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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
Head of Fort Bragg Warehouse
Jim joined the Food Bank in 2010 after retiring as the Store Manager from Safeway. His transition to the Food Bank was seamless, and he has brought immense warmth to the organization. It is evident that Jim is passionate about his work, ensuring that every person who visits the Food Bank feels genuinely appreciated.
Rachelle Sutherland
Deputy 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 Deputy Director, Rachelle has an in-depth understanding of the organization and continues to strive for improvement. One of her greatest successes has been the implementation of our Pop Up Distributions. Rachelle has been with Mendo Food Network since 2019 and has grown alongside the organization. Her journey began as a Fort Bragg Food Bank driver and has progressed significantly over the years. Now serving as the Deputy Director, Rachelle deeply understands the organization and is committed to continuous improvement.
One of her most notable achievements has been implementing pop-up Distributions in the most underserved areas of Mendocino County. She actively works to raise community awareness about food insecurity and ensures that food is provided to those who need it most.
Rachelle’s greatest attributes are her wonderful sense of humor and her warm, approachable demeanor.
Mary Tinder
Head of Development & Fundraising
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
Head of Programs
Tricia Fernandez came to the Food Bank seeking an internship to complement her Human Services degree at Mendocino College, where she graduated in 2025. She quickly established an instant connection with our team and transitioned into a role within our food distribution department. As our Head of Programs, Tricia serves as the face of our CalFresh Outreach program, oversees our Pop-Up distributions, and leads our volunteer program. Her warm and friendly presence and dedication to her work make her an invaluable member of our team. Thank you, Tricia!
Robert Barnett
Head of Willits Warehouse
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
Grants Coordinator
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
Partner Services 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.
Josh Admire
Driver/ Warehouse Associate
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
Program Coordinator
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.
Board of Directors
We're recruiting! Please contact us at info@mendofood.org to get involved.
Desiree Ramos, President
Events Manager
Juliana Sanchez, Vice President
Mendocino Coast Children's Fund
Matthew Evans, Treasurer
Jo Schiro, Secretary
Engel & Volkers
Thom Adams
Retired Businessman
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.
2024 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.
2023 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 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
Our temporary cold storage until our new refrigeration is installed
The 2024 Annual Report
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