During the month of March, the Coastal Mendocino Association of REALTORS® (CMAR) collected canned goods to benefit the Fort Bragg Food Bank. For the drive, CMAR REALTORS® concentrated their efforts on protein rich food, such as tuna, peanut butter, canned chicken, chili or stew. The total donation was 90 pounds, which represented almost 25 pounds of beans and chili, more than 14 pounds of canned tuna and 11 pounds of canned chicken.
Nancy Severy, the Executive Director of the Fort Bragg Food Bank responded to the donation stating, “Every donations helps. The CMAR REALTORS have been generous to us and we are thankful for their support.”
The Fort Bragg Food Bank was founded in 1979, with the objective to distribute emergency food to and improve the nutrition of needy residents of Mendocino County. The Food Bank relies heavily on the generosity of individuals and businesses in the local community, whose food and cash donations represent a large portion of their cash budget and food they distribute. Due to the generosity of the coastal community, the Fort Bragg Food Bank is able to serve approximately 870 client households each month, which represents 1,600 household members. Their efficient food distribution system enables them to distribute over $6 worth of food for every dollar they spend. They welcome donations healthy foods, especially protein-rich foods, fresh garden produce and grocery bags. They also welcome donations of time, as volunteers represent over half of the person-hours needed to run the Food Bank. Volunteers are utilized to pack food bags, serve clients, sort and repack foods, assist in the kitchen, help keep the Food Bank clean and provide office assistance.
Photo: Fort Bragg Food Bank Executive Director, Nancy Severy and CMAR President, Carol Ann Walton
