On Thursday, June 26, Amazon visited ENCONTRAR Banco de Alimentos to help tackle summer hunger and celebrate the company’s continued partnership with the Desert’s Regional Food Bank. The fourth annual event was marked by a $25,000 donation from Amazon, the equivalent of 100,000 meals, and an Amazon van loaded with food and health and household products to help FIND address the growing need for food and living assistance during the summer months.
Due to the intense heat and seasonality of the region, the desert community faces increased challenges as many working families experience job losses and children are home for summer break, losing access to school meals. Amazon’s annual partnership supports FIND in providing vital food resources to individuals and families experiencing summer hunger.
To help fill the summer meal gap, Amazon employees from sites across Southern California collected and donated more than 14 pallets of fresh and frozen food and household items to FIND. Beyond these employee-led donations, the company also leverages its vast logistics network to help deliver food supplies to FIND’s 225 homebound neighbors, making it easier for FIND to focus on deploying food and services to its 155 distribution sites.
“In the fourth year of our partnership, Amazon remains committed to supporting the 120,000 individuals that FIND serves on average each month,” said Debbie Espinosa, president and CEO of FIND Food Bank. “The Coachella Valley embodies the spirit of community, where people come together to ensure that no one is left behind. Amazon, as a corporation, along with the individuals who contribute to its success, is an integral part of that community, ensuring that everyone is taken care of.”
Following the unloading of the Amazon van and check presentation, a team of 30 Amazon operations staff dedicated the remainder of the morning to volunteering. The group, comprised of employees from four local Amazon sites, packed 400 senior boxes for distribution to FIND’s nearly 100 nonprofit community partners and directly to families in need.
“At Amazon, we believe in showing up for our communities in ways that truly matter,” said David Ambroz, Amazon’s head of community engagement for Southern California. “Partnering with FIND Food Bank means more than just a donation — it’s about meeting urgent needs with care and commitment. Our $25,000 contribution will help provide 100,000 meals, but just as importantly, our employees have stepped up to donate essential items that support families beyond the dinner table. The dedication of FIND’s team and the passion of our Amazon volunteers continue to inspire us as we work hand-in-hand to fight hunger in the Coachella Valley.”
Illustrating a shared commitment to ending local hunger, in attendance were elected officials from the offices of congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, supervisor V. Manuel Perez, and assemblymember Greg Wallis and the cities of Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Palm Desert.
“This event is an excellent example of public-private partnership,” said councilmember Dr. Toper Taylor of Indian Wells. “[Partnerships like Amazon and FIND] are an efficient way to give back to the community…We are very grateful to Amazon for their donations and [for volunteering] to make sure that food gets into the hands of those who need it.”
Amazon is committed to addressing hunger and has shown great support of FIND’s hunger relief work in the greater Coachella Valley and High Desert communities. The company has contributed to the organization through this annual partnership event, freight support, financial assistance, and volunteer service.
To learn more about FIND Food Bank, or to find volunteer opportunities and information about donations, visit findfoodbank.org.
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