“It’s a great help for my family. I come from far away, but it’s worth it because the donations last me about a month. I am grateful to the people who volunteer their time to distribute this food because everything is very expensive right now,” said Mrs. Cecilia Gutierrez, after receiving a pantry from the San Diego Food Bank.
Every second Wednesday of the month, in the parking lot of the Oxford Terrace Apartments (555 Oxford Street, Chula Vista), at least 450 families receive donations, which may include cheese, fresh or frozen fruits, oil, canned goods, fresh or frozen vegetables, meats, chicken, or frozen seafood, beans, lentils, rice, among other foods that vary each time, reported Laura Melgoza, the site manager.
“We distribute what we receive. Interested individuals must fill out a form and are given a credential that allows us to keep a record of the number of families served. But if there are people who do not wish to provide their information, they just sign the sheet and are also assisted. On each occasion, we work from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon, or until the pantries run out,” said Melgoza.
Everything is provided free of charge by volunteers who help maintain order and ensure that everyone is served.
Following the Wednesday, March 13th event, the next distribution dates will be April 10th, May 8th, June 12th, July 10th, August 14th, September 11th, October 9th, November 13th, and December 11th. For information, you can visit sandiegofoodbank.org.