FIND launched a Home Bound Delivery Program in 2020 in response to the stay-at-home orders mandated by the State of California. Through this program, volunteers utilize their own vehicles to deliver 40-50 pounds of food to families and individuals who are isolated or unable to collect food via the various distribution sites throughout the region. FIND Food Bank is committed to continuing this program beyond the pandemic in order to make sure we best serve our most vulnerable and isolated clients.

Our Telemundo anchor Hernan Quintas spoke to a recipient and volunteers who are truly making a difference.

Contact the Volunteer Programs Department to sign up to become a homebound delivery driver at 760-542-2176 ext. 132 or email volunteers@findfoodbank.org  

For more information on the FIND Regional Food Bank, including how to help, click here.

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Leah focused on two organizations in particular: the Fine Food Bank, the main food bank in the Coachella Valley, and the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM). She emphasized the tireless work of volunteers at both organizations, who strive to provide food and essential services to as many people as possible throughout the desert region. Leah shared her personal experience volunteering with CVRM through the National Charity League, noting how rewarding it is to contribute and help make a tangible difference.

She also encouraged students and community members to explore volunteer opportunities by visiting the organizations’ websites. Leah pointed out that schools are increasingly offering clubs and programs focused on community outreach, allowing students to get involved, give back, and connect with local service initiatives.

Experts and community leaders say that youth involvement in volunteering not only benefits those receiving support but also instills a sense of civic responsibility and empathy among students. Leah’s message reinforces the idea that even small contributions of time and effort can have a meaningful impact during the holiday season.

As the Coachella Valley ramps up for the busy season of giving, young leaders like Leah Kakar are setting an example for peers and adults alike, showing that volunteering and community service are vital to supporting local families and fostering a stronger, more connected community

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Due to the intense heat and seasonality of the region, the desert community faces increased challenges as many working families experience job losses and children are home for summer break, losing access to school meals. Amazon’s annual partnership supports FIND in providing vital food resources to individuals and families experiencing summer hunger.

To help fill the summer meal gap, Amazon employees from sites across Southern California collected and donated more than 14 pallets of fresh and frozen food and household items to FIND. Beyond these employee-led donations, the company also leverages its vast logistics network to help deliver food supplies to FIND’s 225 homebound neighbors, making it easier for FIND to focus on deploying food and services to its 155 distribution sites.

“In the fourth year of our partnership, Amazon remains committed to supporting the 120,000 individuals that FIND serves on average each month,” said Debbie Espinosa, president and CEO of FIND Food Bank. “The Coachella Valley embodies the spirit of community, where people come together to ensure that no one is left behind. Amazon, as a corporation, along with the individuals who contribute to its success, is an integral part of that community, ensuring that everyone is taken care of.”

Following the unloading of the Amazon van and check presentation, a team of 30 Amazon operations staff dedicated the remainder of the morning to volunteering. The group, comprised of employees from four local Amazon sites, packed 400 senior boxes for distribution to FIND’s nearly 100 nonprofit community partners and directly to families in need.

“At Amazon, we believe in showing up for our communities in ways that truly matter,” said David Ambroz, Amazon’s head of community engagement for Southern California. “Partnering with FIND Food Bank means more than just a donation — it’s about meeting urgent needs with care and commitment. Our $25,000 contribution will help provide 100,000 meals, but just as importantly, our employees have stepped up to donate essential items that support families beyond the dinner table. The dedication of FIND’s team and the passion of our Amazon volunteers continue to inspire us as we work hand-in-hand to fight hunger in the Coachella Valley.”

Illustrating a shared commitment to ending local hunger, in attendance were elected officials from the offices of congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, supervisor V. Manuel Perez, and assemblymember Greg Wallis and the cities of Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Palm Desert.

“This event is an excellent example of public-private partnership,” said councilmember Dr. Toper Taylor of Indian Wells. “[Partnerships like Amazon and FIND] are an efficient way to give back to the community…We are very grateful to Amazon for their donations and [for volunteering] to make sure that food gets into the hands of those who need it.”

Amazon is committed to addressing hunger and has shown great support of FIND’s hunger relief work in the greater Coachella Valley and High Desert communities. The company has contributed to the organization through this annual partnership event, freight support, financial assistance, and volunteer service.

To learn more about FIND Food Bank, or to find volunteer opportunities and information about donations, visit findfoodbank.org.

Click here to read the full Palm Springs Life coverage.

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Amazon employees also delivered food collected from sites across Southern California and volunteered to help FIND sort and distribute supplies.

The donations come at a critical time. During the summer, many families face increased food insecurity due to seasonal job loss and the absence of school meal programs. The partnership helps fill that gap and ensures more people have access to food when they need it most.

Video: FIND Food Bank and Amazon Partner to Fight Food Insecurity.

The post FIND Food Bank and Amazon partner to fight food insecurity appeared first on FIND Food Bank.

Telemundo 15 anchor Hernan Quintas explains the different ways that you can support our local food bank and our community.

Video: FIND Food bank experiencing higher need for food donations and volunteers in the summer months.

The post FIND Food Bank experiencing higher need for food donations and volunteers in the summer months appeared first on FIND Food Bank.

SNAP is the government’s supplemental nutrition assistance program, known as CalFresh here in California. Lawmakers are looking at shifting SNPAP’s administrative and benefits to the states.

The change could cost California up to $4 billion a year and impact up to 125,000 people who depend on FIND for food.

“So if the state isn’t able to pick up the $3.1 to $4 billion dollars that would become the state’s responsibility as opposed to what’s been funded by federal then they’re going to have to make choices on whether or not we have to shrink the program– people could lose benefits. They could lose dollars. The people who really need it are going to be sacrificing at this point,” said Debbie Espinosa, FIND Food Bank CEO.

Espinosa says is worried that California can’t absorb the increased SNAP costs. She’s reaching out to our local, state and federal elected representatives– urging them to protect Cal-Fresh benefits– and those who might lose access to what she calls an essential food program.

Click to watch the full video.

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FIND Food Bank was in attendance teaching local youth the importance of recycling and composting food waste, how to give back to the community by donating unopened, nonexpired food items, and sharing additional food and community resources. FIND’s California Conservation Corps fellows also helped youth and other community members plant their own bell peppers to take home.

More than 10 organizations and community partners set up booths and interactive stations for attendees of all ages.

Kids made crafts and learned the importance of sustainable practices. They planted peppers with compost, created upcycled crafts, bird feeders, and more.

Meanwhile, adults had the opportunity to learn about sustainable foods, like microgreens and date farming.

Document shredding, e-waste disposal, and item donation drop-offs were also available.

The event wrapped up at noon, but organizers say they were pleased with today’s turnout and are excited for a bigger event next year.

Stay with News Channel Three to hear from organizers and attendees on the importance of learning sustainable practices this Earth Day.

Click to watch the KESQ Report.

Click to watch the City of Rancho Mirage Report.

The post FIND Food Bank Joins the City of Rancho Mirage at their first Earth Day Celebration at library appeared first on FIND Food Bank.

Update 4/7/25

FIND Food Bank surpassed $350,000 raised!

Original Report 4/4/25

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Friday’s FIND Food Bank Telethon and fundraiser had raised $347,000 nearing the end of the night, surpassing last year’s total of $300,000.

The funds raised will go toward continuing FIND Food Bank’s mission to provide nutritious food to individuals and families facing food insecurity. The money raised this year will also contribute to the completion of FIND’s new expansion warehouse and workforce development center, helping to increase their capacity to serve more people and strengthen local communities.

This incredible fundraising event is a critical part of FIND Food Bank’s mission to serve those in need across our region. And you can make an impact any time – donations are always accepted. Call 760-775-3663, or donate online at findfoodbank.org to help support FIND’s essential services and programs.

All contributions make a direct impact, ensuring that FIND can continue to provide food, services, and programs that lift up those in need.

The post Find Food Bank Telethon exceeds goal; $354,200 raised to help services and programs appeared first on FIND Food Bank.

While the FIND Food Bank’s mobile food markets help get food into people’s fridges, they help locals apply to outreach services.

Lorena Marroquin, FIND’s Vice President of Community Impact, says the services provides medical benefits, utility assistance, rental assistance, or any public benefit that they might need to help them.

It helps serve children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

“I am already 81 years old, I live alone, I have my children but they have their own families and I need this help,” said Juana Bautista-Lopez.

You can make an appointment to see if you qualify through the outreach team on the food bank’s website or call (760) 775-3663.

The outreach team can help answer any questions and provide more information on the services.

To learn more and watch the full video reporting: click here.

The post FIND Food Bank helps residents sign up for outreach programs appeared first on FIND Food Bank.

FIND Food Bank celebrated two “Hunger Heroes” at this year’s event. The award is presented to an individual and an organization for significant contributions to local hunger relief. Bighorn Charities Director Kelly Levy received the individual Hunger Hero award, and Palm Springs Life Magazine received the community Hunger Hero award.

News Channel 3 is also gearing up to support FIND Food Bank in it’s most important fundraising event of the year. The 15th annual FIND Food Bank Telethon is coming up on Friday, April 4th. Phone lines will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. for taking donations. Support for FIND Food Bank can also be made via QR code.

Last year our station helped to raise $300,000.00 for programs helping those in the Coachella Valley who are food insecure.

Make sure to tune in to News Channel 3 on April 4th, and help us and FIND Food Bank fight hunger.

FIND Food Bank writes: “Your donation helps ensure that children, families, and seniors at risk of food insecurity know where their next meal is coming from. Give to ensure that children and their loved ones don’t have to chose between nourishing food, rent payments, lifesaving medicine, childcare, and essential utilities this summer and year-round.”

To read the full article and watch the video reporting: click here.

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