Tzu Chi USA Grocery Giveaway in Huntington Park, CA
WHO
Jackson Chen, CEO of Tzu Chi USA
Kimberly Ortega, Arts and Special Projects Deputy of First District Offices
Guadalupe Camberos, Field Deputy of First District Offices
Antonio Chapa, District Director/ Veterans & Homeless Liaison of First District Offices
Cora Watkins, Principal of Miles Ave Elementary School
Ernesto Castillo, Field Deputy of Senator Lena Gonzalez Office
Manny Avila, Mayor of Huntington Park
Graciela Ortiz, Vice Mayor of Huntington Park
Karina Macias, Council member of Huntington Park
Marilyn Sanabria, Council member of Huntington Park
Eddie Martinez, Council member of Huntington Park
David Manzo, Principal of Gage Middle School
Dr. Marbea Dazo, Dental Care of Cerrito
WHAT
Tzu Chi USA, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, US Congresswoman Lucille Roybal Allard and the City of Huntington Park are joining forces to host a grocery giveaway on Sunday, June 7th, 9am at Miles Avenue Elementary School, in Huntington Park, CA. We will distribute a total of 1,000 packages of
groceries to whoever is in need in a drive-thru/pick-up only format.
Tzu Chi USA has invited the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Food Forward and 99 Ranch Market to join in this event and help provide the fresh produce, dry goods, and pantry items we will divvy and distribute to care recipients.
Baby2Baby too, will provide essentials for children ages 0-12, including diapers and infant formula.
WHEN
On Sunday, June 7, the grocery giveaway will begin at 9 AM to 12 PM; the opening ceremony will start at 8:45 AM. Reporters are welcome to conduct interviews. Please refer to the map for parking at the VIP parking lot.
WHERE
6720 Miles Avenue
Huntington Park, CA 90255
WHY
The US Census estimates the rate of poverty in Huntington Park at 26% higher than the overall state rate for California at 15.1%.
Huntington Park is part of LA County’s “Gateway Cities, which has a relatively high proportion of low-income households. Many include factory workers with employment in nearby Vernon and Commerce, which have been seriously impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s more, households have been severely disrupted economically, with nearly 65% of parents of Miles Avenue Elementary students who have lost their jobs or suffered reduced income.
To help families now in crisis, Tzu Chi USA, Los Angeles County
Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, US Congresswoman Lucille Roybal Allard, and the City of Huntington Park are teaming up to distribute 1,000 packages of groceries of food to local residents. Each package consists of 60 lbs of food to be served on a first-come-first-served basis and comes through the generous donations of Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Food Forward, 99 Ranch Market, and Baby2Baby.
HOW
We are prioritizing everyone’s safety, especially those of our volunteers and those who will be assisting us. Residents must arrive in a vehicle as the distribution will be in drive-thru format. We ask that all attendees and care recipients wear masks or facial coverings and remain in their vehicles. Once it is their turn, volunteers will assist in loading the groceries into the care recipient’s car to minimize contact.
