LULAC and Vegan Outreach provide fresh produce for 19 local families affected by the pandemic

MT. PLEASANT - The Mt. Pleasant League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) chapter is continuing to serve the community in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

The local group partnered with Vegan Outreach to provide fresh produce to migrant families financially affected because of the virus. The food distribution on Saturday afternoon saw families leave with bags from Hy-Vee, filled with potatoes, red onions, cilantro, radishes, lettuce, limes, peppers, cabbage, bananas, white rice and an assortment of other groceries.

Bob Mueller, a volunteer with the group, said providing the distribution is especially important for people who 'don't have a safety net.”

Maria Mellaeo, who has helped run the local LULAC chapter for the past four years, said the people involved with the program 'appreciate it,” and many are excited at the opportunity to help others.

'People get to know each other,” she explained.

Mellaeo added access to fresh and nutritious foods is also important.

'It's important to get the healthy vegetables and fruits and to get away from the canned [goods],” she said.