VictorValley News   

March 20, 2020

ADELANTO, Calif. – Shortly after the City of Adelanto declared a local emergency late last week due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spreading worldwide, Adelanto Mayor Gabriel Reyes and the City Council expressed tremendous concern over the shutdown of several vital services offered to the community.   

These services include the Senior Center, Community Center, and other outreach programs offered by a small number of non-profits within the City, which provide meals daily to those in need and senior citizens. Azusa Pacific University students also volunteered at the Adelanto Food Bank.
“These are vital and important services offered to our residents,” said Mayor Reyes. “Because of their limited resources and personal hardships, a portion of our community depends on the City to provide these services on a daily basis,” continued Mayor Reyes. 

The State and Federal Government has issued guidelines and other restrictions limiting social gatherings and maintaining distance from others.  
“With the statewide ‘shelter-in-place’ order now in effect, we cannot let our senior citizens go without food, water, and supplies,” said Councilwoman Joy Jeannette. “As elected leaders, it’s our duty and responsibility to look out for the best interests of our citizens and especially those that are most vulnerable,” continued Councilwoman Jeannette.   

In response, the City leveraged available local resources, including local non-profits, to create a “drive-through” food bank at the Adelanto Stadium.  
“Following the leadership of the City Council, today we were able to provide food and supplies to about 1,500 families in the City,” said City Manager Jessie Flores.  “The plan moving forward is to continue the ‘drive-through’ food bank once a week or as long as food, water, and supplies last or are replenished by our community non-profits, government agencies, and corporate sponsors,” Flores continued. 

“We are very fortunate and blessed to have this amazing group of volunteers and agencies come together this morning for the betterment of our community, this event would not have been made possible if it wasn’t for them,” said Flores.

The City Council wishes to thank all of the volunteers that participated including, Community Action Partners, Adelanto School District, Kicks Café, Curbside, Another Level for Women, Adelanto Resource Center, High Desert Outreach Center, Supreme Touch, Swapping Mamas, and the City’s stadium management.

To stay informed, please visit the City’s website available at www.ci.adelanto.ca.us.