Mission

Our mission is “to lead community efforts in the awareness and elimination of hunger in Monterey County” by providing fresh produce and other meaningful nourishment that assuage hunger and address nutritional concerns.

The Big Idea

Transporting locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables presented in a welcoming market style setting and serving healthy hot meals, our Mobile Produce Truck and Food Truck can visit multiple locations in one trip. We currently serve over 1 in 4 residents and 1 in 3 children and most of our clients live in food desert areas and lack transportation. Our trucks literally meet them where they are-schools, worksites, housing complexes, and other accessible sites-and take place at convenient times, including evenings and weekends. In addition to filling in nutrition gaps in areas with limited or no food resources, this versatile distribution model features culturally sensitive foods and affirms the agency and dignity of our clients by providing free choice. We stock our truck with produce grown by first-gen farmers from disadvantaged communities. These farmers are utilizing our resources-land, refrigerated vehicles, and other equipment-to launch their businesses and achieve self-sufficiency.

I work seven days a week to support my family. The experience of living with food insecurity is embarrassing and hurtful. It makes you feel less than a mom when you can’t feed your children. I am so very grateful for the food bank and the healthy food they provide. They are so much more than just food. They are so responsive to situations affecting our community and so supportive. I just think, if you are not eating, how are you going to do well in school? How are you going to be able to work? Honestly, food is the basis of everything.

- Teresa S.