More than 4,000 prepared meals were distributed to farmworker families in Delano during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Forty Acres a few weeks ago.

This marked the third distribution hosted by the UFW Foundation and World Central Kitchen, in coordination with the United Farm Workers.

These meals were given to farmworkers for their entire families. The meals consisted of beans, rice, chicken chile verde or carnitas with a salad on the side.

Families began lining up for the food distribution at 1 p.m. Some of the farmworkers just got out of work and went to pick up their meals.

Many volunteers, including Delano City Councilman Brian Osorio, handed the meals to families.

“Why not help out as we undergo a crisis,” asked Anasary Rosales, a returning volunteer. “Many families arrived at the meal distribution, not just from Delano, but also Wasco and the neighboring cities. The community is thankful for the meals that are being distributed. You can see it in their smiles.”

Rosales said that she will continue volunteering and helping  out her community.

Aleyda Busto, a Bakersfield College student and member of Latinos Unidos Por Educacion, also volunteered for the event. Busto said she felt a strong desire to help her community because she feels farmworkers are being neglected as essential workers.

“The meals were healthy ,warm and traditional and prepared by local restaurants,” Busto said. “The food distribution followed the COVID-19 health guidelines at all times.” 

Plans are to provide the prepared meals at least once a week in Delano and in each of the farmworker communities served through this partnership.

The next food distribution is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20 from 4-6 p.m.