Local & Community
How Local Grocery Stores Are Helping Feed Hundreds of Coachella Valley Families Each Week
Every week, thousands of pounds of food that might otherwise be discarded are given a second chance to help families across the Coachella Valley.
Through a partnership with Feeding America, Food Now Pantry in Desert Hot Springs collects surplus food donations from local grocery stores and redistributes them to residents facing food insecurity.
The network includes dozens of participating stores that donate a variety of items, including fresh produce, dairy products, baked goods, and shelf-stable pantry staples.
Each morning, Food Now drivers travel throughout the valley, making scheduled pickups from participating grocery stores before bringing the donations back to the pantry.
One of those stops is the Vons in Desert Hot Springs, where carts of donated food are prepared before the Food Now truck arrives.
The route also includes Grocery Outlet, whose owners say donating food has become an important part of supporting the local community.
Once the donations arrive at Food Now, volunteers and staff sort, inspect, and package the food before it is distributed to hundreds of local families each week.
For Grocery Outlet and the other participating stores, the effort is about more than reducing food waste—it's about making sure surplus food reaches neighbors who need it most.
As the Food Now truck returns from another morning of pickups, it's a reminder that a routine grocery stop can have a lasting impact, helping transform food that might have gone to waste into meals for families throughout the community.
By: Alondra Campos
July 15, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What do you think is really going on here? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #coachella #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
During the 2025-2026 school year, PEN America reported there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide, the largest number of book bans in a single year since the group started tracking numbers in 2021.
Delta Airlines overhauled its frequent flyer program in 2024. CNN’s Randi Kaye asks Delta CEO Ed Bastian if the airline has made it more difficult for flyers to earn status and if any further changes to the loyalty program are on the horizon.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Festival?
‘The Hayden’ is back @babysmarche !! John Hayden himself took a trip to the Indian Wells staple for lunch and to chat with @chefjustinsnyder on how it became the most popular item on the menu! #TheHayden
🛑A bike ride ended in tragedy Monday night in Palm Springs. A bicyclist died after being struck by a car around 8:30 PM on E. Palm Canyon Dr. The driver stayed at the scene and police say there’s no indication of foul play or impairment. ❓Saw the crash or have video from the area? Call Palm Springs police at (760) 327–1441.
Social Time: Jerry sings the end! 🎶🎵
CALIFORNIA IS AGING FAST... BUT WHERE WILL THE WORKFORCE LIVE? #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #agingpopulation #nbcpalmsprings
119 jobs on the line and DRD’s General Manager won’t answer questions … Drop a comment 👇: Would you vote YES or NO on giving a district more money if they refuse to answer transparency questions? #therogginreport #drd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings