As more and more of our Latino neighbors are detained and deported, more children are going hungry. Since the majority of detentions have been of the breadwinners in families, the family member with the driver's license and the family member with the most knowledge of how to manage the local community, the people left behind are increasingly isolated, and unable to meet basic daily food needs. The board of Grupo Latinoamericano have noticed a huge rise the number of women and children needing food assistance. What's more, the lack of transportation and the fear of arrest keeps families from accessing food banks. Even when families can access food banks, they are often left confused and bewildered by the choices on offer- limited English folks from rural backgrounds don't know what to do with a box of stove top stuffing, how to read the instructions or even how to eat it. They know how to cook and manage beans, rice, eggs and other basic whole foods.


I have seen the need up close through my work with Grupo Latinoamericano (I serve on the board) and have seen the need grow. We currently drain our limited budget shopping at Walmart to buy food for families. We know that we could operate more efficiently and use our time and money more effectively if we could establish a food bank where the community could donate culturally appropriate food items and funds. We would continue to deliver to families in need and have volunteer drivers ready to serve. We have secured the promise of a local partner- the Downtown Farm Stop for space to house our Food Bank and will purchase fresh, locally grown foods from them in exchange for the use of space. Your donation will help us provide healthy food that local families in need can use and appreciate: eggs, cheese, rice, beans and vegetables. We are a completely volunteer-run organization and all donations will go directly to the purchase of food and supplies for our Latino neighbors.