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The Redwood Unit of the Backcountry Horsemen of California rode through Old Town Eureka on Saturday afternoon, collecting much-needed canned goods from local businesses for Food for People’s annual Cowboy Canned Food Convoy. The event kicks off the local food pantry’s annual Holiday Spirit Food & Fund Drive. 

“The Cowboy Canned Food Convoy has been the kickoff for Food for People’s holiday food drives for years,” David Reed, Food for People’s Development Director, told the Outpost. “To me, it shows how taking care of our neighbors can be something we all take part in. This time of year, we’ve got everyone from high school students, businesses, our state senator, kids, families, and even cowboys and cowgirls collecting food and money to help make sure everyone has enough to eat.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Food for People has seen a 30 percent uptick in people visiting the food pantry and seeking food assistance through the non-profit’s various nutrition programs, Reed said. Last year, Food for People served over 21,000 people countywide per month, “and the need is increasing.”

As is tradition, Food for People will team up with local high schools, state Senator Mike McGuire and our very own KHUM Radio for the food drive finale starting Dec. 9. You can donate canned goods and other non-perishable foods at local grocery stores and businesses around the county. Click here for a list of donation locations.

Last year’s holiday food drive “smashed” all previous records. Let’s make this year’s fundraiser one for the books, Humboldt!

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