On April 15, Mendo Food Network had to face a difficult decision to lay off two of our valuable employees. We made this decision with heavy hearts, through no fault of our employees. We appreciate all of their work, and the Mendo Food Network will surely miss their dedication and expertise.

In the face of federal budget cuts, the Mendo Food Network is struggling 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, kitchens, pantries, and more.

Running a food bank can often be feast or famine, especially so in small, rural communities like ours. We do our 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, through 2021 to 2026 we have been benefitting from a million dollar food bank capacity grant, that allowed us to purchase our new truck, refrigerator, warehouse, and storage capacity for partner food banks, pantries, soup kitchens and more. This grant's purpose was to fund equipment used to increase 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 major and increasing impact on our ability to source food, pay employees, and maintain programs. Last year, we received $72,497 in administrative funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation. This year, we have already lost $21,303 from Phase 1 of 3 of the same program, and expect this to continue for the next two phases. Last year, we received food valued at $103,477 per quarter, which we do not expect to receive this year.

In addition to facing employee lay-offs, we have also already had to adjust program availability, cutting Curb-side pick-up at the Fort Bragg Food Bank on Thursdays. Our executive director has already volunteered to take a pay cut, as well as at least one other employee. Our board and management are discussing grant options and increasing fundraising efforts.

We know it is our responsibility to do our best for the Mendo Food Network. It is also our responsibility to maintain transparence and honesty with our clients and community.

We are pleading with our community to help however you can. If you have the financial means, please support us by donating. If you have the time, please support us by volunteering. If you have the resources, please support us by supplementing our food losses with what you can. If you have access to any form of media or news sources, please support us by spreading the word. Our network of food resources in our county needs your help now.