The Resource Connection Food Bank, located in San Andreas, is expanding its food distribution to include free 'mobile' produce days. Food distribution director Jeannie Hayward stated that free produce has been an integral part of food distribution over the years however, this is the first year the Resource Connection has had a refrigerated truck to make 'mobile' produce delivery available throughout the county.
Copperopolis saw its first free 'mobile' produce day Friday July 27, 2012 in the Copper Branch Library parking lot. There were no income requirements and again, the produce was free.
Many were not sure what to expect, so when the semi truck arrived and the setting up and unloading process began, the scale of the operation finally hit with full impact.
The free produce came in 4' x 4' x 4' bins filled to the top with melons, breads, lettuce, strawberries, and more. People lined up, sometimes 15 deep, to collect the fresh produce.
The Resource Connection, began in 1977 as a grassroots movement to help the families of Calaveras and Amador Counties. By 1980 a non-profit was formed - the Human Resource Council, or HRC. In 2009 the organization saw a name change to the Resource Connection and a new drive to serve more people throughout the two counties.
Currently the Resource Connection distributes food to 14 'faith-based' food pantries in Calaveras County and provides food to 7 mobile food pantries.
If you would like more information about accessing food for your family through the Resource Connection or how you can help visit http://www.trcac.org/