Cathedral City Issues Advisory to Resident Operating Front Yard Community Pantry

A Cathedral City woman who gained attention for running a free community pantry from her front yard has received a code enforcement field advisory from the city.

Kristina Bruno, a longtime resident of Brookview Avenue, was visited by city representatives on Wednesday who photographed the wooden pantry structure she installed in her yard. The self-serve cabinet offers canned goods, boxed pasta, cereal, and personal hygiene items to anyone in need, no questions asked.

The city confirmed it issued Bruno an advisory — not an official citation — and said it remains open to working with her to find a solution that allows her to continue serving the community while maintaining compliance with local codes.

Bruno launched the pantry after witnessing neighbors struggle with rising costs, particularly following cuts to SNAP food benefits. Drawing from her own experience with food insecurity, she created what she describes as a private, judgment-free alternative to traditional food banks.

"There was a time when my husband and I had our daughter and we were on food stamps," Bruno said. "It's not a lot, and I remember having to go to multiple stores just to stretch what we had. It's difficult."

The initiative has grown beyond Bruno's expectations. The pantry receives daily visitors, and community members have responded by donating items, with one anonymous donor recently contributing approximately $500 worth of groceries. Some residents have even exchanged items, taking what they can use and leaving what they cannot.

With the holidays approaching and winter settling into the Coachella Valley, she had planned to expand the pantry to include clothing and blankets.