About a dozen CalGuard members are currently stationed at the food bank’s Indio warehouse, helping distribute more food than ever before. With soaring demand, the added manpower allows Find Food Bank to keep operations moving smoothly as they work to reach families facing food shortages throughout the region.

Leaders say they are grateful for the reinforcement, noting that teamwork between staff, volunteers, and Guard members is making a meaningful difference at a time when local needs are at their highest.

“It’s part of a good plan,” a Find Food Bank representative said. “We’ve got a great group — our volunteers, and now these guys coming from wherever they’re coming from to serve us. It’s just good camaraderie and good community coming together.”

Find Food Bank currently helps feed roughly 120,000 people per month, a number that has climbed as many households struggle with the rising cost of essentials and reduced access to assistance programs.

Community members who wish to help can donate or volunteer. Find Food Bank will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and the following day.

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Twelve Cal Guard members will be stationed at FIND’s Indio warehouse, providing hands-on assistance with food sorting, packaging, and distribution. Their support couldn’t come at a better time — FIND is serving an increased number of families struggling to make ends meet amid delayed federal paychecks and disruptions to CalFresh benefits that impact more than 50,000 people locally each month.

Mayor Glenn Miller Welcomes the Troops
Indio Mayor Glenn Miller was on-site Wednesday morning to greet the service members and personally thank them for their dedication.

“Thank you for coming and helping us,” said Miller. “Right now, we’re not going to be able to make it without you. As you get into the groove of getting those boxes ready, think about the families you’re supporting. It may not be the work you’re used to, but it’s incredibly important for our residents.”

FIND Regional Food Bank President & CEO Debbie Espinosa said Cal Guard’s support is helping to fill critical gaps as the organization works to keep food flowing to more than 150 distribution sites across a 10,000-square-mile region.

“FIND Regional Food Bank is incredibly grateful to Cal Guard for their service to the community,” said Espinosa. “Their dedication ensures that thousands of families, seniors, and children continue to receive the food they need to stay healthy and nourished during this time of hardship.”

The Cal Guard team will handle logistics inside the warehouse, break down bulk food shipments, and help distribute food directly to residents through FIND’s mobile markets and partner agencies. Their efforts also help offset a volunteer shortage as FIND moves into one of its busiest times of the year outside the traditional holiday volunteer rush.

Lieutenant Colonel Jason Confoloni, who is overseeing the Guard’s local operations, said the troops are eager to give back.

“We have hundreds of soldiers who’ve raised their hands to volunteer,” he said. “Our goal is simple — to help California citizens get the food they need. We’re honored to serve.”

FIND and the Cal Guard have worked together during previous times of crisis, including natural disasters and pandemic-related surges in food demand. This latest deployment reinforces their shared commitment to ensuring that no one in the Coachella Valley goes hungry — especially as the holidays approach.

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The presence of California Army National Guard – or Cal Guard – troops comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom announced late last month he would deploy soldiers in this manner.

The last time the Guard was called on to assist food banks was during the coronavirus pandemic.

After arriving at FIND’s Indio warehouse early Monday morning, a dozen National Guard soldiers, led by Sgt. 1st Class Gonzalo Aldape, attended an orientation before heading to their first action Monday evening.

National Guard soldiers worked alongside FIND volunteers during a food distribution at Mecca Elementary School. Starting at 4:00 p.m., dozens of people lined up in cars and on foot to receive fresh produce, like strawberries and asparagus, dairy products, and other foods. “California is my state. California is my home. And we’re glad to be here,” said Aldape.

Debbie Espinosa, the President and CEO of FIND Regional Food Bank, said the timing of the National Guard’s assistance was perfect. Right now, the food bank is seeing a large increase in families needing assistance. According to Espinosa, lines have increased by roughly 40% in recent weeks as the government shutdown affected both federal employees – who missed multiple paychecks – and families that rely on SNAP/EBT benefits.

FIND’s seasonal volunteers – many who are snowbirds and begin volunteering after the start of the new year – largely have not returned to the Coachella Valley. That mix of high demand and low staffing isn’t ideal.

“We have one of our highest times of need, just like we saw during the time of the pandemic,” said Espinosa. “So when you have a low amount of volunteers and you have a high amount of need, thank goodness we have Cal Guard to be able to help us fill that gap in between.”

FIND staff said without adequate volunteers, there have been times where they have had to ask all of its employees to assist with packing to ensure the people who rely on their food don’t go hungry. But with the addition of the 12 Cal Guard personnel, there’s added peace of mind knowing bodies will be available to keep those in need fed.

The Guard expects to work Monday through Saturday until December.

Of the 12 troops serving the Coachella Valley during this time, one has served the desert community before; Debarr is returning to Indio after previously working with FIND during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indio Mayor Glenn Miller, who also welcomed the National Guard Monday morning, said the city is fully behind the help the soldiers will bring.

“Thank you to the National Guard and everybody that’s here. We appreciate the support – the City of Indio – and FIND Food [Bank]. We are 100% behind them coming out, and when you see them, come up and shake their hand and say, ‘Thank you for helping.'”

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