In Orange County, there are more than 117,000 children who experience food insecurity and the national hunger relief organization, Feeding America, estimates that more than 300,000 Orange County residents are food insecure. To help combat this issue, Pacific Drive School is honored to be the location of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County’s fourth permanent school pantry, the Dolphin Market. The Second Harvest Food Bank and Project Home Alliance will provide ongoing support for this newest weapon to fight hunger in Orange County. The Dolphin Market is an appointment only mini-mart providing free, fresh, and nutritious groceries to families in need.

The location of Dolphin Market on the campus of Pacific Drive School increases the accessibility. The market will be able to serve up to 240 people a week in the neighborhood. Eligible families and individuals can bring a Dolphin Market reusable bag to fill with any items they choose.

“Partnering with our local schools to provide fresh, nutritious food at a familiar, convenient location where parents and children already are is important to us,” said Harald Herrmann, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. “Opening the pantry in North Orange County where there is a great need is a strategic step in helping those working parents, growing children, as well as seniors and the disabled in the surrounding community who are too often going hungry.”

In addition to the food being provided at Dolphin Market, Second Harvest and Project Hope Alliance will also provide resources to homeless families to support their transition into more stable living situations. Dolphin Market will be open Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and Fridays from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Appointments are required to shop.

“The Dolphin Market is a shining example of parent involvement here at Pacific Drive. From PTA and ELAC to our site Wellness Committee, all of our parent groups have been instrumental in making this program a reality. The pantry is staffed and stocked daily by parent volunteers and all families are able to come and benefit from this resource. We are so grateful for our partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and Project Hope Alliance for their support in empowering all members of our school community,” said Dr. Kelly Castillo, Principal of Pacific Drive School.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is the largest nonprofit hunger relief organization in Orange County leading the fight to end hunger for more than 301,000 men, women, and children at risk of hunger in our community. Second Harvest distributes donated, purchased and prepared foods through a network of more than 200 partner agencies in locations throughout the county. Last year, Second Harvest provided enough food for a record 25.1 million meals, feeding more than 250,000 people each month. Every dollar donated to Second Harvest helps provide enough food for three meals for the hungry. Second Harvest is a member of Feeding America, a national hunger relief organization. For more information about their work and how you can help, visit FeedOC.org.