Our emergency food network, in collaboration with 30 local human service organizations, is making a real difference in Mendocino County by providing hunger relief assistance that cover the entire region, with a special emphasis on the remote and rural areas. We are proud to have built a strong support system that helps our neighbors overcome the challenges they face when seeking assistance, and we are dedicated to creating a nutritional safety net that can serve the entire community.

Our Pantry Network provides regular distributions of 20-30 pounds of seasonally sourced fruits and vegetables, along with healthy staple foods, to those in high-need neighborhoods. We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, and our Pantry distributions are open to anyone in need of assistance.

These distributions take place in community centers, health clinics, senior housing complexes, low-income apartments, and churches. We are committed to supporting our community in every way possible, and we are inspired by the progress we are making together.

At Mendo Food Network, we are committed to assisting you in applying for CalFresh, the nutrition assistance program that helps individuals and families access healthy foods with ease. We understand that the application process can be daunting, which is why we are here to guide you through every step of the way.

To get started, you will need a photo ID, your Social Security number, and verification of income. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need any assistance or have any questions during the application process.

CalFresh benefits are issued on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, similar to an ATM card. This means that you can use your EBT card at most grocery stores, neighborhood stores, and farmers' markets to purchase nutritious foods for you and your family.

Eligibility for CalFresh is based on several factors, including citizenship or legal permanent resident status, income guidelines, and individual circumstances. We understand that each situation is unique, and we are here to help you navigate the eligibility requirements.

We would like to emphasize that there are different exemptions and considerations for various groups, including students, seniors, and families:

Students: If you are a part-time worker, EOP student, Cal Grant recipient, parent, or approved for Work-Study, you may be eligible for CalFresh. We encourage you to explore the student eligibility criteria further.

Seniors and People with Disabilities: If you or someone in your household is 60 years or older or has a disability, you may qualify for CalFresh. Out-of-pocket medical expenses such as medical, vision, and dental care, insurance premiums and copays, prescription and over-the-counter medication, medical supplies, hearing aids, eyeglasses, dentures, and prosthetics can be included in your application.

Families with Dependents: If you are paying for the care of a child, a person with disabilities, or an elderly person, you may deduct the amount paid for their care from your income when applying for CalFresh.

We understand that accessing nutritious food is a fundamental right, and we are dedicated to ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry. We encourage you to reach out to us for assistance in applying for CalFresh. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

If you are interested in learning more about CalFresh and would like someone to contact you, please email us at rachelle@mendofood.org