LOMPOC, California – The spirit of giving during the ongoing COVID pandemic was strengthened by the Lompoc Unified School District with a winter food basket distribution event.

“As many know, these are unique circumstances and we are doing our best to provide for all families in Lompoc,” said Hannah Carroll, director of child nutrition services.

An unexpectedly high turnout in the first hour of the event on Friday left many empty-handed as the organizers ran out of food.

Winter Grocery Basket Sales Event (Credit: LUSD)

“We sincerely apologize if you were unable to collect a free meal package,” said Carroll.

The Food Bank held a separate event at Lompoc High School the following day that left the tables empty again before all families could be served. People in the community gathered and raised enough funds to buy additional groceries and gifts for families in need.

“Our employees continue to surprise me with their generosity, time and spirit to improve our community. It’s really magical, ”said Carmen Chavez, director of the Hapgood elementary school where the food was distributed.

Chavez noted that the driving force behind this effort was Maria Garcia-Cacique, Hapgood’s reading specialist, who reached out to the Food Bank and the Lompoc Valley Community Health Organization (LVCHO).

LUSD supported the effort by providing vans and drivers to collect groceries from the Santa Maria Food Bank.

“It has been shown time and again that Lompoc organizations and caring individuals come together to make this possible for the children when there is a need in the community,” said Superintendent Trevor McDonald.

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