AT&T sponsors giveaway of food for local residents

After a series of recent setbacks, Rose Muñoz was sorely in need of food.

She was laid off after 11 years on the job. InMay, her house caught fire. Recently, Muñoz’s freezer broke, and the food had to be thrown out.

Then she heard on the news about a drive-thru food distribution event Saturday sponsored by AT&T. The report said 500 boxes packed with beans, rice and fresh producewould be given out for free, on a firstcome, first-served basis.

By 10:30 a.m., she was among more than 50 cars lined up along Mossrock Drive near Vance Jackson Road.

“I need this more than anybody realizes,” said Muñoz, 67.

More than 100 motorists traveled to the event that took place from 9 a.m. to noon behind the AT&T store at 2639N.W. Loop 410. About 30 AT&T employees volunteered to help.

Wearing masks, the volunteers formed a chain and stacked boxes of produce, eachweighing 18 pounds, at stations along the distribution line.

Anthony Galichet, area vice president, said the food drivewas away to help community members, including those who had lost jobs and were affected by the coronavirus. He said the company bought $10,000 worth of food from River City Produce, a local family owned company.

“In these times it’s all about family,” Galichet said. “When customers pay their bills, I get to feed my family. I’m fortunate because of them; so I want to return that favor so they can take care of their families.”

Chris Uribe of River City Produce said the company was when it received the call tobe partof the relief effort.

“Produce is No. 1,” he said. “It’swhat keeps everybody all together. It’s the one tiewe have in common. Everyone should have access to fresh produce.”

Area manager JulietMendoza joined fellow volunteers who danced to music blaring from speakers beside the AT&T store. Before the managerwaved the cars to their respective stations, she said everyonewas excited to help during a time of need.

“No one can help the community asmuch as ourselves,” Mendoza said. “As a people we have to stand together to do it.”

A light drizzle fell as Renee Norman, 59, was the first motorist to drive through the line where AT&T employees waited with a box of food for each vehicle.

Norman had arrived three hours early for the event. She waved and thanked the volunteers as she headed home with food.

“I needed an extra boost,” Norman said. “I love fresh fruit and vegetables. This is going to help my grandchildren.”

Robin Jerstad / Contributor Roger Gonzalez loads a box of food into a vehicle as Keith Turgeon, right, gets ready for the next car during the drive-thru distribution held by AT&T.