Imperial Valley Food Bank

PALO VERDE, CA– The Imperial Valley Food Bank is proud to assist all areas of the Imperial County now with the launch of a new monthly supplemental food distribution program for those experiencing food insecurity in the community of Palo Verde.

"We understand that many families living in Palo Verde are struggling to access food,” said Sara Griffen, Executive Director for the food bank. “We hope to provide not only supplemental nutritious food, but also foster a sense of hope and stability for those facing difficult circumstances in this region."

The I.V. Food Bank worked with community leaders in Palo Verde to notify residents of the first local mobile food distribution, which was held from 7:30AM to 9 AM outside the Palo Verde Improvement Association's Community Center on Friday, June 2.

“We will eat today,” said one Palo Verde resident, who wished to remain anonymous while attending the food distribution on Friday.

Community members received the same types of supplemental food that will be provided at mobile food pantries hosted by the Food Bank this June, which included watermelons, strawberries, cantaloupes, pineapples, tortillas, onions, pulled pork, chicken drumsticks, instant coffee, fruit juices, biscuits, and canned food goods.

“We are going to eat like kings and queens tonight!” said one Palo Verde resident who also asked to remain anonymous after driving up to the distribution on Friday.

Beyond the food and commodities received, residents also had the opportunity to speak with the food bank’s bilingual CalFresh Outreach team, who specializes in helping people navigate the application process for CalFresh known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.

The new monthly distribution is especially needed considering at least 400 residents live in poverty in Palo Verde, according to the latest U.S. Census data. Grocery stores are also not located in the immediate area.

“A Chevron gas station is the only grocery store option available,” explained Alba Sanchez, Director of Programs for the food bank. “Palo Verde residents often have to travel a great distance to meet their basic needs for affordable, healthy food.”

Although future distributions will be held on the first Friday of each month, the I.V. Food Bank team will be returning to Palo Verde on Tuesday, June 6th from 8AM to 1PM to register residents for a free personalized Food Bank ID card.

Additionally, the nonprofit’s Outreach team will also be available on Tuesday to speak with individuals about the CalFresh application process and answer any questions the community might have about the program’s monthly food benefits.

Palo Verde’s newest supplemental food distribution program is just one way the Imperial Valley Food Bank continues to make strides towards ending food insecurity in all parts of Imperial County.

If you would like to help support the Palo Verde community and assist the 25,000 Imperial County residents the I.V. Food Bank serves each month, please consider donating online today at www.ivfoodbank.org

If you or someone you know would like more information on obtaining a food assistance, please contact the I.V. Food Bank at (760) 545-0148.