Palm Springs ice cream festival supports LGBTQ+ food bank with growing government shutdown need
Timothy Foster
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — As the government shutdown stretches on, food insecurity is rising across the Coachella Valley, and local organizations are stepping up to help.
Over the weekend, the first-ever Scoop Palm Springs Ice Cream Festival brought hundreds of people downtown for a day of sweets, music, and community. Behind the celebration, the event aimed to raise money for the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s food bank.
The Center’s food program serves hundreds of residents every week, offering free groceries and fresh produce to low-income individuals and families, including many affected by recent federal aid delays. With government programs like CalFresh and SNAP disrupted by the ongoing shutdown, local demand has increased significantly.
Daniel Szpak, founder of Scoop Palm Springs and chief organizer of the event, explained that food insecurity continues to be a problem in the community, especially with funding cuts, and that all proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the LGBTQ Center’s Community Food Bank. The event provides a fun way for the community to give back and make a real impact.
Center staff noted that they are serving over 500 households every week and adding new families constantly. Events like the festival are essential to keeping the food bank stocked and meeting growing community needs.
The ice cream festival featured local vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, turning a classic treat into a way to fight hunger and support inclusion. Organizers plan to make it an annual Palm Springs tradition, helping the community come together one scoop at a time.
Residents who want to donate or volunteer with the LGBTQ Community Center’s food bank can visit thecentercv.org