March Updates From the Busy Vallarta Food Bank Francie Nguyen - Vallarta Food Bank
March 13, 2023

At Vallarta Food Bank we strongly believe that when organizations work together, we can make a bigger impact in our community. Last month, we received a huge donation of fresh vegetables and fruits. This donation was originally given to the RISE Organization, but they were kind enough to share with our soup kitchen. In turn, our soup kitchen shared the donation with three other organizations. Because of our teamwork, hundreds of people were able to enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits. We’re so proud to be part of this network in Vallarta.

Market Pantry Program

Our market pantry program which allows families to select their own food and supply using the point system is working well. Our goal is to continue adding more families each month to this system. To do so, we need help to replenish the shelves. Please do think of the families while you’re shopping and pick up some extra items for donations. You can drop off the food or supplies at our food bank at your convenience. For the elderly clients, adult diapers are in high demand.

In the meanwhile, our soup kitchen has served over 300,000 meals to date and will continue serving the community.

Easter Sunday Brunch

To continue raising money and awareness, we will have an Easter Sunday Brunch, April 9th at Oscar. Your attendance can make all the difference in helping feed our local community. We will have live music, auction, raffles, and most creative contest for Easter Bonnet. Tickets are on sale on our website and at Casita & Garden, Naranjo 321, Emiliano Zapata. Only $750 pesos includes brunch and drinks.

Tickets on sale now at VallartaFoodBank.org/Fundraiser-Tickets

Basic Healthcare

Access to basic healthcare is difficult for many Vallartaneese due to a lack of resources. At the food bank, we are working on building our clinic with a nurse, doctor, and dentist to ensure that everyone has access to quality, basic healthcare. We need examination room supplies and furniture (i.e., an exam table) If you have any unexpired medications or would like to financially contribute to this because you can help us make a difference!

Please help us make this clinic come true by donating at VallartaFoodBank.org/Donate

The Right to Shower

For people struggling with homelessness, finding a shower or place to get clean can be a struggle. At Vallarta Food Bank, we believe cleanliness is a basic human right. We have an outdoor shower for anyone who needs a safe place to get clean. We have towels, soaps, shampoo, toothbrushes available. We also have a free laundry facility because we know for anyone who is homeless, finding a way to do laundry is a dauting task. Something simple like having clean clothes can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

Updates: we are applying for a grant to install a new shower with an attached changing room. Will keep you posted.

Emergency Relief Services

Great news for this coming rainy season! We applied and received funding for some storm recovery and relief equipment from the Eagle's Wings Foundation Mexico! The most significant equipment is the 3000-liter water tank trailer (known as a pipa) that was purpose-built to help with our emergency relief services. Clean water is something many people in the surrounding areas do without regularly, especially after storms and other natural disasters.

So, look for it on the street soon! We'll be out helping where we can as always!

Monthly Donations

Monthly donors play a critical role in helping fight hunger in Puerto Vallarta. Consistent monthly donations allow us to budget for hot meals at the soup kitchen, market pantry and despensas to-go while also expanding healthcare resources, community programming and emergency relief services to those that need it most. When we can better forecast our monthly budget, each dollar and peso can nearly double in value. Put simply; monthly donations act as the backbone of our entire operation.

Just 10 USD ensures a despensa is sent every month to a local family, providing food to neighboring households. Being able to count on that $10 ensures our core mission — feeding the beautiful community of Puerto Vallarta — continues to be met as we increase access to other basic needs such as hygiene, clothing, baby supplies, legal aid, self-defense, medicine, and more.

Are you interested in making a monthly donation? It's easy on our website: VallartaFoodBank.org/Monthly-Membership

We are grateful and thankful for all of you!

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