funding and Support

We have received funding for food, nutrition education, and/or operational expense through various government and private groups most recently including: The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Commodities Supplemental Food Assistance Program (CSFP), Feeding America Program, Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), Mendocino County Department of Social Services Hunger Task Force, First 5 Mendocino, The Community Foundation of Mendocino County, the J.G. Cummings Foundation, and PG&E.


Our Programs

Weekly Food Program

Once a week clients may visit the food bank to pick up food that will supplement their weekly groceries. The average client will leave with 25-30 pounds of food. So what do they leave with? Clients will choose from Dairy, Meat Protein, Vegetarian, Canned goods, Dry Goods, Fresh Produce, Bread, Beverages, and of course Dessert. To sign up as a client for our weekly program please call (707) 964-9404 or email info@fbfoodbank.org.To qualify as a client and to use the weekly food program pantry see our guideline here.

Community Farm Stand- Take what you need, give what you can.

Available to all community members. This free produce cart is available at the Fort Bragg Food Bank Monday-Friday 11:00 am- 4pm when produce is available. Many of our local farmers donate to keep this stand full of nutritious and vibrant fruits and vegetables. Thank you to our community for making this possible.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides a 30-40 pound box of nutritious food monthly for income-eligible seniors age 60 and older. CSFP Senior Box services are currently provided in Fort Bragg, Leggett, Laytonville, Willits, Ukiah, Anderson Valley, Point Arena, and Gualala.


How to apply:

Applications for CSFP must be filled out in person with a trained staff member. Please contact our Distribution Assistant to apply by calling (707) 964-9404 or email distribution@fbfoodbank.org


In order to complete an application, applicants will need to show:

ID that displays date of birth

We do not keep copies of this information. It only needs to be viewed.


Home Delivery

For seniors and homebound individuals we offer a delivery service. If you are a client of the Food Bank you can request a home delivery up to once a week. Clients will receive their weekly food upon request. For more information or to make a request please call (707) 964-9404 or email info@fortbraggfoodbank.org

Snack Bag Program

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-1 the Fort Bragg Food Bank now offers a sack lunch to homeless individuals. This is a pre-bagged lunch that included a sandwich, fruit, beverage, and snack. For more information please contact our Outreach Coordinator at (707) 964-9404 or email outreach@fbfoodbank.org.

This program was funded with a grant from the Community Foundation of Mendocino County.

Kids Bag Program

This great program is funded by the J. G. Cummings Foundation and The Mendocino Coast Children's Fund. This program provides families on the Mendocino Coast with a weekly supplemental bag of food. Families do not have to be clients of the food bank; it is available to any family that lives on the Mendocino Coast. The kids bag has wonderful items like: Bread, peanut butter, eggs, milk, cheese, granola bars, ground beef, tortillas, chips, crackers, dried fruit, and nuts. With this supplemental bag we hope that our coastal families will always have food to fill their bellies.

A Passion For Our Cause

Our Mission

To provide nutritious food that supports people in creating a healthy and better life.

Our Vision

People coming together to create hope for a dignified, abundant life for everyone.

Who We Serve

Each month at the Fort Bragg Food Bank we serve approximately 870 client households representing 1,600 household members. Clients may pick up food once a week. Typically we service about 2,030 client visits per month.


Our demographic mix reflects our community: approximately 75% Caucasian, 15% Hispanic, 8% Native American and 2% other. About 15% of our clients are homeless, 20% are over the age of 60 and 25% of household members are children.



In accordance with Federal law this organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs or disability.


Our Team

Amanda Friscia, Executive Director

Amanda started at the Fort Bragg Food Bank in 2009 as Client/Volunteer Coordinator. After working closely as the Director’s Assistant she became Executive Director in February 2019. Growing up locally in Fort Bragg gives her a great understanding of the community and the need. With several years of customer service and a passion for helping people she is right at home in her position.

Jim DiMauro, Warehouse Manager

Jim joined the Food Bank in 2010 after his retirement from Safeway as the Store Manager. His transition to the Food Bank was flawless and he has added so much heart to the food bank. It is clear that Jim loves what he does and makes sure every person who comes through the Food Bank is truly appreciated.

Lisi Martinez, Operations Coordinator

Lisi began as the Volunteer Coordinator. With her drive to improve operations she quickly moved into her role as the Operations Coordinator. She has made a big effort to improve the operations of the food bank and to encourage volunteerism especially in the youth. As a single mother of 3 Lisi’s ability to multitask goes above and beyond.

Rachelle Sutherland, Outreach Coordinator

Rachelle started in the warehouse assisting distributions and moved into our Outreach Coordinator position. In her time with the food bank she has a great ability to increase our community outreach and get food to those who need it most. A great sense of humor and a smiling face are two of Rachelle's greatest attributes.

Kris Russell, Distribution Assistant

Kris transitioned to employment after being a valued volunteer. She takes pride in her work and knows so many of our clients by name . She is an important part of our distribution and is especially helpful with our senior clients. A dog lover at heart.

Jeff Hock, Driver

Jeff started in 2017 to help in the warehouse and do our local salvage run. He quickly transitioned into our Delivery driver. Jeff is most often seen in our Refrigerated truck making deliveries to other Food Pantries across Mendocino County. He takes great pride in his work and has a great heart. With his knowledge of equipment operations and maintenance he is a great fit.

Angela Dominguez, Office Manager

Angela started at the food bank in 2020 and has been helpful in everything she is able to do. Starting as a volunteer as well she quickly learned how the food bank operated and has much to offer. Always lending a hand she is great to have around. Originally from San Jose Angela and her 4 children love life in this small coastal town.

Kristin Hock, Distribution Assistant

A new addition to our team in 2020. Kristin is most helpful with home deliveries to our seniors and assisting with our curbside distribution. Her smiling face and kind heart are a great addition to the food bank.

Carl Audo, Distribution Assistant

A new addition to our team in 2020. Carl is the face of our curbside distribution and keeps us all smiling with his vast selection of tunes. Carl has helped to streamline our curbside distribution and is always helpful with our clients.

Mark Veregge, Curbside Clerk

Mark is a symphony musician from the Bay Area who newly relocated to the Mendocino Coast. Out of work he started volunteering at the Food Bank when COVID was in full swing. Mark fit right in and shortly became a welcoming face at our curbside distribution. Thank you Mark for your positive attitude and willingness to work hard with a smile on your face.

Tricia Fernandez, Calfresh Outreach Coordinator

Tricia Fernandez came to the Food Bank seeking an internship to partner with her Human Services degree program at the Mendocino Collège. There was an instant connection and she quickly led into a position with our food distribution team. She is now the face of our new Calfresh Outreach program. A warm and friendly face and a hard worker. Thank you Tricia.

Careers - We're hiring for the following positions

Development Director

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Development Director to join our team. As the Development Director, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of fundraising and donor relations for our organization. This is a key leadership role that requires excellent communication and relationship-building skills. As Development Director, you provide direction to implement a development and fundraising program for the organization's short and long-term needs, including but not limited to Fundraising and Special Events, Public Relations, Grant & Fund Management, Donor Cultivation and Stewardship, and Board & Staff Development.

For a full description of the position CLICK HERE

To apply fill out the application at this LINK and send it to director@fbfoodbank.org

Warehouse Supervisor

We seek a highly motivated and experienced Warehouse Supervisor to join our team. As a Warehouse Supervisor, you are part of the Operations team and report directly to the Operations Director. You provide direction to maintain the Willits Warehouse building and oversee transportation. You support the Warehouse, Transportation, Programs, Volunteers, and Management Teams for all activities related to this facility's proper use, maintenance, and care. Ensures all fleet and materials handling equipment is kept to its highest functional and safe condition, repairing and replacing depending upon the condition and situations.

For a full description of the position CLICK HERE

To apply fill out the application at this LINK and send it to director@fbfoodbank.org

Financials

2021 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report
2018 Statement of Financial Position
Annual Report 2017