Palm Springs, California, recently hosted a special cooking event that’s making a big difference in the Coachella Valley. The Tuscan Friendsgiving fundraiser raised $37,000 for FIND Food Bank, enough to provide over 150,000 meals for local families this holiday season.
The planning for this event kicked off back in February, led by Jamie and Lance Huante with Jeri Wilson. Their teamwork transformed months of planning into a celebration of food, culture, and community support.
One highlight was Italian chef Sandra Lotti, founder of the Toscana Saporita Cooking School in Tuscany. She offered hands-on culinary experiences that brought authentic Italian flavors to attendees. The event drew around 100 guests to Miralon’s Demo Kitchen. Many traveled from as far as Orange County, excited to taste Lotti’s dishes.
After cooking, guests enjoyed a tasting session at MiraBar, sampling gourmet olive oils from the Temecula Olive Oil Company. Some guests were thrilled to reconnect with Lotti, having previously attended her cooking classes in Italy.
The FIND Regional Food Bank, which supports community partners and programs like SNAP and TEFAP, is vital for families experiencing food insecurity. They recently stated: “Food insecurity continues to impact too many in our community. We’re committed to providing essential food access and connecting people to programs that can help stabilize their households.”
According to recent reports, around 13.1 million households in the United States were food insecure in 2021. Events like Tuscan Friendsgiving not only raise essential funds but also bring people together to combat this critical issue.
Miralon, a 309-acre “agrihood” developed by Freehold Communities, features sustainable practices and community gardens, turning a former golf course into a vibrant space for local residents. With its focus on sustainability and access to fresh food, it serves as a model for future developments.
The success of Tuscan Friendsgiving shows the power of community collaboration. Together, people can create lasting support for families facing food hardship, reminding us that even a single event can spark positive change.
For more on FIND Regional Food Bank, check out their site here.
