WWhen it comes to supporting our community, one of the most meaningful things we can do is make sure our neighbors have access to healthy, reliable food. Whether you’re looking for help, hoping to donate, or wanting to share this with someone who needs it, here’s a comprehensive, easy-to-use guide to the food pantries, free-produce programs, and donation drop-off spots in and around Ukiah.

This guide is designed to be simple, accessible, and updated for 2025, and it’s something you can share with families, friends, clients, or anyone who might need a little extra support.

🌿 Major Food Banks & Community Pantries in Ukiah

Ukiah Community Food Bank (Ford Street Project)

Address: 888 N State Street, Ukiah
What They Offer: Weekly food distribution; pantry staples; produce days; senior/disabled distribution.
Donate: Non-perishables, produce, and larger food donations (call ahead).
Why It Matters: This is Ukiah’s largest and most consistent food bank, serving thousands of families every year.

Plowshares Peace & Justice Center

Address: 1346 S State Street, Ukiah
What They Offer: Hot meals daily, Meals on Wheels, pantry items, and a community garden program.
Donate: Canned goods, produce, meal-service supplies, and wishlist items.
Why It Matters: Plowshares is a long-standing staple for meals, especially for unhoused individuals, seniors, and families.

Ukiah Branch Library – Community Produce & Pantry Share

Address: 105 N Main Street, Ukiah
What They Offer: Free produce, pantry items, and a community “give what you can, take what you need” share system.
Donate: Garden produce or unopened pantry items.
Why It Matters: No sign-ups, no requirements, truly community-driven and easy for families to access.

🌱 Smaller Free-Food Spots & “Little Pantry” Locations in Ukiah

These often serve fewer people but are wonderful, low-barrier resources that many residents don’t know exist.

NCO - Caring Kitchen Project 

Program: The Caring Kitchen Project of NCO prepares meal bags and delivers them to clients (especially individuals undergoing treatment) in Mendocino County. NCO Inc. 2025+1

Address: 413 N State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482 (NCO’s central office) NCO Inc. 2025+1

Contact: (707) 467-3212 or caringkitchen@ncoinc.org

MCAVHN Care & Prevention Network Little Pantry

Address: 148 Clara Avenue, Ukiah
What They Offer: A small free pantry with fresh produce and household essentials.
Donate: Fresh garden produce, small pantry items.
Why It Matters: Helps individuals and families in immediate need with low-pressure access.

Plowshares Community Garden Program

Location: Part of Plowshares (1346 S State St)
What They Offer: Home-grown produce for community meals and pantry support.
Donate: Garden surplus, seeds, tools.
Why It Matters: Supports sustainable, local food production.

Faith-Based Mini Pantries (Various Locations)

Ukiah has several small donation-based church pantries that offer emergency food bags throughout the month, including:

• St. Mary of the Angels

• Redwood Valley Community Church (just outside Ukiah)

• Neighborhood blessing boxes in residential areas

These are not always formally listed, but they are regularly stocked by community members.

🌾 Additional County-Wide Resources Near Ukiah

These locations are outside Ukiah, but serve many local families and are helpful for referrals, drives, or regional needs.

• Anderson Valley Food Bank (Boonville)

• Laytonville Food Bank

• Comptche Produce Share

• Mendocino Community Food Pantry (Mendocino)

• Gualala Food Bank

• Leggett Food Pantry

These are especially helpful for families living outside the city limits or along 101/128 corridors.

🍎 What Items Are Most Needed?

If you’re donating, here are the items almost EVERY pantry can use:

• Canned meats (tuna, chicken, chili)

• Peanut butter & jelly

• Rice, pasta, boxed meals

• Canned soups & vegetables

• Diapers & baby wipes

• Shelf-stable milk

• Toiletry kits

• Fresh garden produce (when in season)

Pro tip: Call ahead for large donations — many smaller pantries have limited storage.

💛 How You Can Help as a Ukiah Neighbor

Supporting our local food programs is easier than you think:

• Drop off canned goods when you grocery shop

• Harvest part of your garden for donation

• Volunteer your time (packing bags, delivering meals, sorting donations)

• Share this guide with someone who might need it

• Host a neighborhood food drive 

One small gesture can make a big difference in someone’s day.

📌 Final Thoughts: Ukiah Takes Care of Its Own

Our town is full of people who step up for each other, and these food programs are proof of that. Whether you’re seeking support or looking to give back, Ukiah has an incredible network of resources, and this guide is here to help you navigate them.

If you ever need help connecting to the right resource or if you’re hosting a food drive, community event I’m happy to make the connections for you.

Just let me know. 💛