Donation barrels have been placed throughout the arena, making it easy for Firebirds fans and community members to drop off canned goods and essential shelf-stable items. The partnership runs through December 19, giving the public several weeks to contribute.

Find Food Bank leaders say the need for food assistance has surged by nearly 40% this season. About one in six valley residents now face food insecurity, worsened by ongoing economic uncertainty and delays in SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. With demand rising, the organization is asking for both food donations and volunteers to help serve growing lines at distribution sites.

One Valley Foundation’s new executive director, Kate Spates, says this marks the third year of the holiday partnership, which also offers raffle incentives for those who donate at arena events and at the Welcome Center. The food drive continues through all Firebirds home games and live shows through December 19.

The puck drops at 7 p.m., but the giving has already begun — and the community is encouraged to join in as the season of giving gets underway.

The post Find Food Bank and One Valley Foundation Launch Canned Food Drive at Acrisure Arena appeared first on FIND Food Bank.

“For FIND Food bank, we want to make sure every day they know where their next meal is coming from. But especially during the holiday season when it can be sometimes one of the most difficult times for people that are struggling with hunger,” explains Debbie Espinosa, President and CEO of FIND Food Bank.

Espinosa says she has noticed an alarming trend, more and more people line up to provide healthy meals for their families.

“It’s important for us to be able to put out as many healthy meals as possible towards the end of the year because our lines sometimes increase by almost 10%,” Espinosa said.

Food banks are a critical resource in our desert cities. 1 in 6 people experience food insecurity here in the Coachella Valley.

“Many people have struggled throughout the year and they get tired. So by the time they come to us, they’ve really worked hard to try to make ends meet and during the holiday season they just want to be able to take a breath,” Espinosa said.

Read more and watch the news video clip here.

The post FIND Food Bank tackles food insecurity during the holiday season appeared first on FIND Food Bank.