When it comes to fighting food insecurity in Contra Costa County, our community shines. And few partnerships shine as brightly as the one we have with Whole Foods. For years, we’ve teamed up to ensure high-quality food reaches our neighbors rather than the landfill. And recently, something extra special happened: the team from Whole Foods Ygnacio Valley didn’t just donate the food—they came to White Pony Express to sort it themselves!
Eryn Bridges, the Store Team Leader, is no stranger to White Pony Express. The partnership has been part of their daily rhythm for as long as she can remember.
This routine is simple but significant:
“We organize our food… putting it in totes for delivery after, and White Pony Express is there every morning, bright and early, to come and pick it up.”
Stepping into the White Pony Express facility and sorting the very food her store donated was a powerful experience.
“The partnership feels great – knowing that you can truly help your community, especially in this economic climate right now, and that people need food… it feels full circle.”
This “full circle” moment is why we love having our food donors visit. Eryn noted how meaningful it is to ensure good food doesn’t go to waste:
“We get to produce it; we get to sell it… and now we get to make sure that it doesn’t go into the trash and that people get to eat.”
From the daily fist bumps between our drivers and the store team members to moments like this, where partners become volunteers, we are constantly reminded of the power of community.
