Agua Caliente Tribe and FIND Food Bank announce new food box initiative

A Coachella Valley tribe, a local food bank, and a food distribution company announced a food box partnership Thursday to help feed families who are in need of food during the pandemic.

In a statement, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians said it was proud to partner up with Southern California Sunrise Produce agricultural distributor and FIND Food Bank.

It's part of the FDA's Farmers to Families Food Box Program. The move will bring fresh locally-grown produce to local tables during the impacts of the global pandemic.

The statement says the USDA invested $3 billion to create the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. It helps farmers and distributors move fresh produce, dairy and meat products from farms and regional and local distributors to consumers so the food can be consumed rather than go to waste.

"As a tribal government, we are eager to step up to become a partner to get fresh food to families throughout Coachella Valley and support our regional agricultural community," Tribal Chairman Jeff L. Grubbe said.

"Over the next six weeks, we will donate our entire allocation of 2,320 boxes of fruit and vegetables – more than 51,000 pounds of fresh food – to FIND Food Bank," Grubbe said, "so all this fresh food can be shared with their large network of food pantries, homeless shelters and families throughout the Coachella Valley."

Grubbe added, "Sunrise Produce will make sure the food is picked up at regional farms and delivered to FIND Food Bank, who will make sure the nutritious food is shared with community members and families who need it most."

The move also helps the agriculture industry hurt by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, schools, and other food service entities due to the Pandemic.

Debbie Espinosa, President & CEO of FIND Food Bank said, "The importance of strong partnerships among leading organizations in our community is key right now as the economic impact of COVID 19 is so widespread and through so many sectors."

Espinosa added, "with both FIND and Agua Caliente understanding the scope and scale of our community similarly, our partnership is strong. I'm thankful that will be able to serve so many people in need together."

Sunrise Produce Company focuses on priority distribution to non-profit organizations, which includes school districts, universities, food banks, health care, churches, and food pantries.