As we kick off our 37th Annual Ukiah Daily Journal Food Bank fund raising drive, I want to remind you of the coordinated effort and community generosity that make the food bank a reliable source of food assistance for our neighbors in need.
The Redwood Empire Food Bank is our largest source of food. When we look at the total amount of food, we have received this year from the Redwood Empire Food bank, it equates to serving 307,200 meals.
We were able to add another source of quality staples by becoming a member of the California Emergency Food Link. Once a month a semi-truck delivers rice, beans, and healthy protein options to the food bank.
Costco, local markets, and Starbucks participate in our redistribution effort. Our food bank truck collects fruit, vegetables, proteins, bake goods and snacks 6 days a week.
Mendocino County Social Services provides $749 a month to help offset our operational costs.
With only a couple of employees, the food bank relies on volunteers to help with all the cleaning and preparation that needs to happen daily.
Our largest and most diverse group of food bank supporters are our donors. Churches, foundations, businesses, health care providers, families and individuals are the financial backbone of the food bank. Some make monthly contributions, and many make an annual donation to our UDJ food bank drive.
On behalf of Ford Street’s Board of Directors, staff, and food bank volunteers we want to thank all of you who continue to support our efforts. If you would like to contribute, please send your check or money order made out to Ford Street at 139 Ford Street, Ukiah, CA 95482, or bring it to the Ukiah Daily Journal office at 415A Talmage Road in Ukiah.
If you would like to contribute online or learn more about tHolidayhe food bank and other Ford Street programs, visit our website; www.fordstreet.com.
Ukiah Daily Journal Food Bank Drive 2023 Kick off donors:
T.R. Eriksen Foundation, $40,000; Redwood Credit Union, $5,000; Robert & Suzanne Hardie, $3,000; Mabel Albertson Foundation Fund, $2,000; George & Ruth Bradford Foundation, $2,000; Savings Bank of Mendocino County, $1,783.00; Rick & Colleen Henderson, $1,000; Gaye Coffey, $500; McCarty’s Auto Body, $500; JT & Jacqueline Williams, $500; Patricia Guntly, $250; Steve & Cynthia John, $100; Jason & Brandi Page, $50.
Total $56,683
-Jacqueline Williams, Executive Director