Grant funding gives Community Cupboard new truck

Mayor Bill Zimmerman and Community Cupboard Director Dawn Smith check out the new truck.

Press release from the City of Menifee:

MENIFEE – Working in close partnership with the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard (MVCC), the City of Menifee was able to help the local nonprofit secure grant funding through CalRecycle to acquire a new refrigerated box truck that will allow for expanded food donation and distribution programs in Menifee. A special ribbon cutting for the new truck was held at the City of Menifee’s Fall Fest event on Saturday, Oct. 21.

“Everyone here at the Cupboard is very excited to have this refrigerated truck,” said MVCC Executive Director Dawn Smith. “This new resource will expand our collection of perishable food donations and help us distribute that food through our mobile pantries in the Romoland and Quail Valley communities.”

The new truck will allow MVCC to double its distribution to families in need of fresh food. Food donations from local businesses will be collected and provided to satellite food distribution events to serve residents where it is needed the most.

“Working collaboratively with local nonprofits benefits the entire Menifee community,” said Mayor Bill Zimmerman. “Helping the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard secure state funding for a new refrigerated truck ensures they can expand the great service they offer to the residents in our city.”

No identification or registration is required to participate in the food distribution program and all residents are welcome. Typical donations from the program sustain a family of four for one week.

Businesses needing to establish a food recovery program can also sign up with MVCC to donate unused food at no charge.

For more information about MVCC’s food assistance programs, please contact 951-301-4414 or email endhunger@mvcupboard.org.

This expanded food distribution program is funded by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery Edible Food Recovery Grant Program. More information on the program can be found at www.calrecycle.ca.gov.