Hundreds of people line up for holiday food distribution in Santa Maria
“Today, we’re really trying to get people to eat turkey and chicken, fresh produce, really good canned food, and healthy meals this season,” said Laurel Alcanter, senior development manager for the Santa Barbara County Food Bank. We provide staple food that can provide
Food bank volunteers and staff held their second holiday food distribution event for the winter season on Friday, just weeks after supplies ran out during drive-thru distributions leading up to Thanksgiving.
“We actually had to hand over about 200 cars because the demand was much higher than we expected,” added Alcantar.
Even hours before Friday’s distribution, organizers were expecting the same or even more turnouts. Food bank volunteers said they arrived at the Santa Maria warehouse off Foster Road at 7am.
Santa Maria’s mother, Yolanda Garcia, was just one of the hundreds who stopped by to buy food.
“It helps a lot because it gives me fruits, veggies, a lot of things that I can eat,” Garcia told KSBY.
She said it was the first time she had lined up early for a drive-thru distribution, adding that she would definitely come back next time.
“I want to thank everyone who is helping out here by providing us with food for our Christmas dinner now,” Garcia added.
Food bank volunteers also highlighted the increased demand for food seen in their communities during the holidays, joining early Friday morning wake-up calls so they can help fight food insecurity. He says he’s happy.
“It’s a rough way of life if you have to worry about feeding the kids or even getting your own food, and this takes a little bit of that stress out,” said the former volunteer at the nonprofit. Chuck Moore said this year.
“It’s Christmas time! We love giving them food,” added fellow volunteer Domingo Tabin.
According to organizers, more than 800 cars turned up for Friday’s distribution, but no one was turned away this time.
If you can’t attend the holiday drive-thru distribution event and still need food for the holiday weekend, the Food Bank regularly distributes groceries on Saturday mornings at the Pacific Christian Center off Blosser Road. increase.