Coldwell Banker Mendo Realty is hosting its annual food drive, with the real estate company collecting nonperishable food donations at its Ukiah and Willits offices during business hours.
As a tasty incentive, each donor will be entered to win $10 gift cards to local coffee shops. The giveaways will happen weekly, encouraging generous spirits to give frequently, the company said Monday.
Its office at 444 N. State Street in Ukiah is open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and will donate all items to the Ford Street Project’s Ukiah Food Bank.
The company’s Willits office (100 South St.) is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and will donate all items to Willits Community Services and Food Bank.
The drive comes at a time when the federal government has reduced funding for food banks nationwide, including in Mendocino County.
The offices are prioritizing items local food banks say are in highest demand, including shelf-stable milk alternatives like almond and soy milk, as well as margarine and boxed milk. High-need grains include rice, quinoa, oatmeal, dried beans and lentils.
They are also seeking canned and boxed pantry staples — such as beans, vegetables, fruit, chicken, salmon, tuna, soups, broths, pasta, stuffing, macaroni and cheese and one-box meals — along with bottled water, coffee, juice, peanut butter, cereal, oatmeal and nuts.Â
For more information, call Kelsi Ryan, (707) 462-5400 ext. 102.