MENDOCINO CO., 11/22/25 – Redwood Credit Union has launched a new “porch to pantry” program in Ukiah, making it easier for people to donate to food banks this holiday season.
The credit union is partnering with the nonprofit A Simple Gesture, which uses a doorstep model for food donations. Donors don’t have to drive to a food bank or drop-off site — a volunteer comes to their home, picks up the food and delivers it to Redwood Empire Food Bank distribution sites.
Donors can sign up through the program’s website or at the RCU branch in Ukiah (195 S. Orchard Ave.). Participants do not need to be RCU members.
After signing up, donors receive a reusable food collection bag to fill with nonperishable food. On Dec. 13, volunteers will pick up the filled bags from donors’ homes and deliver the food to local food banks and pantries.
Donations will go to the Community Food Bank at the Ford Street Project and Plowshares in Ukiah, Coastal Seniors Food Bank in Point Arena, and Redwood Empire Food Bank, which supplies pantries throughout Mendocino County.
RCU President and CEO Brett Martinez said it’s essential to support programs like this, especially amid federal shutdowns and cuts to food bank programs.
“It’s more important than ever,” he said. “We know from experience that our community wants to help when there’s a need — so we want to make it easy for them to engage and support. This innovative porch-to-pantry food drive makes it simple and convenient for people to donate and know they’re making a difference.”
While the donation program is currently centered in Ukiah, organizations and individuals seeking to launch a new porch-to-pantry program are encouraged to sign up through A Simple Gesture, RCU said. Interested groups can visit asghelps.org to launch a program in their area; an RCU branch is not required.
RCU has a history of supporting Mendocino County food programs. In October, the credit union donated 25 cents for each purchase made with its credit or debit cards on International Credit Union Day. The effort raised more than $59,000 for food programs, including Plowshares.
The Mendocino Voice reached out to Plowshares for comment but did not hear back by deadline.
More information about RCU’s holiday food drive is available at https://www.asgeventmanager.com/c/SantaRos0065.