The Merced County Food Bank (MCFB) is the leading, local hunger-relief organization in Merced and Mariposa Counties. Last year, MCFB delivered over 4,400,000 pounds of food through 210,000 individual distributions to low-income people; including, over 25,000 to seniors and 75,000 to children who rely on our programs and services to provide much needed nutritious food. Started in 2004, the Merced County Food Bank is a private nonprofit organization that grew out of community collaboration to feed the hungry and to provide education & advocacy on hunger related issues. We now serve Merced and Mariposa counties through the acquisition, storage, transportation and distribution of donated and purchased perishable and nonperishable food items. In our rural service area of 3,442 square miles, we distribute food to low-income individuals and families at 83 community sites; 24 USDA commodities food distribution sites; 16 senior citizen sites; and we make food available for nearly 100 other nonprofit organizations serving people in need. MCFB receives food from the USDA, farmers, food processors, food retailers, the agricultural sector, food drives, and through financial contributions that enable us to purchase nutritious foods, fresh produce, and dry staple foods such as beans, oatmeal, and rice. We also benefit from the generosity of volunteers that help to sort and distribute donated and purchased food products.