Fort Bragg Food Bank Struggles with Financial Challenges as Federal Contract Freeze Impacts Community Support

FORT BRAGG, CA — The Fort Bragg Food Bank, part of the Mendo Food Network, is facing a tough time. Since last November, changes in the federal administration have led to a freeze on many funding contracts. This has left local agencies, including food banks, uncertain about their financial future.

Amanda Friscia, the Executive Director of Mendo Food Network, shared that they recently lost a $75,000 funding contract with the Commodity Corporation Credit (CCC). This agency works with the federal Department of Agriculture to help get surplus food from farms to places like schools and food banks through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

Just a couple of months ago, the Food Bank had a successful fundraising event on Valentine’s Day. Held at Tall Guy Brewing, the event featured live music and delicious food donated by local grocers. The Noyo Fish Company even supplied the crab. They sold over 200 tickets, making it a great night for the community.

Patrick Broderick, the owner of Tall Guy Brewing, described the event as a “win-win.” He provided the venue for free and even covered the cost of the music. Amanda felt it was a perfect partnership and was thankful for Broderick’s support.

Nevertheless, losing the federal funding means the Food Bank needs to hold several more fundraisers just to make up for that loss. Sadly, these events won’t guarantee protection against future funding cuts.

Every quarter, organizations like the Fort Bragg Food Bank apply for federal funds. This funding is vital for keeping their services running, from providing fresh produce to offering support for local farmers. Unfortunately, sudden funding cuts can significantly impact operations and the communities they serve.

In recent years, the Food Bank benefited from special federal grants, which helped them expand their services. But with these funds now phasing out, they are back to relying on regular federal support. During COVID-19, emergency funding was crucial in helping communities navigate challenges like job loss and food shortages. As support was designed to be temporary, cuts are now a concern.

Amanda hopes that recent state programs, like Cal Foods, will continue to provide support, as they have helped the local economy and boosted food access. However, there’s anxiety over the future of the federal TEFAP program, especially after seeing funding rise and fall unpredictably.

With federal funds making up 40% of their budget, Amanda knows that ongoing support is crucial. If funding continues to be cut or frozen, the consequences could be severe for the local community.

Despite these challenges, the Food Bank offers many essential services, including fresh produce, senior boxes, pet food, diapers, and recycling incentives. As they navigate uncertain times, the hope is that support will continue to flow to those who need it most.