Our Mission
The Merced County Food Bank plays a critical role in maintaining and improving the health of low-income and food insecure populations in Merced & Mariposa Counties.
Letter to the Editor
Merced Sun Star
May 23, 2025
Dear Editor,
Right now, the Merced County Food Bank is serving over 41,000 food insecure people/households
each month—an increase of 17% compared to 2023. The need in our community continues to grow,
driven by inflation, rising costs of goods and services, and economic uncertainty.
Yet at this critical time, California’s food banks are facing a double threat: a 90% cut to state
funding for the CalFood program, and unprecedented federal cuts to SNAP (CalFresh). These
programs are lifelines for low–income families, seniors, children, and individuals with chronic health
issues or disabilities—those who are most at risk of going hungry.
We are urging Governor Newsom and our legislators to act now by sustaining funding for the
CalFood program at $60M, a level that was set during the pandemic – because the number of people
facing food insecurity in California is higher today than ever before.
This funding is essential to keeping our local food bank stocked and operational, by allowing us to
purchase California–grown produce and rarely donated items. At the Merced County Food Bank we
use CalFood to partner with local producers to buy meat, dairy, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables,
shelf–stable pantry staples, etc., also supporting the local agricultural and food economy. Without this
program, we wouldn’t be able to provide the same quality or variety of culturally relevant foods that
give our community the dignity and quality of life that every person deserves.
If CalFood is not sustained at $60M in this year’s state budget, our food bank—and others across
California—will not be able to fill the gap. That means more people in our community will be forced
to go without the food they need to thrive.
Bill Gibbs
Executive Director
[email protected]
This amazing partnership with USPS and the dedication of our postal workers,
along with the kindness of our neighbors, shows what we can accomplish when we come together to fight hunger.
We are overwhelmed with gratitude!
and every single person who participated in the Stamp Out Hunger food drive!The Merced County Food Bank plays a critical role in maintaining and improving the health of low-income and food insecure populations in Merced & Mariposa Counties.
Save the Date
Saturday September 13th 2025
5:00 at The Pavilion
Sharing the Harvest
Dinner * Drinks * Auctions * Desserts * Dancing * Fun
Give Hunger the Boot
Increasing the Community’s Capacity to Feed People
An overview of what the Merced County Food Bank does and how it works with the community to serve the food insecure in Merced & Mariposa counties.
How the Food Bank Works
The Merced County Food Bank, a member of the Feeding America Network, secures donations from food and grocery manufacturers, retailers, shippers, packers, growers, and from government agencies, individuals and other organizations.
Merced County Food Bank Newsletter
As we wrap up 2024, we’re taking a moment to look back at the incredible milestones we’ve achieved together. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve made a real difference in the lives of families, seniors, and those facing hunger in Merced and Mariposa Counties. Here are some of the highlights from this year!
What is the Merced County Food Bank Food Literacy Program?
The Merced County Food Bank Food Literacy Program is designed to educate individuals and communities about food and its impact on their lives.
2023–2024 Annual Report
Annual Reports & Financials
View current and past annual reports and financial statements for the Merced County Food Bank.
