In the spirit of Guy Tedesco, the founder of Food Now, David and twin-brother Dana Johnson along with the help of numerous awesome dedicated volunteers is feeding the hungry in Desert Hot Springs, North Palm Springs, even Sky Valley and few other surrounding communities now.
The problem is that Food Now is strictly a donor driven non-profit organization. While demand is up, supplies and donations are down. Desert Hot Springs growing number of “nontraditional” clients are struggling with the consequences of rising food & gas prices. Unemployment is a staggering number of 30%, the future looks bleak for many. Food Now is feeding nearly 2200 households with 45,000 pounds of food a month, and continuously growing.
There is some poor stigma attached to ask for food. It is humiliating and embarrassing for many to seek food via charity. So, they only do it when they are definitely desperate.
However, you do not feel that at Food Now. It is a great place, and they do welcome their clients with a smile and dignity and supply them with wholesome well-balanced food and a hug. And now, since their fusion with Family Services of the Desert even provide excellence counseling and additional family support services.
FSOD provides mental health and family services to residents of Eastern Riverside County. With Anger Management /Domestic Violence Group, Child Abuse Group, Parenting Group and many other services are available. (click for their website)
Food Now is a success story, and they do live by their mission statement:
“It is our mission to alleviate hunger and fight food insecurity in our communities by providing healthy and nutritious food for people in need. Through education and nutritional support, we promote the health and wellness of families, infants and children.”
There is no shame, to reach out for help.
Even so, Food Now needs your help, please donate to feed the hungry in your town Desert Hot Springs. Go to their informative web site and click the donor button and pledge what you can afford.
Food Now and Family Services are at 14080 Palm Drive behind the UPS store in the Von’s shopping center.
Registration:
Tues. & Wed. – 1:00pm
Distribution:
Tues. Thurs. – 9:00am and 11:30am
please be on time; doors will close sharp at 9:00am.
