In this episode of Healthy Desert Healthy You, host Will Dean talks with Debbie Espinosa, CEO of FIND Food Bank, to explore the realities of food insecurity in the Coachella Valley. Debbie shares how FIND works with more than 100 local partners and Feeding America to supply food across a 10,000-square-mile region, distributing over 20 million pounds each year—including millions in fresh produce. She explains how mobile pantries reach food deserts, how volunteers help process donations, and how community support strengthens disaster response. Debbie also highlights FIND’s long-term strategy to break cycles of hunger through workforce development, youth leadership, and financial literacy programs. Discover how you can support FIND with food, volunteer time, or donations—because food is medicine, and community care matters.

Takeaways:

• FIND Food Bank serves a 10,000-square-mile region across the desert.
• Partners with over 100 nonprofits for food distribution.
• Distributes 20+ million pounds of food annually.
• Nearly 40% of food distributed is fresh produce.
• Mobile pantries help reach food deserts and high-need areas.
• Volunteers equal over 10 full-time staff in impact.
• Programs address root causes of hunger through training and education.
• Community donations and support keep disaster response strong.