Local & Community
Food Banks See Surve in Demand as Food Insecurity Climbs
A new survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that more Americans are struggling with food insecurity today than during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey found that 10 percent of households reported skipping meals because they could not afford food, while nearly 16 percent relied on food donations. Researchers say rising costs for groceries, housing, utilities, and transportation have placed increasing financial pressure on many families.
Those national trends are also being felt locally.
Tom Tragesser, executive director of Food Now in Desert Hot Springs, said the organization has seen client numbers rise roughly 30 percent over the past year and a half. He says the pantry is now serving more than 600 clients per week, compared to about 400 to 450 previously.
Tragesser attributes the increase to a combination of higher living expenses, job losses, and reductions in SNAP and USDA food assistance programs.
Many of the people seeking help are experiencing temporary financial hardships, including unexpected medical bills, vehicle repairs, or periods of unemployment. Tragesser says Food Now serves as a bridge for families working to get back on their feet.
He also wants residents facing food insecurity to know they are not alone and encourages anyone in need to seek assistance without embarrassment.
Food Now accepts food donations and serves residents in Desert Hot Springs and surrounding communities. More information about the organization, volunteer opportunities, and donation programs can be found at foodnowdhs.org.
By: Caitlyn Kelley
June 3, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Meet Linda from Memphis. 👋 After hours of flight delays at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), Linda and other stranded passengers found themselves without food vouchers, hotel accommodations or even food options once airport restaurants and vending machines closed. Why were there no food options available at PSP for passengers stranded at the airport last night? Have a similar experience or additional information? Email our newsroom at news@nbcpalmsprings.com.
Passenger at Palm Springs International Airport, Kaitlyn James expresses frustration over airlines communications and operations during the almost 5 hour, nationwide, FAA ground stop #faa #groundstop #continuingcoverage #reactions #localnews
After over 4 hours of fully stopped departures, passengers make their way back to the Palm Springs International Airport after the nationwide ground stop was lifted #groundstop #faa #update #coachellavalley #760
You asked what those 39,000 public records actually uncovered. Here are the receipts. #therogginreport #deserthotsprings #localnews #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
BREAKING NEWS 🚨: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ISSUES NATIONWIDE GROUND STOP, HALTING DEPARTURES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs on our socials and story posts for the latest updates #breakingnews #faa #nbcpalmsprings #groundstop #nationalnews
🎣 The fish are coming to Lake Cahuilla! Watch as Lake Cahuilla is stocked with fish ahead of the community Fishing Derby! A big thank-you to Mark Jernigan, owner of Yellow Mart in Indio, for being a longtime supporter of this special community event. Local businesses like Yellow Mart help keep traditions like this going! Get ready to cast a line and enjoy a great day at the lake! 🐟 #LakeCahuilla #FishingDerby #YellowMart #IndioCA #CoachellaValley #CommunitySupport
FINAL SCORE: FIREBIRDS WIN! 🔥🏒 A 2-1 victory for your Coachella Valley Firebirds tonight! Another hard-fought win, another reason to celebrate in the desert! 🐦🔥 WHO’S READY FOR MORE? 🔥 #Firebirds #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValley #HockeyTown #firebirdswin
🏒 PREGAME WITH TIM O’BRIEN! 🔥 The Firebirds are back on home ice tonight, and Tim O’Brien has the message heading into tonight’s matchup! Coachella Valley is looking to turn things around and defend home ice against the San Jose Barracuda. It’s time to get loud, Firebirds fans! LET’S GO BIRDS! 🔥 📍 Acrisure Arena 🕖 Puck drop: 7 PM #CVFirebirds #OneValley #TimOBrien #Hockey #FirebirdsHockey
289 requests from ONE requester-14x more than anyone else in the city. s That’s 2,200 staff hours and over $100K in wages alone coming straight out of taxpayers pockets. 😳 #therogginreport #deserthotsprings #publicrecords #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
An 18-year-old’s life cut short and a search for answers continues. Authorities identified Angel Luna of Desert Hot Springs as the young man killed in a shooting Tuesday night on Calle Rojo in Coachella. No arrest have been made, and investigators are working to identify suspects.