For 36 years, the Ukiah Daily Journal has selected the Ukiah Community Food Bank as our featured non-profit organization to receive donations from our annual Holiday Fund Drive.
And every year, readers, Food Bank supporters and community members come to the aid of their neighbors, relatives and co-workers- people who rely on the Food Bank to supplement their nutritional needs.
This year is no different, and according to CEO Jacque Williams, the Food Bank continues its pledge to do more with less, and continue providing food to the hungry in a virtually “no questions asked” environment- protecting consumer dignity and honoring the confidentiality of those who must turn to the organization for help- which for many, represents the first request for this type of assistance in their lives.
For this year’s annual Thanksgiving Holiday Food Box distribution, 393 food boxes were assembled by staff and an enthusiastic group of volunteers, with 191 boxes delivered to the recipients- a possible record-breaking event. Each box contains a Turkey, ham or vegetarian “Tofurky,” stuffing, fresh or canned vegetables, broth, cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, pie and filling.
“The 191 boxes represent the percentage of elderly and disabled people receiving Thanksgiving boxes this season,” notes Williams, adding that the Food Bank distributed boxes to six senior housing complexes and additionally to clients referred to them by Community Care.
Over 40,000 pounds of food is donated to the Food Bank on a monthly basis. Currently, says Williams, the Food Bank continues to provide food to every type of person in the community, including adults, families and seniors. “The percentage of families to seniors and disabled folks requesting services has changed very little over the years,” says Williams. “I keep thinking, ‘I’m getting older, so there must be more seniors using the Food Bank, but the ratio remains the same.”
Several years ago, the Food Bank contracted with the Redwood Empire Food Bank in Santa Rosa- the area’s largest regional food bank. For literally pennies on the dollar, the Food Bank is able to purchase fresh produce- something that was literally never a regular part of the food distribution program. Now, produce is regularly available to everyone, with a “Fresh Friday” option that enables food bank consumers to come back for a second time on Fridays for any produce that needs to be distributed prior to the weekend.
Another boon for the Food Bank has been the incredible and ongoing generosity of Costco, which provides donations six days per week. Though Food Bank staff never know what items will be donated, it could be anything from a pallet of fresh turkeys to cases of Valentine’s Day chocolates. Often, Costco donates perishable items like breads, which are very popular with Food Bank “shoppers.”
It wasn’t so long ago that the organization was so strapped for cash that distribution days were limited to one day per week. “This year we’ve surmounted another hurdle. Our staff asked to open on Mondays for general distribution, so for the first time, we are open to the public five days per week,” says Williams. Mondays and Wednesdays are scheduled for general food distribution. Tuesdays and Thursdays are distribution days for seniors and disabled people, with Fresh Fridays open to all. “Being open Monday through Friday spreads out long lines and helps to accommodate everyone’s schedule,” says Williams.
“It seems almost silly to say that the cost of food has gone up, the cost of gas gone up and our organizational costs have gone up, but because of the community’s generosity we’re still able to balance our budget,” says Williams.
It takes $170,000 to operate the food bank, and this year, the Ukiah Daily Journal is asking the public to reach a goal of $100,00 for the Annual Drive. Williams notes that kickoff donations have been extremely generous this year.
“We already have kickoff commitments of over $70,000,” she notes. “I think during the pandemic, our community realized what an economic boon the Food Bank has been. People who donated $1,000 in years past are giving us $5,000. The Erickson Foundation is giving us $50,000. I think this is because they know the donations are helping to meet a consistent, constant and demonstrated need.”
This year’s kick-off donations include:
T.R. Eriksen Foundation, $50,000; Redwood Credit Union, $5,000; Anonymous, $5,000; Adventist Health $3,000; Robert & Suzanne Hardie, $3,000; Anonymous, $3,000; Beckstoffer Vineyards, $2,000; Jim & Arlene Moorehead, $2,000; Mabel Albertson Foundation, $1,500; Stephen Elisabeth Pasternak,$1,000; Mickey Pope, $1,000; JT & Jacqueline Williams $500; Colleen Gorman, $400; Joseph Rogers, $250; Jeanne & Phil DeJong, $200; Bernice Lacks, $200; Lynn & Peter Klein, $200; Ukiah United Methodist Church, $200; Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, $157; Rod & Debra Christenson, $100; Flavia D. Lee-Faust, $100; Dorothy Ledford, $100; Joel Levine, $100; Save Mart, $74; Carol Dotson, $50. Total kick-off donations $79,131.
People generally discover the Food Bank in two ways: via word of mouth or through their social worker when applying for SNAP benefits. Local agencies are very aware of the Food Bank’s services. “We had a nurse at the Hillside Clinic come down and collect food for her patients,” says Food Bank Coordinator Raquel Bowles.
“We used to use the phrase, ‘working poor,’” notes Williams, but that phrase no longer seems to describe many of the consumers utilizing Food Bank services. “Between minimum wage being so low, pitted against skyrocketing costs- including how much people are paying for housing, it’s very important to look at the whole economic picture and how it’s affecting our community. We serve a significant number of people who make too much money to qualify for food stamps, but not enough money to survive. People are just not making it to the end of the month, and that includes dual-income families and people who are working multiple jobs.”
More people have returned to the Food Bank following the slow-down in Covid cases, but there are still considerable numbers of people who have someone else pick up food for them.
“We recently received an unsolicited random phone message from a man who thanked us for what the Food Bank does for him. He was an older gentleman who has someone pick up his food. He said we are literally putting meals on his table,” Bowles continues.
“I got a sticky note on a check from a donor. They said that they don’t come to the Food Bank, but many of their neighbors do, and that they were so appreciative for how we are helping them,” says Williams.
The Food Bank had another victory this year.
“Shane Roberts from Roberts Roofing repaired our chronically leaking roof,” says Williams. “He utilized a completely new method to repair it, which involved covering the expanding foam. I feel like we can now begin our long-awaited remodel, so that we can use our whole space- something we’ve had in mind for a long time.”
Another new addition to Food Bank services are regularly scheduled visits from the Street Medicine team, every other week, once a month. “Customers can come, see them and receive brief and in some cases, much-needed medical attention and guidance,” says Williams.
The Food Bank continues to rely on volunteers.
“Seriously. We couldn’t operate our Food bank without our intrepid volunteers- 20 regulars who come in on multiple days- whether it’s hot, cold or we’re cranky,” Williams smiles.
Though the purpose of this article is to secure cash donations, the Food Bank welcomes food donations. This year, Friedman’s donated two lambs from the Redwood Empire Fair Auction. Donations of nonperishable food items may be accepted from the general public. Perishable or nonperishable items may be donated from suppliers. Amazon users can designate the Food Bank on “Amazon Smile,” where Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchases to a charity of your choice.
General food distribution takes place from noon to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Senior distribution days are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until noon. “Fresh Friday” produce distribution takes place every Friday from noon to 4 p.m.. The Ukiah Community Food Bank is located at 888 N. State St. To donate food, please phone in advance at (707) 463-2409.
To donate to the Holiday Fund Drive send your check or money order made out to Ford Street/ Ukiah Food Bank at 139 Ford Street, Ukiah, 95482, or bring it the Daily Journal office at 415A Talmage Road in Ukiah.