Solvang volunteers rolling out COVID-19 food relief

SOLVANG, Calif. - Pallets of fresh food and produce are unloaded from a big rig truck onto the parking lot at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall.

The Thursday morning shipment of food will eventually be distributed to local nonprofit groups, churches and others involved in feeding those most in need in the community amid the COVID-19 pandemic and public health crisis.

Many receiving the free food benefits are unemployed or have recently lost their jobs in the local hospitality and tourism industry.

Food is also distributed to those in need between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursdays only at the Solvang Vets Hall.

The free food program is funded in part by a $40,000 grant from FEMA to the City of Solvang.