Mendo Food Network’s Amanda Friscia steps down as executive director

MENDOCINO CO., 6/11/26 — Nine years into her tenure, Mendo Food Network’s executive director Amanda Friscia steps down September 30.

Friscia guided the food distribution and networking nonprofit through challenging times. She led emergency food distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, mobilizing rapid-response systems to ensure residents across Mendocino County continued to receive food without interruption. Friscia led a team that expanded food access countywide, strengthening programs and partnerships that now reach thousands of residents in remote and rural communities that have long faced barriers to services.

She bolstered MFN’s infrastructure by optimizing its supply chain network, most notably by leading the acquisition of the Willits warehouse. Between 2022 and 2026, Mendo Food Network doubled the number of households served.

The board is now leading a search for MFN’s next executive director. Deputy Director Rachelle Sutherland, instrumental in developing vital programs such as pop-up distributions, will provide continuity and support for staff, partners and community relationships throughout this transition.

The board promised that programs and services would continue: “Countywide food distribution, pop-ups, partner agency support, and core food bank operations will proceed without interruption. MFN will continue to ensure that residents across Mendocino County have reliable access to nutritious food and essential resources, delivered with compassion and dignity.”