This is an opinion piece. We value the diverse opinions of our readers and we welcome robust, wide-ranging thoughts and ideas on subjects relevant to Mendocino County. The following opinion is not representative of The Mendocino Voice, its publisher, editor or staff. Opinion pieces can be sent to info@mendovoice.com.
The federal government shutdown has left millions of Americans and thousands of Mendocino County households vulnerable. Recently two federal judges have ruled that the administration must use contingency funds to at least partially cover SNAP benefits.
However, friends and neighbors who rely on this vital support will still face delays in receiving November food assistance, and the federal shutdown will continue to create an unpredictable funding landscape for food security and other safety net programs.
We are working closely with over 30 local partners throughout Mendocino County—from the coast to inland communities—as well as the California Association of Food Banks and state agencies to coordinate emergency support. But we can’t do it alone. Getting through this crisis will take all of us.
How You Can Help
This year, the need will likely be greater than ever. When you give to the Turkey Challenge, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by generous local sponsors. You’ll be helping twice as many families share a Thanksgiving meal and a moment of comfort during uncertain times. Learn more at http://www.mendofood.org/turkey-challenge.
Flexible funding allows Mendo Food Network to respond immediately, delivering food to rural communities, helping seniors on fixed incomes, and keeping food flowing to families throughout the county. Please consider donating at http://www.mendofood.org/donate.
If you or someone you know needs food support during this time, a guide to finding free food is available at http://www.mendofood.org/find-food
Thank you,
Mary Tinder
Head of Development & Fundraising, Mendo Food Network
1. I won’t give money. If “generous local sponsors” can match dollar for dollar then they have the money. Large companies like Safeway can do way more than I can.
2. I will give canned food, extra rice and beans, etc., from my pantry.
3. I won’t give to able bodied, employable adults who could get a job. There needs to be verification of need, i.e., children, low income. Children should not go to bed hungry.
4. I won’t give to illegal immigrants. Or “gimmigrant”.
You’ve never gone hungry and it shows. IDGAF what the circumstances are. If a human is hungry enough & they need to go to the food bank, food network or any other food pantry to eat, it’s not for me to judge. Checking boxes on your list “Judgemental Criteria” (as it should be named ) only shows how narrow minded and entitled you are. You’d like to dictate who eats? Based on proof? Proof of what? Income? Hunger? Race? Wrong decisions? Bad luck? People don’t deserve to eat? Keep the rice and beans. I hope you dont have to use the “services” because on my list of “Random Idiots” If I checked the box marked Asshole. You’d go hungry! BESIDES your income level is WAY above/ qualifying anyway. You should be proud. Enjoy your “leftover” life. You need help. Do better!!
It’s not about me. Why all the anger? As in the example of the Charlie Kirk assassination, when someone is incapable of debating the issues or suggesting a better way, they typically attack the other person, harshly, and personally. Pretty lame.
Anyway, generally speaking, the United States of America is a nation of abundance and wealth. No citizen should ever go hungry, even the able-bodied complainer demanding food should be able to eat, thanks to the generosity of many others, such as the local food banks. A better solution however, is to get off of the government dole and get a job so you are self reliant.
Let us not be disdainful or contemptuous, “Just a Human.” And please explain to everyone: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said investigators found 5,000 dead people still receiving SNAP benefits.
I volunteer at a rural food bank. The majority of people coming for food are currently employed. They have jobs, but their earnings do not cover the high cost of housing and food. These folks are not freeloaders.
Acknowledged. Statistically that is also true nationally. The exceptions are rare. Over 41 million people are enrolled in the federal government’s Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, known as SNAP at a cost of $99.8 billion.
Dave didn’t create this problem and he ain’t gonna fix it either.
Our elected representatives should be working on this national problem, and in California the Governor’s Office. Until the shutdown did any of them even talk about it being a problem they were concerned about? I don’t think so.
Over a week ago, Newsom announced he had released 80 million dollars for food and activated the CA National Guard to distribute it to every county in Ca. Newsom said this several times. Did he not do this?
A government that feeds you can just as easily starve you. Government dependency is not “freedom.”
Dave? Are you that guy from theUkiahCaughtOnCamera website?
Ughhhhh…..