During a recent Palm Springs city council meeting, significant discussions centered around community initiatives aimed at addressing youth recognition and food insecurity.

Dr. Terry Kedover, in collaboration with Police Chief Andy Mills, introduced the \"Do the Right Thing\" program, which honors local youth for their exemplary behavior. This month, 10th grader Fallon Whalen from Palm Springs High School led the Pledge of Allegiance, recognized for his remarkable turnaround in attitude and effort after a challenging freshman year.

The meeting also featured a presentation by Debbie Espinosa, President and CEO of Fine Food Bank, highlighting the pressing issue of food insecurity in Palm Springs. Espinosa reported that approximately 15% of residents are currently food insecure, a figure that may be understated due to incomplete Census data. Over the past year, Fine Food Bank and its partners engaged in over 157,000 feeding interactions, distributing nearly 2.5 million pounds of food, with a focus on fresh produce.

Espinosa emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of hunger through initiatives like the \"Ending Hunger for a Lifetime\" program, which aims to empower individuals with skills for self-sufficiency. The program has already provided over $32,000 in scholarships to local youth, fostering leadership and financial literacy.

Council members expressed their gratitude for Fine Food Bank's efforts, particularly during the pandemic, and reiterated their commitment to combating food insecurity in the community. The meeting concluded with proclamations recognizing the grand opening of the Thompson Hotel and honoring various local leaders and organizations for their contributions to the community.