‘Being human’: Fresno nonprofit hosts weekly food drive, but needs help

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A local nonprofit organization is on a mission to help those in need, but they need some help themselves.

Fresno United hosts a food drive every Wednesday, and the team is trying to gather more volunteers to keep up the momentum. 

Community member Teresa De Jesus Pinedo explained why the distributions are so important:

“It’s kind of hard right now. The situation is very hard,” she said.

She’s an AG worker who knows the meaning of struggle. 

“Everybody’s working in the field, working hard,” she said. “Being human. That’s the word. Being human to other people. Don’t let them suffer for food.” 

With the help of the Central California Food Bank, hundreds of bags full of food items are given away in front of Ebenezer Community Church.

Thomas Roland and Rod Wade with Fresno United say they want to continue their work in southwest Fresno, but are concerned about money and volunteers.

“It’s like 300 families we feed,” Roland said. “We don’t get no money for this, but we try to all be here. But again, we do need help.”

“Everything that we get and are providing for our community sometimes is coming out of our pockets as well,” said Wade.

They’re both still focused on the mission of helping out those who need it the most. 

“[It’s] overall, a big umbrella for the people that are serving, that’s receiving and for the people that’s giving,” Wade explained. 

Roland said, “My favorite part is when they come up, they’re thanking us. I’m naturally a giver anyway. So, with the food bank giving us a real big discount on the food, it makes it where it really doesn’t hurt to do it.” 

To help out, click here.