Scoop Palm Springs returns to support food bank as Pride celebrations begin

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — As Palm Springs heads into Pride celebrations, a local ice cream festival is bringing attention to another community need: helping people afford food.

The second annual Scoop Palm Springs Ice Cream Festival returns to Downtown Park on Sunday, November 1, with organizers pledging 100% of net proceeds to The LGBTQ Center’s Community Food Bank.

The food bank provides free groceries to hundreds of local families each week, according to the festival’s organizers. The fundraiser connects an afternoon of tastings and entertainment with support for residents facing food insecurity.

Last year’s inaugural Palm Springs festival raised $21,000 and collected more than 300 pounds of food for the food bank, according to this year’s event announcement. Organizers are continuing that partnership for the festival’s second year.

This year’s lineup features more than 20 ice cream, gelato and paleta makers, with more than 50 flavors advertised. General admission includes ten two-ounce tastings, alongside music and family activities.

New this year is The Scoop Collective, a limited ticket experience featuring collaborations between local dessert makers and other culinary businesses, including a special ice cream sandwich and an affogato.

Attendees can also contribute nonperishable food items through the festival’s community food drive.

The festival is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. at Downtown Park. For event details, visit scoopsandiego.org/scoop-palm-springs.

Stay tuned for the full story on News Channel 3 at 10 and 11.