Last Monday, the line at the Ukiah Food Bank went around the building. But the sun was out, and spirits were high. Volunteers and staff made last-minute changes to the delivery system, right up to the 9:00 hour- when the recipients of a record-breaking 590 Thanksgiving food boxes filed into the warehouse to receive their holiday food.
This year, as the Ukiah Daily Journal kicks off our 39th Annual Holiday Fund Drive, we do so with a heavy heart, and hope our community will continue to confirm our belief in the generosity ad graciousness of this community.
“We are concerned that 2025 may be the Food Bank’s most challenging year,” notes Jacque Williams, executive director of the Ford Street Project, which also operates the Food Bank.
“The elimination of federally funded food programs, increased food costs, and a growing demand for services has thrust Ford Street Project into re-budgeting mode.” Despite the fact that California was spared the brunt of the Federal SNAP benefits crisis, it created chaos in the supplemental food industry- but more importantly, it alerted a vulnerable sector of Ukiah area residents that their monthly Cal-Fresh food allotment- generally no more than about $200- could no longer be relied upon.” And, according to the latest news from Washington, there are plans afoot to slash the number of Americans who qualify for those food benefits.
“How can I make plans for the future when I already live month to month?” asked one senior, waiting in line for her holiday food basket. “I’m on Social Security. I only get a few dollars of SNAP benefits, so this food at the food bank is the only thing keeping me going.”
Others fear what will become of their lives as they receive their notices from Covered California regarding health insurance increases. “With families receiving word that their health insurance is doubling or even tripling, our concern is their quality of life and how the decisions they make will affect their health and well-being,” says Williams. “Since the SNAP crisis, our numbers of visitors to the Food Bank have grown, and are continuing to spike. We are preparing, as best we can, for an influx of brand-new visitors to the Food Bank- as folks are being forced to make catastrophic decisions between paying for their health insurance, their medication or their skyrocketing grocery bills.”
Though the Food Bank is a grateful recipient of donated food- and the public is always encouraged to donate shelf-stable, in-date food items- it is the Redwood Empire Food Bank, the Mendo Food Network and the California Food Bank Association who work with farmers that believe in the mission of feeding the hungry. The farms supply food to these agencies at rock-bottom prices. Supplemental food organizations like the Food Bank are able to purchase food from these organizations for pennies on the dollar- but when the need is so pressing, the larders lay bare at the end of each distribution day.
“I’ve a disabled person,” says one Food Bank visitor. “I’ve been coming to the Food Bank for more years than I can count. It hurts me when people say things like I’m sponging off the government,” they continue. “I’m in a wheelchair. I’ve been that way all my life, and I’m not getting any younger. When I come here, people treat me nice. They don’t look down at me and they don’t judge. Please help them. They’re just trying to do what the Lord intended.”
The Food Bank provides fresh produce, staples, and more on their daily distribution days. (Carole Brodsky — Ukiah Daily Journal)Last year, the fund drive was the most successful in history, raising $114,000. But this year, Williams is hoping to exceed that goal. “Though the Ukiah Daily Journal Fund Drive is the Food Bank’s largest source of income, it does not support the entirety of our operation,” says Williams. “We are asking for $200,000 this year, because we have grown increasingly dependent on revenue from our other programs to help take up the slack.” With the greater need, the increased food and utility costs and the many unknowns facing hungry Ukiahans this holiday season, we hope everyone who is inspired will donate what they can to ensure that no one in our region ever has to worry about having enough food- not just during the holidays- but every day.
The Ukiah Daily Journal Holiday Fund Drive begins today, November 30th . This year, for the first time, donations can be made online by visiting www.fordstreet.org. Checks may also be mailed to Ford Street Project, 139 Ford Street, Ukiah CA 95482.
Hence then, the article about ukiah daily journal fund drive kickoff starts today was published today ( ) and is available on Ukiah Daily Journal ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ukiah Daily Journal fund drive kickoff starts today )
Also on site :
- Skier dies in collision with tree at Colorado’s Aspen Mountain, resort officials confirm
- Tornado warning issued, and quickly cancelled, over Alhambra
- Governor Hochul: Annual statewide donation drive is complete