Cathedral City Resident Launches Community Pantry to Help Families

A Cathedral City resident is stepping up to help her neighbors during a difficult time following recent cuts to the federal SNAP program. Many families across the Coachella Valley say they’re struggling to put food on the table, and one woman’s solution is already making a big difference.

NBC Palm Springs’ Alondra Campos reports from Cathedral City, where local resident Kristina Bruno has created a fully stocked community food pantry on Brookview Way near Century Park. The “take what you need, leave what you can” pantry has served as a lifeline for dozens of residents since it opened just a few weeks ago.

Bruno says she was moved to act after hearing repeated stories of families facing financial strain due to reduced SNAP benefits. Today, the pantry shelves are filled with canned goods, boxed pasta, cereal, and even personal hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and soap, all available to anyone, no questions asked.

The pantry has quickly become a community hub. Residents stop by throughout the day to pick up essentials for their families, while others drop off donations ranging from food items to water to hygiene products. Volunteers say the shelves have been restocked multiple times in recent days thanks to the community’s generosity.

Later today, we’ll hear more from Christina and the neighbors supporting her efforts and how you can get involved, especially on this Giving Tuesday.

For NBC Palm Springs, I’m Alondra Campos.