Local Realtor’s Donation Drive Fights Shortage At Lompoc Food Pantry
Jarrod Zinn
LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – The Lompoc Food Pantry is experiencing critical shortages of its supply, while the needs of local families are only increasing.
The community is coming together to fight the shortage.
There’s a sense of determination that no one in this community will be going without food this November, especially for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
With the federal government shutdown set to affect those on benefits programs, the approaching Thanksgiving holiday has many feeling on edge.
“In the past, we were able to order and supplement items, complete a Thanksgiving package for families to take home to go with a turkey or ham that other small businesses or donors will come and donate,” says Monique Luna, the Lompoc Food Pantry’s coordinator. “This year, there’s no budget for that.”
But some Lompoc residents are taking action.
“We know that there’s a large aid that’s about to vanish and the need for this type of thing is growing,” says Jose Montes, a Real estate broker in Lompoc. “The demand is growing, but the supply, it’s not showing up at a fast enough pace.”
Learning about the increase in need has local community members coming together to fight the shortage, such as local real estate broker Jose Montes, who has set up a donation drive through his office.
“If you have the ability to donate perishable, nonperishable, please bring it to our office,” says Montes. “Everything and anything is welcome. We will make sure we get it to the program. We will make sure we get it to the people that need these things.”
He’s also spearheading other donations from local farmers to increase the amount of fresh produce flowing through the donation center.
“The biggest part of what we need help with is the non-perishables,” says Luna. “So that’s how we stock our shelves and that’s how we’re able to maintain items for families to be able to get through the month.”
Montes is looking to spread the word to anyone who can donate any food items to fill in critical gaps and make sure all of Lompoc’s families can celebrate Thanksgiving.
Donations can be dropped off daily at the Lompoc Food Pantry from 10am to 2pm, or at the office of Jose Montes at 514 North H Street from 9am to 1pm.
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