(FOX40.COM) — Three separate fires have caused damage to the exterior storage areas and equipment of the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton, though the facility’s main distribution center remains unaffected.
“The first fire started last Wednesday when unhoused individuals living behind the food bank set a fire,” said Alesha Pichler, Community Relations Manager. “Unfortunately, wind conditions caused it to spread—igniting a tree and damaging parts of our fruit orchard and vegetable garden behind the building.”
According to Pichler, embers from the initial fire sparked a second blaze, and a flammable substance was later thrown into a food storage container.
The destroyed food could have fed more than 450 families.
Despite the losses, volunteers have continued their work with minimal disruption.
“It’s messed up,” said volunteer Chris Morrison. “Some people really need this, and for someone to destroy it—it’s just a bad situation.”
To learn how you can support recovery efforts, visit stocktonfoodbank.org.
