At DNATL CFC, we are strengthening local emergency food systems by:

  • Developing community-driven feeding plans

  • Expanding partnerships

  • Removing barriers for local food producers

  • Run simulated disaster feeding scenarios

  • Integrate local farmers into Emergency Food Systems

Our goals are to:

✔ Develop an Emergency Feeding Plan as an annex to the Office of Emergency Services County Plan
✔ Expand market opportunities for local producers to prevent income loss due to disasters
✔ Strengthen regional emergency food supply chains for efficiency and resilience
✔ Ensure culturally relevant emergency food assistance for underserved populations

By working together, we can create a stronger, more resilient local food system—one that not only meets daily needs but also stands ready to serve our community in times of crisis.

Emergency Planning

Get Involved

Get involved or join a monthly meeting by contacting Iya Mahan at iya@dnatlfoodcouncil.org

North Coast Emergency Food System

Through the Regional Food System Partnership Grant (RFSPG), The North Coast Emergency Food Systems Partnership brings together six Northern California counties—Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, and Marin—to address both chronic and crisis-driven food insecurity.

Objectives

Farm to Emergency Food

  • Develop new market opportunities for local producers to sustain income during disasters.

  • Integrate local agriculture into emergency food supply chains.

Networks of Networks

  • Strengthen collaboration between local and regional groups to enhance emergency food response.

  • Develop feeding plans that define roles across agencies.

  • Assess local food supply infrastructure and distribution capabilities.

Policy, Practice & Economic Advancement

  • Identify barriers to establishing resilient emergency food supply chains.

  • Develop recommendations to improve policies and remove obstacles.

Outcomes

✔ Strengthen the economic viability of local farmers and food producers.
✔ Build the collective capacity of North Coast communities to improve emergency food systems.
✔ Enhance food security and community resilience.

Project Milestones

✔ Increase access to and consumption of locally produced food.
✔ Expand markets and sales opportunities for local farmers.
✔ Improve the efficiency and resilience of emergency food distribution.

Emergency Feeding Task Force

Formed in September 2024, the Emergency Feeding Task Force is a coalition of government agencies and local organizations working together to ensure a coordinated response to feeding community members during disasters, disruptions, and emergencies. By strengthening relationships in times of stability, we are better prepared to respond when crisis strikes.

Together, we are developing a multi-agency disaster feeding plan, which will be integrated into Del Norte’s Master Emergency Plan to provide a clear and effective framework for emergency food distribution.

The Emergency Feeding Task Force brings together a diverse network of partners committed to ensuring a coordinated and effective food response during disasters and emergencies. Some of the key stakeholders include:

  • Local government agencies

  • Food banks

  • Prepared meal providers

  • The Red Cross

  • Faith-based organizations

  • Community-based organizations

  • Local producers and distributors

  • Private sector partners, such as restaurants and grocery stores, and tribal representatives

Get Involved

Get involved or join a monthly meeting by contacting Iya Mahan at iya@dnatlfoodcouncil.org