MENDOCINO Co., 11/22/21 — Thanksgiving is this week, and for those that don’t have a place to go or can’t afford a meal, there are a number of community meals and free holiday dinners happening around Mendocino County. Many of these events are also looking for volunteers, so if you want to help out, please get in touch with the organizers. All of the dinners are free and every is welcome; many places are accepting donations for those who want to support these programs and ongoing food security for Mendocino County residents.
Additional resources for those needing help with food and food costs can be found here — please check in advance as hours and services may have changed due to the pandemic:
- Mendocino County list of community food resources
- Mendocino County list of pandemic resources
- Redwood Empire Food Bank distribution sites
- California Indian Museum and Cultural Center list of food resources in Mendocino County
- Mendocino County local food guide: food banks and food distribution
- Mendocino College food pantry for enrolled students
If there’s something we’ve missed, please let us know in the comments or at [email protected] and we will add it in!
- UKIAH — Join the annual Plowshares community Thanksgiving dinner, happening from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, November 25. The dinner will take place at the community dining room at 1346 South State Street in Ukiah; for details call 707-462-8582.
- WILLITS — The free annual community Thanksgiving dinner will take place at the Harrah Senior Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., dinner will be drive through only due to the ongoing pandemic. The event is organized by the Willits Community Services and Food Bank, and a drive through dinner will available to pick up will be 1501 Baechtel Road in Willits. No reservations are required but donations are accepted. Meals are also being distributed to home bound seniors who are unable to drive for pick-up; to arrange this please contact the Senior Center at 707-459-6826.
- To go meals will be also will provided for homeless residents on foot at the Little Lake Grange from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., nat 291 School Street, two blocks west of the Post Office. For more information, contact Ruthanne at 707-354-3960.
- LAYTONVILLE — Healthy Start has already distributed over 110 Thanksgiving dinners as well as food bags through the Laytonville Food Bank, and will be sending more to the families already on their list this week. However, there are weekly meals for seniors and others available, explained Director Jayma Shields Spence: “folks can always get a food bank box from us when we’re open and we will be doing Christmas dinners, so call our office to learn more,” at 707-984-8089.
- FORT BRAGG — The First Presbyterian Church of Fort Bragg will be holding their 25th annual free community Thanksgiving meal, and due to the ongoing pandemic, the food will be distributed as packed box dinners. Both home delivery and pick-up meals are available on Thursday, Nov. 25, and reservations must be made by Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. Volunteers are also needed. All the details about how to order, donate, or help can be found on their website here.