City of Seaside partners with Food Bank of Monterey County to distribute supplies

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION) People lined up in their cars, and on the sidewalk, to pick up food outside City Hall in Seaside on Saturday.

"All types of people are showing up here today—not just the lower income people," Monterey resident Bobby Jones said. "I think there’s a lot of people in the middle income. If you look around, you can see that."

People at the distribution said they're struggling to make ends meet now that certain businesses, like gyms and salons, have had to close back down following Governor Newsom's directive.

"Everybody needs help right not and every little bit helps," Jones said.

The city said that Saturday's event was the third time they've worked with the Food Bank of Monterey County to hand out supplies.

“This is amazing," City of Seaside Recreation Director Dan Meewis said. "You know, just the gratitude and the smiles on everyone’s faces when they drive away. They are so grateful that we are doing this.”

And organizers said the overall mood was hopeful.

"The spirits are definitely high right now," Meewis said. "You know, you can see it when they come to us."

The SPCA for Monterey County was also in attendance, handing out food for pets.

“If anyone is having a hard time feeding their pet, we don’t want them to sacrifice their own food or have to face giving their pet away,” SPCA for Monterey County Vice President of Development Stacey Dubuc said.

The Food Bank for Monterey County has also partnered with a Facebook group called "ALL IN Monterey" to distribute food specifically to hospitality workers, who have been hit hard by things like indoor dining closures.

The City of Seaside said they'll be doing another one of these distributions in August, but they have not set a date yet.