The Imperial Valley Food Bank has launched a campaign to build a new warehouse and distribution center. And its timing appears to be right on the mark.
Hunger is a major problem in Imperial County, one of the poorest parts of California.
The county has a high poverty rate, and many people grapple with chronic unemployment.
Sara Griffen, the food bank’s executive director, said families are having a tough time.
“This cycle of poverty over many years of subsistence living has left just a lot of parents unable to care for their children," she said.
As a result, more than one out of three Imperial County children don't always know where their next meal is coming from.
The Imperial Valley Food Bank has set a goal of raising $6 million to upgrade its aging facilities. That money would enable the bank to add more refrigeration, freezer space and build a teaching kitchen.
Rabobank has already donated $1 million to the campaign. Other contributors include the James Irvine Foundation and the Imperial Irrigation District.
Griffen said so far, the food bank has reached 57 percent of its goal.
