The Los Barriles Food Bank was the result of a conversation between two concerned Los Barriles residents who anticipated the collapse of tourism in the region as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, our predictions came true; the restaurants were empty, the boats were on dry land, the hotel workers were at home, and the Los Barriles beaches were empty. A small group of people quickly got together to form the Los Barriles Food Bank that included Joe from Joe’s Deli, Jeane Harkleroad, previous Rotary President, Luis the previous Los Barriles Delegado, Emma from Ronival and Ian Gibson, previous organize of Lord of the Wind.  The team then grew significantly to over 50 volunteers  who were doing essential day-to-day work - for which we will be forever grateful.

The premise of the Los Barriles Food Bank was simple: the good working people of Los Barriles had to eat. They lived pay-check to pay-check and when that was gone, they had nothing.  In partnership with the Delegado and Los Barriles Delegacion, the Los Barriles Food Bank started to take shape against a backdrop of social distancing and rapidly rising numbers of people with the coronavirus. Most importantly, donors from all over Mexico, the US and Canada raised $160k USD within just three weeks to make the project a reality.  As a result, the food bank was feeding up to 5,000 people a week over an eight-month period across our region that included Los Barriles, El Cardonal, Boca de Alamo, San Bartolo, Piedras Gordas, Campamento, El Coro, Buena Vista.  A truly amazing feat by all involved that kept everyone fed until the tourist season opened up again later that year.