THE SUPERMARKET SHELVES may not be bare now, but some home pantries are, especially the home-bound and senior citizens. Three food drives are planned in Huntington Beach this Saturday (Flickr/Studio Incendo).

OneHB Connects – a partnership between the City of Huntington Beach and a collaborative group consisting of the Lutheran Disaster Response, Care Connections Network, Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council, and Waste Not OC – was created to identify and meet the needs of seniors facing hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its formation, OneHB Connects has provided over 3,000 meals per week to homebound seniors; developed a senior pen pal program; and provided referrals to critical senior care services.

Over the past month, OneHB Connects has recognized a growing food insecurity among the wider community during the pandemic. Responding to this need, OneHB Connects teamed up with local residents and organizations to host three food drives on Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members of the community are invited to help by donating essential canned foods or household items at these “drive-thru” locations in Huntington Beach on May 9. By stepping up and helping one another, we can bring an end to this pandemic:

• St Peter’s By-the-Sea Presbyterian Church: 16911 Bolsa Chica Avenue.#3570.
• Senior Center in Central Park: 1804 Goldenwest St.
• Lutheran Church-Resurrection: 9812 Hamilton Ave.

At this time, it’s asked that you donate only the following, non-perishable items that have been identified as the most essential items for our community:

• Peanut butter
• Canned chicken
• Canned tuna
• Canned fruit
• Canned vegetables
• Rice
• Pasta Sauce
• Dried pasta
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Disinfectant wipes
• Hand sanitizer

At each food “drive-thru” location, participants are asked to remain in their vehicles to ensure a contactless delivery. It is also asked that you bag or box your donated goods in advance and place them in the trunk or backseat for staff to remove from your car. This will allow staff and participants to maintain proper social distance and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The event will be staffed by City of Huntington Beach Employees and volunteers from Huntington Beach Interfaith Council and other non-profit organizations. City employees will also participate in a separate food drive within the workplace during the week leading up to May 9.

Donated items will be stored and distributed to Huntington Beach residents at various City and Interfaith Council locations. To request any items from these food banks, call (714) 536-5600 for requests related to older adults, and (714) 752-0406 for all other requests.