INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The National Guard arrived in the Coachella Valley Monday morning at FIND Regional Food Bank in Indio. Personnel will assist food bank staff in the warehouse with packing food for distribution and handing out food at FIND’s distribution sites.
The presence of California Army National Guard – or Cal Guard – troops comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom announced late last month he would deploy soldiers in this manner.
The last time the Guard was called on to assist food banks was during the coronavirus pandemic.
After arriving at FIND’s Indio warehouse early Monday morning, a dozen National Guard soldiers, led by Sgt. 1st Class Gonzalo Aldape, attended an orientation before heading to their first action Monday evening.
National Guard soldiers worked alongside FIND volunteers during a food distribution at Mecca Elementary School. Starting at 4:00 p.m., dozens of people lined up in cars and on foot to receive fresh produce, like strawberries and asparagus, dairy products, and other foods. “California is my state. California is my home. And we’re glad to be here,” said Aldape.
Debbie Espinosa, the President and CEO of FIND Regional Food Bank, said the timing of the National Guard’s assistance was perfect. Right now, the food bank is seeing a large increase in families needing assistance. According to Espinosa, lines have increased by roughly 40% in recent weeks as the government shutdown affected both federal employees – who missed multiple paychecks – and families that rely on SNAP/EBT benefits.
FIND’s seasonal volunteers – many who are snowbirds and begin volunteering after the start of the new year – largely have not returned to the Coachella Valley. That mix of high demand and low staffing isn’t ideal.
“We have one of our highest times of need, just like we saw during the time of the pandemic,” said Espinosa. “So when you have a low amount of volunteers and you have a high amount of need, thank goodness we have Cal Guard to be able to help us fill that gap in between.”
FIND staff said without adequate volunteers, there have been times where they have had to ask all of its employees to assist with packing to ensure the people who rely on their food don’t go hungry. But with the addition of the 12 Cal Guard personnel, there’s added peace of mind knowing bodies will be available to keep those in need fed.
The Guard expects to work Monday through Saturday until December.
Of the 12 troops serving the Coachella Valley during this time, one has served the desert community before; Debarr is returning to Indio after previously working with FIND during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indio Mayor Glenn Miller, who also welcomed the National Guard Monday morning, said the city is fully behind the help the soldiers will bring.
“Thank you to the National Guard and everybody that’s here. We appreciate the support – the City of Indio – and FIND Food [Bank]. We are 100% behind them coming out, and when you see them, come up and shake their hand and say, ‘Thank you for helping.'”
