The Mendo Food Network (MFN) has announced the launch of a new Freight Fund Campaign designed to offset the increasing costs of transportation and distribution, ensuring that food continues to reach families, seniors, and individuals throughout Mendocino County. To jumpstart the initiative, an anonymous donor has pledged a $2,000 matching gift, effectively doubling every donation made to the Freight Fund until the challenge is met.
Mendocino County's unique geography presents significant challenges for food distribution. From the rugged coastline to inland valleys and remote communities, food must travel hundreds of miles each week to reach local distribution sites and partner organizations.
This logistical complexity is further strained by rising fuel and vehicle operating costs.
“Food doesn’t stop moving when costs increase,” said Mary Tinder of Mendo Food Network. “Our community still needs access to nutritious food.
This campaign will help ensure we can continue serving residents throughout Mendocino County despite rising transportation expenses.”
In 2025, the Mendo Food Network served 17,914 people throughout Mendocino County, distributing 2.69 million pounds of food, which provided the equivalent of 2.24 million meals. The organization worked alongside 33 partner organizations, mobilized 245 active volunteers, and benefited from more than 23,000 volunteer hours.
As transportation costs continue to rise, food banks and distribution organizations across California face increasing expenses associated with collecting, transporting, storing, and delivering food.
The Freight Fund Campaign will directly support food transportation throughout Mendocino County, covering fuel and vehicle operating costs, deliveries to community food distribution sites, and ensuring access to healthy food for rural and underserved communities.