Partner Resources

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Our Partners

At the Mendo Food Network, we believe that combating hunger in our community requires a collective effort. Partnering with other hunger-relief organizations throughout our region is essential in fortifying our food safety net. Our vast network of partners plays a crucial role in this mission, helping us ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.

With the support of 30+ dedicated partner organizations, we have created a powerful network that reaches every corner of Mendocino County. Our partners are as diverse as the communities they serve, ranging from pantries and dining rooms to shelters, group homes, and child care facilities. These individuals and organizations work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with food insecurity.

Connecting To the Network

Thank you for your interest in becoming a partner organization of the Mendo Food Network, together our collective goal is to feed Mendocino County. Food partners benefit from free produce and bread and grant opportunities to build capacity and increase food supply.

The Mendo Food Network and our fellow partner organizations follow the established guidelines set by Feeding America. All food assistance programs are subject to ongoing compliance monitoring to ensure safe, secure food storage and handling as well as Civil Rights protections for volunteers and recipients alike.

Partners can attend our annual meeting to learn about our processes and systems and how they benefit our partners as well as share their own best practices around food distribution, volunteers, and community engagement.

If you are not currently operating a food assistance program, please consider first volunteering at a local food pantry or with the Mendo Food Network to determine the best way to help end hunger in your community.

If you'd like to get in touch about becoming a partner please contact Rachelle Sutherland, Program Manager, at 707-615-6654 or rachelle@mendofood.org

Food Partnership Eligibility

An organization must meet the following criteria to be eligible to partner with the Mendo Food Network:

Have 501(c)(3) exemption status. Click here to enter your EIN to determine your eligibility status. Note: must be PC or Group Type
Distribute all Mendo Food Network donated products free of charge for use by the ill, needy, or minor children.
Have a Board of Directors or advisory group that establishes policies for the operation of the food program, including budgeting.
Provide food without requiring the recipients to pay, work, or pray to receive food or a meal in a distribution setting. In addition, selling, exchanging, or using food or products for money, other goods, or services is prohibited and distributing food to other charitable groups or organizations.
All partner organizations must undergo biennial monitoring (every two years) to ensure a clean and secure food storage site with monitored pest control and are subject to unscheduled inspections at all times.
At least one lead person must maintain a current CA Food Handler Certificate.
Adhere to the Mendo Food Network's Accounts Payable policies. We only accept payment in the form of company checks. No personal checks, cash, credit cards, or electronic fund transfers are accepted.