Vision, Mission, Values

When we first opened our doors in 1979, Food for People was no more than a small food closet intent upon filling the void for emergency food assistance in Humboldt County. Food distribution grew steadily from those humble beginnings, and over the following years, we expanded and began conducting our operations out of a small local residence, utilizing rented warehouse space just a few blocks away.

During that time Food for People also began providing food for several pantries located throughout the County in addition to our direct food distribution in Eureka. Access to refrigeration and freezer space was extremely limited, and by 1996, we were bursting at the seams and ill-prepared to accommodate the steadily increasing requests for emergency food assistance.

In 1998, thanks to support received through a Community Development Block Grant, a grant from The California Endowment, our Harvest Home capital campaign and the generosity of local citizens, churches, businesses and civic organizations, we were able to purchase and retrofit the 9,000 square foot warehouse at 307 West 14th Street in Eureka that now houses our food bank. This space includes a large walk-in cooler and two walk-in freezers.

Food for People is designated as the official food bank for Humboldt County. We operate a total of 18 community food programs, each of which is designed to address the needs of those who are experiencing hunger and food insecurity.

We envision a community where everyone has access to good quality, nutritious food, understands the consequences of hunger and poor nutrition and is committed to creating a stronger, healthier Humboldt County.

Food for People is working to eliminate hunger and improve the health and well-being of our community through access to healthy and nutritious foods, community education and advocacy.

We believe in engaging the community and involving those we serve in finding solutions to eliminate hunger and food insecurity.

We believe the root causes of hunger must be addressed to realize our long-term goal of eliminating hunger.

We believe collaboration and partnerships - internally and externally - are essential to fulfilling our mission.

We recognize the dignity of all people and believe food is an essential right.

We believe hunger can be eliminated.

We will demonstrate the highest ethical standards in all interactions.

We will be accountable to all through the efficient and environmentally responsible use of resources.

We will foster cooperation and a sense of empowerment amongst our diverse staff, volunteers, and community partners.

We will treat all of our relationships with respect.

We will continually seek to provide excellent service through the development of new and improved methods to reduce hunger.

We encourage and support the best in ourselves and those we serve and provide opportunities for everyone to participate in fulfilling our mission.