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About Us
Mendo Food Network
Where compassion meets action
At Mendo Food Network, we are passionate about improving the lives of individuals and families through access to healthy and nourishing meals. We firmly believe that no one should have to go to bed hungry, and we work tirelessly towards that goal. Thanks to our dedicated partners, volunteers, and donors, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing food insecurity. Together, we have been ending hunger and nourishing communities since 1979. We are committed to providing essential food assistance and support to those in need throughout Mendocino County.
We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our wonderful network of hunger advocates. Their generosity and kindness are the backbone of our organization. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations who provide the essential financial support that keeps us going. We truly appreciate the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers, who contribute over 12,000 hours each year at our distribution sites across Mendocino County. And, of course, we must also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our employees, who are our organization's beating heart and soul. Their unwavering dedication and hard work are the key to the success of the Mendo Food Network.
At Mendo Food Network, we go above and beyond to create welcoming and inclusive spaces for everyone who walks through our doors. Whether you need assistance or want to offer support, we are always happy to welcome you with open arms! Our mission to make a difference and ensure that no one faces hunger alone is only possible because of the support we receive from our community. Together, we can make a significant impact and build a stronger, healthier, and more compassionate community for all. Thank you for being a part of our journey!
Meet Our Team
We’re a dynamic group of individuals who are passionate about what we do.
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
Operations Director
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.
Rachelle Sutherland
Program Director
Rachelle has been with Mendo Food Network since 2019 and has grown with the organization. Her journey began as a Fort Bragg Food Bank driver and has progressed in strides. As the Program Director, she has implemented a successful distribution in the most underserved areas in Mendocino County. She continues to increase community awareness of food insecurity and ensures food is provided to those who need it most. Rachelle's greatest attributes are a great sense of humor and a smiling face.
Lisi Horstman
Supply Chain Manager
Lisi began as the Volunteer Coordinator. With her drive to improve operations she quickly moved into her role as the Operations Coordinator and now Supply Chain Manager. 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.
Mary Tinder
Development Director
With extensive experience in non-profit, fundraising, and event management, Mary is excited to help the Mendo Food Network in our mission to provide healthy, fresh food to anyone in need in Mendocino County. Mary is passionate about helping others, and is committed to encouraging community, empathy, and equity in every aspect of her work.
Tricia Fernandez
Warehouse Supervisor
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.
Robert Barnett
Warehouse Supervisor
Robert comes to us from the Redwood Empire Food Bank, and has 4 years of experience working with food banks. His extensive experience has taken him from Loader, Commercial Truck Driver, and Logistics Coordinator to Warehouse Supervisor for the MFN! He's thrilled to be working here in Mendocino County with the MFN team, and is looking forward to growing and connecting to our community.
Angela Dominguez
Executive Assistant
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.
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.
Kristin Hock
Logistics Coordinator
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.
Mark Veregge
Pantry Coodinator
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.
Marc Tager
Volunteer Coordinator
Marc is an excellent addition to our team. He genuinely engages with our volunteers, has a passion for helping others, and is always on the move. With experience in marketing and business operations, his skills are being put to great use at the Mendo Food Network.
Josh Admire
Grocery Recovery Driver
Josh is a welcoming face at the Fort Bragg Food Bank and is responsible for collecting food donations, grocery recovery, and local deliveries daily. He ensures timely deliveries and maintains the safety and cleanliness of the delivery vehicle. Having grown up on the coast, he is a great addition to the team.
Kris Russell
Pantry 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.
Nichole Trevino
Pantry Assistant
Nichole came to us as a valued volunteer who was often seen helping people through our Curbside Distribution. She enjoys engaging with our clients and is always willing to do whatever is needed.
Board of Directors
Desiree Ramos, President
Events Manager
Thom Adams, Vice President
Retired Businessman
Matthew Evans, Treasurer
Gary Mason
Business Owner Beautiful Earth
Juliana Sanchez
Mendocino Coast Children's Fund
Jo Schiro
Engel & Volkers
Transparency
Fostering trust and accountability and ensuring that donors, volunteers, and clients understand and have confidence in our commitment to fighting hunger and supporting those in need.
We ensure that fresh, nutritious food reaches individuals and families in need through our comprehensive weekly food distribution programs across Mendocino County.
We are committed to financial transparency, providing clear and detailed reports on how donations are used to support our programs and initiatives, ensuring accountability to our donors and stakeholders.
We partner with local farmers, grocers, and businesses to source high-quality produce, dairy, and pantry staples, ensuring that the food we distribute is fresh and supports local agriculture.
Our initiatives have significantly reduced hunger in our community, providing essential nourishment to hundreds of households and fostering a stronger, healthier community.
Nonprofit Documents
These documents ensure transparency and accountability, offering a comprehensive overview of our activities and financial health.
2022 Annual Report
Our Annual Report showcases our impact and achievements over the past year. It offers:
-Highlights of our key programs and initiatives
-Stories of lives changed by our work
-Financial overview and use of funds
-Messages from our leadership
-Future goals and plans
This report is a great way to see the real-world difference your support makes. We're excited to share our progress and vision with you.
2021 Annual Report
Our Annual Report showcases our impact and achievements over the past year. It offers:
-Highlights of our key programs and initiatives
-Stories of lives changed by our work
-Financial overview and use of funds
-Messages from our leadership
-Future goals and plans
This report is a great way to see the real-world difference your support makes. We're excited to share our progress and vision with you.
2020 Annual Report
Our Annual Report showcases our impact and achievements over the past year. It offers:
-Highlights of our key programs and initiatives
-Stories of lives changed by our work
-Financial overview and use of funds
-Messages from our leadership
-Future goals and plans
This report is a great way to see the real-world difference your support makes. We're excited to share our progress and vision with you.
2022 Form 990
Our Form 990 is our annual financial report to the IRS. It provides a transparent look at our:
-Mission and programs
-Financial information
-Leadership structure
-Key accomplishments
By reviewing this document, you can see exactly how we're using our resources to make a difference. We're proud to share this information with our supporters and the public.
New warehouse in Willits purchased in 2022 with the Food Bank Capacity Grant
Warehouse purchased in 2022 with the Food Bank Capacity Grant
Two times a month Mendo Food Network coordinates a drive through food distribution
We serve over two hundred households at each distribution
Receiving more deliveries than ever before
Receiving larger truckloads of food is now possible
Pallet racking will provide more storage than ever before
Our temporary cold storage until our new refrigeration is installed
The home of Mendo Food Network
This 15,000-square-foot facility was recently purchased in 2022 with the help of the Food Bank Capacity grant through CDSS (Department of Social Services). This initiative helped us to realize our dream of creating a more efficient way to receive, store, and distribute food throughout our network of Food Distribution partners.
This project is not complete without your help. This facility needs a commercial walk-in freezer and cooler, an updated roof, repaved parking lot for efficient deliveries, and updates to the interior and exterior. Find out more about our facility expansion project."
New warehouse in Willits purchased in 2022 with the Food Bank Capacity Grant
Warehouse purchased in 2022 with the Food Bank Capacity Grant
Two times a month Mendo Food Network coordinates a drive through food distribution
We serve over two hundred households at each distribution
Receiving more deliveries than ever before
Receiving larger truckloads of food is now possible
Pallet racking will provide more storage than ever before