“During this crisis, our East San José families are able to access food, supplies, and information they need in a convenient, and safe environment,” said Jessica Paz-Cedillos, Executive Director for The Mexican Heritage Plaza (MHP). “For this effort, we have partnered with Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, on the first and third Monday of each month, providing food for over 1,000 families a month.”

Mexican Heritage Plaza taking residence registration for food distribution and services. Photo courtesy of MHP.

With the need for food assistance services rising, the City of San José, through its Collective Impact (CIG) grant program, is working with local nonprofit organizations like La Plaza (MHP) to meet the continuing food demand and support San José residents.

MHP is one of several recipients of the CIG, which provides additional funding for community-based organizations that are actively distributing food and necessities to San José residents in this time of need.

As a community hub, MHP is a place where families can access resources and assistance. Beginning their food distribution program in June, La Plaza was transformed into a convenient, safe location for East San José families to access food, supplies, COVID testing and information they need during this crisis.

Partnering with Second Harvest, they are committed to a yearlong partnership to distribute grocery boxes, serving up to 600 households on each distribution date. Each box supplies every household with four boxes of fresh groceries, including fresh produce, eggs, milk and protein.

Boxes being prepared for incoming households for pick-up. Photo courtesy of MHP.

MHP is also using the grant for COVID-19 testing services at their Alum Rock and King Road parking lot. Testing takes place every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

According to MHP, the grant will assist them in serving upwards of 12,000 boxes of food which will feed 48,000 San José residents, test 300 community members a week and fund the additional staff needed to support the food distribution and the COVID testing programs.

“In August, we began our partnership with Gardner Health Services and the County of Santa Clara to provide No Cost COVID-19 Testing at La Plaza. While we hope that our neighbors in East San José will come for testing, this service is available to any who needs it,” added Paz-Cedillos.

Per MHP, data shows that communities of color, like East San José, have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, both in terms of the number of coronavirus cases recorded and deaths, and the resulting crisis-related financial impact. According to the Santa Clara County Health Department, 31% of the COVID-19 cases in the County are located within five ZIP codes in East San José.

Groceries being safely delivered in the trunks of many local San Jose residents. Photo courtesy of MHP.

“We understand and know that the coronavirus has impacted our community and creative sector greatly. The School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza (La Plaza) is here to offer any support we can!” says Paz-Cedillos.

Like many agencies serving our community, MHP is in need of volunteers. Please contact Vanessa Palafox at pfox@schoolofartsandculture.org for more information on volunteer opportunities.

In addition to volunteers, Mexican Heritage Plaza is in need of donations and partners, learn more by visiting https://www.schoolofartsandculture.org/ today.

To find out how you can access food resources in your neighborhood, please visit bit.ly/SCCFoodMap. #SiliconValleyStrong #SJCares #KeepSJHealthy