Community Comes Together for Successful Food Bank Distribution Event in Los Fresnos

Updated: July 27, 2023

Emilio Flores
LFN

On Tuesday, July 18th, the Los Fresnos EMS & Fire Department Center offered their support for a drive-through food bank distribution event. The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley Inc. organized the collaborative event, bringing together the Los Fresnos Fire/EMS, Police Department, a local church, and dedicated volunteers from the community. With a mission to help those in need and spread kindness, the event saw an impressive turnout, providing fresh produce and canned food to approximately 1,529 individuals in 306 families.

The idea to use the EMS & Fire Department Center for the distribution came from Los Fresnos Fire Chief, Chief Daniels. Chief Daniels says, “Fire/ems allowed the Food Bank to use our facility so they could do a drive-through distribution to keep everyone and everything out of the sun,” allowing them to organize a safe and efficient drive-through distribution.

To ensure smooth traffic flow and safety during the event, the Los Fresnos Police Department stepped in and provided traffic control starting as early as 7 am. This assistance was invaluable in making the distribution accessible and convenient for everyone involved.

*Photo of the three RGV Food Bank personnel from L to R: Yara Doyle, Director of Operations. James Csanyi, Warehouse Associate. Karla Ramirez, Relief Food Handling Coordinator.*

Yara L. Doyle, the Director of Operations for the Food Bank, expressed her delight in being able to extend their support to the Los Fresnos community. This event marked the first distribution held in the area, and Doyle was thrilled to offer fresh produce and canned food to those in need.

The numbers from the distribution speak volumes about the impact it had on the community. A total of 16,710 pounds of food were distributed, with 11,446 pounds dedicated to fresh produce and an additional 5,264 pounds for other food items. The event served a total of 1,529 individuals, including 613 adults and an impressive 916 children, in 306 families.

Each family that participated in the distribution received 55 pounds of food, an equivalent of $95.02 per family in value.

Looking forward to the future, Yara L. Doyle expressed her hope to continue supporting the Los Fresnos community with more distributions. She plans to reach out to Chief Daniels to confirm future dates and continue the vital work of alleviating food insecurity in the area.

Chief Daniels and his team at the Los Fresnos Fire/EMS played a vital role in making the event a resounding success. Their selfless contribution of manpower ensured that the distribution ran smoothly and efficiently, making a real difference in the lives of hundreds of families.

Yara L. Doyle extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Los Fresnos Fire/EMS and the Los Fresnos Police Department for their invaluable support. Their collaboration and dedication were essential in making the distribution event possible and reaching a large number of people in need.

Additionally, the volunteers from the local church demonstrated remarkable commitment and compassion, contributing to the event’s success. Their assistance and hard work were instrumental in ensuring that the distribution ran seamlessly.

Overall, the food bank distribution event in Los Fresnos showcased the power of unity and kindness within a community. By working together, local organizations, volunteers, and community members made a significant impact on those that needed it. The event served as a reminder that when a community comes together, it can create positive change and support those in need.