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Hidden Harvest announces senior markets and small‑farmer partnerships for Rancho Mirage
Summary
Francisco Linares, new executive director of Hidden Harvest, described senior markets, a small‑farmer purchasing program and a new refrigerated truck; he invited the council to a Nov. 20 fundraiser that supports local food distribution.
Rancho Mirage — Francisco Linares, the new executive director of Hidden Harvest, introduced the nonprofit’s programs to the Rancho Mirage City Council on Sept. 4 and announced a senior-market pop‑up scheduled to begin next week at Parkview Villas and additional plans to partner with small farmers and local food banks.
“My name is Francisco Linares. I'm the new executive director,” Linares said, explaining that Hidden Harvest rescues surplus produce from local packing houses and distributes it free to seniors and families across the Coachella Valley. He described three programs: senior markets that operate like a pop‑up farmers market at affordable housing sites and senior centers; a small‑farmer program that contracts with local growers to plant and harvest produce at market prices; and partnerships with organizations such as food banks to distribute rescued produce.
Linares said the organization recently purchased a refrigerated truck to keep produce fresh during transport and announced a luncheon, fashion show and silent auction fundraiser at Agua Caliente on Nov. 20 to raise funds for produce distribution. “This event directly funds more produce for our seniors, families,” he said.
Council members thanked Hidden Harvest for the presentation. Council member O'Keefe said she had received positive feedback from the community about the program’s quality and quantity of food. The council accepted the presentation and staff indicated volunteers/staff would coordinate distribution of invitations the council received at the meeting.
Why it matters: Hidden Harvest’s senior markets and small‑farmer procurement program aim to increase access to fresh produce for seniors and low‑income residents. Local partnerships and the new refrigerated truck may expand distribution capacity in Rancho Mirage and across the Coachella Valley.
Next steps: Hidden Harvest will begin the Parkview Villas senior market next week and invited council members to sponsor or attend the Nov. 20 fundraiser; the council did not take formal action on the presentation.
