Edited Transcript:
Hi, I’m Amanda Friscia, Executive Director of the Mendo Food Network.
Today, I have some unfortunate news to deliver. On April 15, the Mendo Food Network faced the difficult decision to lay off two of our valued employees. This decision was made with heavy hearts and through no fault of our employees. We appreciate all of their work and are deeply grateful for their dedication and expertise. Their absence will be felt throughout our organization.
In the face of federal budget cuts, the Mendo Food Network struggles to maintain our administrative and program costs. We take this opportunity to explain to our community the impact of these cuts for the MFN and our partner food banks, soup kitchens, pantries, and other vital programs.
Running a food bank can often be feast-or-famine operation—especially in small, rural communities like ours. We do are best to support our employees and provide as many programs to our community as possible, however, funding can be complicated. Especially with about 40% of our funding coming from private and government grants. Such grants are very specific about what the funds may be allocated toward.
For example, from 2021 to 2026, we’ve been the recipient of a $1 million Food Bank Capacity Grant, which allowed us to invest in critical infrastructure such as a new truck, refrigeration units, and expanded warehouse and storage capacity for our partner agencies. The purpose of the grant was to fund equipment used to increase the capacity of the food safety network in California, it could not have been allocated to food sourcing or administrative costs.
With current cuts to federal support, we are seeing a significant and increasing impact on our ability to source food, pay employees, and maintain programs. Last year, we received $72,000 in administrative funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation. This year, we have already lost $21,000 from phase one of three of the same program, with further reductions expected in the next two phases. Additionally, last year we received food valued at $100,000 per quarter—which we do not expect to receive this year.
In addition to facing employee layoffs, we have already made program adjustments, including the suspension of curbside pickup at the Fort Bragg Food Bank on Thursdays. As executive director, I have volunteered to take a pay cut, and has at least one other employee. Our board and management team are discussing grant options and increasing fundraising efforts.
We are committed to doing everything we can to sustain the Food Network and to remain transparent and honest with our clients and community. We are asking for your help.
- If you have the financial means, please consider making a donation.
- If you have time to spare, please consider volunteering.
- If you have food or supplies to share, please consider donating those resources.
- If you have access to media or news platforms, please help us spread the word.
Mendocino County’s food resources network needs your help now more than ever. Thank you.
