Imperial Beach Nonprofit Boosts Food Assistance Program to Combat Growing Food Insecurity

In Imperial Beach, California, the Magnolia Project, a nonprofit food pantry, is seeing a big rise in demand. They now help around 50 households each day, up from just 26 households a week two years ago. This pantry is dedicated to providing fresh fruits and vegetables, which they prepare in their kitchen before offering them to clients.

Frances Castro, one of the clients, shared her thoughts on the pantry. “You don’t have to wait in line for hours. Here, you can choose what you want. They offer fresh fruits and vegetables, which really helps me as a single-income family,” she said. Frances found out about Magnolia after watching a story on 10News in 2023.

This increase in service highlights a growing issue: food insecurity. Many of the pantry’s clients are on fixed incomes. Volunteer Elisa Greer noted, “The world is tough right now. People are struggling to make ends meet. Groceries cost a lot. For those on social security, their budgets just don’t stretch like they used to.”

The Magnolia Project is a lifeline for clients like Frances. She hopes it will always be there, saying, “I hope this stays here forever. It’s such a great place.”

As costs continue to rise, the Magnolia Project is committed to helping its community members who face financial struggles. Their work is essential in providing support to those in need.