Second Harvest Food Bank rolled its Mobile Fresh truck into the parking lot at St. Frances of Rome Church in Riverbank on Wednesday last week. They distributed food to several people from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

“Second Harvest Food Bank’s visit to our city was absolutely needed for several reasons,” stated Riverbank Vice Mayor Luis Uribe. “With the rise in unemployment, the cost of groceries going up and no round two of a federal stimulus check on its way, our residents were looking for assistance to get through these difficult times.”

The drive thru food distribution included produce and assorted foods for families in need within the community. They plan to continue the delivery of food in Riverbank in the next four months. Upcoming visits are scheduled on Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18, and Dec. 16 in the parking lot with the drive thru delivery.

According to Uribe the parking lot located next to the church was filled and several people showed up during the distribution.

“I contacted Father Misael and thanked him for helping put this together and look forward to the next four distributions for the rest of this year,” he said.

It was reported that there were a few items distributed that had gone past the expiration date. Uribe added that he understands frozen food can be safe, however; not knowing when the food was frozen or thawed caused him to have some concerns. He contacted Assemblymember Susan Eggman that introduced AB1219 the California Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. He also spoke to the Director of Operations for Second Harvest. They expressed that frozen items have an extended best by date and the products are thawed prior to the distribution. Uribe was assured that they provide fresh products for distribution and officials said the best by, enjoy by, use by dates on food can at times be confusing.