LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Volunteers help distribute food kits to Latinx children and their families


Katie Pintado, building manager of the Orinda Masonic Lodge and volunteer for White Pony Express, helps assemble food kits to aid Latinx families who have recently immigrated. Photo Lauren Militello

White Pony Express assembled some more "food kits" for its Blessings Project, which is designed to help recently immigrated Latinx families who are particularly vulnerable at this time. One of the volunteers helping on Sept. 8 was Katie Pintado, who is the building manager of the Orinda Masonic Lodge.

WPE's idea is to deliver food and spices that are familiar to Latinx neighbors. The food kits include fresh produce, rice, Masa flour, beans, tomato sauce, cheese, assorted peppers, an array of spices, Mexican chocolate, corn husks, and other items.

Although WPE picks up surplus food items from supermarkets and food distributors every day, it does not get everything needed for these food kits. For the Blessings Project, WPE needs the community's participation.

If you know of an individual or group that would be interested in sponsoring this initiative, or know someone who could host drives for food items needed to complete the food kits, contact Eve Birge, Executive Director at (202) 251-4174, evebirge@whiteponyexpress.org for sponsorships, and Pete Olsen, WPE's School Pantry and Food Sourcing Manager at (925) 322-0604 x 129, petersolsen@whiteponyexpress.org for food drives.