F.I.N.D. Food In Need of Distribution
Years before my arrival at St. Margaret’s (1993) the parish had forged a relationship with FIND and was distributing food once a week. Over the years the need for this source of food has grown, and so has the response. I am proud of the work being done by FIND in the Coachella Valley and by the parish volunteers who distribute food every Tuesday morning. Here is a way our parish has partnered with a community resource to “change the world.” ~dan
FIND (Food in Need of Distribution) Food bank, is dedicated to mobilizing the resources of our community through education and awareness to relieve hunger, the causes of hunger and the problems associated with hunger.
Our Vision
To create, a community where our citizens are free of hunger insecurity. By educating our clients about alternative healthy food choices and informing them of various programs available to them to alleviate the upward spiral of demand. We envision our food insecure clients obtaining nourishing food through channels that are not solely dependent on private sources; where our clients can learn to become self-sufficient while mindful of healthy choices. (“Mission and Vision” on the FIND website)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who We Are
Q What is FIND (Food In Need of Distribution) Food Bank?
A. FIND is the Coachella Valley’s only Food Bank and it is our responsibility to ensure there is sufficient food to feed the hungry.
Q. How does FIND get the food?
A. We get our food from four sources.
- Large and Small (food drives) food donations from entities such as General Mills, Nabisco, Kraft, Cargill and many more.
- We are the USDA distributor for the Eastern Riverside County.
- We have 5 trucks operating each day going from different local grocery stores and products that are either close to expiration, damaged containers or just overstocked product.
- We purchase large quantity of product at wholesale prices to meet the needs of our agencies and operational programs such as Desert Kids Summer Feeding and Seniors Brown Bag.
Q. How is the food distributed?
A. Food is distributed through either our partnering agencies or directly through our emergency food programs.
Q. What geographical area does FIND serve?
A. Find serves the Eastern Riverside County along with parts of the high desert.
Q How many people does FIND help feed?
A. We are currently reaching on average 80,000 individuals monthly.
Q. How does FIND address food safety and nutrition?
A. We operate our warehouse under the strictest guidelines for food safety and are continuously working to obtain higher nutritional value type foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Programs and Support
Q. What is FIND doing to help people support themselves?
A. We are reaching out to the people we serve through our partnering agencies and helping them find alternative sources of aid, such as Food Stamps, WIC and general case management services.
Q. How successful is FIND is its fight against hunger?
A. FIND is working aggressively each and every day to end hunger in the Coachella Valley. Once we have a full commitment from our community we will be able to state, “We are a hunger free zone”.
How You Can Help
Q. How much of my donation will be used for acquisition of food?
A. For every dollar we are able serve 7 meals. This is because 98% or 86% of your donation goes to food acquisition.
Q. How many people will I feed with my donation?
A. $1 = 7 meals
$10 = 70 meals
$100 = 700 meals
Q. Why should I support FIND?
A. FIND Food Bank is the main provider of food to those who find themselves food insecure. This could mean a child, a senior, a family or a homeless individual.
Hunger does not Discriminate.
Hunger knows no age limits.
Hunger knows no boundaries.
WE KNOW HUNGER!
Serving Hungry Families in The Coachella Valley Since 1983.
Join us in our pledge to fight hunger in the Coachella Valley.
Q. How can I become a partner?
A. Either browse our web site and find the many ways you can make a difference through a donation that fits your needs or call us 760-775-FOOD (3663)
Q. Can I make recurring partner donations?
A. Yes, by donating on a recurring basis allows us to implement programs to better serve those in need.
Q Are volunteers needed?
A. Volunteers are the back bone to our success, we are always looking for opportunities to work with individuals or groups. Call or go to our web site for further details.
From the FIND website 3 January 2012
Hear what the Spirit is saying 