Feed the Desert: The Center’s Food Bank Needs Us Now 🍎

For more than 15 years, the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s Community Food Bank has been quietly feeding thousands of people every year; more than 26,000 in the last 12 months alone. That’s a staggering number for a region that prides itself on sunshine, wellness, and plenty. But behind the postcard images of the Coachella Valley, real need runs deep. 

A Growing Line

Every Thursday, volunteers at The Center load up bags of fresh produce, dairy, and pantry staples for anyone who needs them: no judgment, no questions asked. Demand has climbed sharply because of rising food prices and cuts to government programs.

Donations, both financial and material, are needed. The Center’s staff say the biggest shortages are in shelf-stable basics: rice, beans, pasta, peanut butter, canned meats, and breakfast items. Even pet food is in demand, because hunger doesn’t stop with humans.

How to Give

You can help in two ways: with money or with goods. Cash donations stretch the furthest because they let the team buy exactly what’s missing that week. Every dollar goes directly into food purchases for the Thursday distributions.

If you prefer to donate supplies, The Center accepts drop-offs Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or during the Thursday distribution window from 5 to 7 p.m. Drive-up racks outside the Food Bank make it simple — you don’t even have to leave your car.

What They Need Most

If you’re shopping for donations, here’s what fills the gaps fastest:

• Canned proteins like tuna, chicken, or ham

• Bags of rice and beans

• Peanut butter

• Pasta and sauce

• Cereal and oatmeal

• Boxed mashed potatoes and stuffing

• Protein bars, snacks, and crackers

• Canned vegetables and fruit

• Dog and cat food

Every bit helps. A single bag of rice becomes a family’s dinner. A jar of peanut butter feeds a child for a week.

More Than a Food Bank

The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert isn’t just about meals. For many who come through those doors, the food line is also a lifeline to community, care, and dignity. The Center serves LGBTQ+ individuals and allies alike, offering everything from senior services to counseling and health resources. But the Food Bank remains its most visible expression of solidarity: neighbors helping neighbors, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Time to Show Up

Palm Springs has always taken pride in being generous in showing up when someone’s in trouble. That spirit is what built The Center in the first place. But right now, it’s being tested. The desert can be a harsh place to live; it’s even harsher when the cupboards are empty.

If you can give, do it today. You can donate online, drop off groceries, or even start a small food drive at work or in your building. The Community Food Bank is located at 2901 E Alejo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Call 760-281-2616 or visit thecentercv.org/community-food-bank for details.