Rain or Shine, The Port of Hueneme Continues “Committed to Community” with Turkey and Food Drive

Contact: Letitia Austin

Public & Government Relations Manager

laustin@portofh.org

[PORT HUENEME, CA] – The Port of Hueneme hosted a food drive at Southwinds Park alongside community partners Lujan Transportation Services, Lucha Inc., Southwinds Neighborhood Council, and others. For the fifth year in a row, the Port joined local community efforts to provide residents of the Southwinds neighborhood, and surrounding communities, with food for the holidays. With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching, families were given a variety of food items for their holiday celebrations. The event occurred in “rain or shine” fashion and many folks brought their umbrellas and rain covers. With musical performances by the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, community volunteers organized by the Port of Hueneme provided 300 local families with turkeys and bundles of food. Residents took home food items, cooking oil, and lettuce. The bundles of food also included items such as rice, beans, the Port’s signature bananas, and more.

“We must continue to lead by example and show that it’s not only about doing business in our community, but it’s also about providing benefits for those who need us the most,” said Celina Zacarias, Board President for the Oxnard Harbor District.

Port of Hueneme Thanksgiving Food Distribution.

“As we approach the holidays, more events are being scheduled to provide maximum relief for those in need,” said Kristin Decas, CEO and Port Director for the Port of Hueneme. Also present was Miguel Rodriguez, Community Relations and Workforce Development Director for the Port of Hueneme, who noted: “Our goal is to help and also to provide opportunities for those less fortunate to feel dignified through an event like this food distribution, which has music, provides essential food items, and is more like a party than a food pantry.” Since 2019, the Port of Hueneme has held 109 food distributions to support local communities across Ventura County.

On Tuesday November 26th, the Port will Co-Host a Thanksgiving meal for the unhoused community at Casa Lopez (325 South A Street, Oxnard) where a full turkey dinner with all the fixings will be served for anyone in need. The meal will be served starting at 11 AM until all food runs out. “This free community meal, served in a restaurant setting is also to ensure that the Thanksgiving holiday experience can be shared with honor and respect provided by volunteers and key community members,” said Commissioner Jesse Ramirez, of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners.

Port of Hueneme Thanksgiving Food Distribution.

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About the Port of Hueneme: The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. Five locally elected Port Commissioners govern the Port. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. Ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating 24,997 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $236 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first Port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit.