On Thursday, November 17, 2023, HUSD's Wellness and Community Outreach Center and Nutrition Services Department, in collaboration with the Soboba Foundation and Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, distributed 1,000 meal kits to families in need for this holiday season. The distribution effort was coordinated by multiple staff members throughout the district including the Business and Nutrition Services departments.
In preparation for this event, the Soboba Foundation generously donated the 1,000 meal kits to be distributed to families throughout the Hemet Unified School District, as identified by parent liaisons at various school sites. These families received vouchers to bring to the district office to receive their meals and others were delivered based on need.
At the district office, 800 meal kits were distributed via the drive thru, pick up system. Prior to this distribution, 100 meal kits were sent to Hamilton, Cottonwood, and Idyllwild, Hemet Unified’s outlying schools. All remaining food kits will be given out at the Wellness Center’s upcoming food pantry distribution day.
The distribution process, which included receiving, packaging and distributing the meal kits was carried out by Nutrition Services along with employee volunteers from Soboba Casino who took the time to fully support the event. Additionally, HUSD staff members from Centralized Registration, Warehouse, Print Shop, Human Resources, Purchasing, Facilities, Maintenance and Operations, and the Communications departments filled support roles for this distribution.
In tandem with HUSD’s Security Department, members of the Hemet Police Department and Riverside Sheriff’s Office were also present to help regulate traffic control and provide assistance in carrying out HUSD Security’s traffic plan.
This operation would not have been possible without the collaboration of multiple community partners and HUSD departments. A special thank you to the Soboba Foundation and Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians for their outstanding generosity! Their continued partnership with the HUSD Wellness Center has allowed for this annual Thanksgiving Distribution to grow and serve the community on a grander scale.
Watch a video of the event at this link: