FIND Food Bank serves it up for seniors in the valley

Marilyn Arcoli-Acaroli lives at the Parkview Villas in Rancho Mirage. Every other Wednesday she heads to the FIND Food Bank’s distribution at the community clubhouse, and says it’s a big help to her budget.

“When I go to the store, I’m price checker. I checking the price for everything, so when I come here after going to the grocery store, and I can pick up potatoes, and bread, and sometimes chicken, and green beans, onions … it’s a huge savings for me. I really appreciate it,” Marilyn said.

Those savings can be significant for residents across valley cities, even in Rancho Mirage, where food scarcity is a concern.

“In Rancho Mirage, specifically, people don’t know that we have poverty. About 11% of the population is living at the poverty level and has food insecurities,” Clark Hallren, FIND Food Bank board member said. He notes rising costs in housing and health care continues to weigh heavy on seniors, who often compensate by eating less.

Mayor of Rancho Mirage Ted Weill said it’s important the seniors in these city owned and managed housing communities have access to nutritious food in order to maintain their health. He said the FIND Food Bank caters specifically to those with medical concerns when providing food at the biweekly distribution.

You have a chance to Step Up to the Plate for the FIND Food Bank. Watch CBS Local 2 on April 7 from 5 to 11 p.m. for our annual telethon, where you can pledge your donation to help provide food for those in need around the valley. Call (760) 775-FOOD (3663) or go to FINDFoodBank.org to donate.

If you are interested in attending a food distribution, you can find those locations here.