A Grassroots Initiative Making a Big Impact
Food insecurity and the prevalence of food deserts are pressing issues across the United States, impacting many hardworking families who struggle to access nutritious food options. In response to this challenge, a dedicated group of volunteers in Santa Ana, California, launched the Seva Collective, a free drive-thru food pantry, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What started as a small, scrappy operation has grown into a vital community resource. The Seva Collective has provided over four million meals to those in need. Founders Bandana Singh, Ravin Kohli, and Saanand Singh initially sourced food and toys on their own, driving to various locations across California to secure supplies. Bandana Singh explains:
Our goal is to get fresh food, as well as shelf-stable food to every family's car or cart who comes through the drive. We have cars line up as early as three or four in the morning — we don't start the drive till 9:30 a.m. So to us as the volunteer team, it tells us that the need is there and we want to do whatever we can.
A Lifeline for the Community
The Seva Collective has become a staple in the community, with many families relying on its services month after month. Jody Watts, a long-time recipient, shares:
It takes away a sense of dread and it takes away a sense of anxiety of not having enough food to supply for the family.
Promoting Healthy Habits
In addition to providing food, the Seva Collective emphasizes the importance of fresh produce and unprocessed foods to encourage healthy eating habits and mitigate long-term health issues associated with food deserts. Singh explains:
We know that if they're not consuming fresh food, they're going to be consuming junk, and then that's a systemic problem that leads to health issues down the line. So little steps now can hopefully help future generations and everyone's health as they continue to age.
Inspired by Sikh Values
The name "Seva" reflects the concept of selfless service in the Sikh faith, and the organization's slogan, "Sarbat da Bhalla," is a prayer for the prosperity of all humanity. This ethos drives the volunteers and leaders to serve their community with compassion and dedication.
Community Support and Celebrations
Each month, the Seva Collective distributes 60,000 pounds of food to more than 1,200 families. Recently, they also provided toys, books, and clothes in partnership with brands like Young LA to celebrate Vaisakhi, an important Sikh festival.
The Spirit of Giving Back
The pantry not only provides essential resources but also fosters a spirit of generosity among its recipients. Watts, who volunteers with the Seva Collective, uses the food she receives to help others in her neighborhood. Watts says:
It's given me a sense of being able to give back. I would never have had the means to help anybody else out. I'm recently disabled and having the extra food — and I love to cook — has made it available for me to go in my neighborhood to the homeless and feed them.
Dedicated Volunteers
The success of the Seva Collective relies heavily on its volunteers, who often show up before sunrise to prepare for the drives. Over 500 unique volunteers have contributed their time and effort over the years. William Tarango, a teacher who has volunteered with the Seva Collective for three and a half years says:
It's a labor of love, but I know when you see the cars and the number of cars and the number of people in line…it's making an impact, a positive impact on the community.
Youth Leadership and Future Generations
Nearly half of the Seva Collective's volunteers are young people. To harness their energy and passion, the organization is launching a Youth Leadership Program this summer. This program aims to equip young volunteers with the skills to run an organization, from food procurement to financial management.
A Community United in Service
The Seva Collective's founders and volunteers find profound fulfillment in their work, inspired by the impact they have on their community. Singh reflects:
I feel lucky to work with those kinds of people all year long and I feel blessed that we can help families who come out. There's so many emotions.
Through their selfless service, the Seva Collective continues to be a beacon of hope and support for the Santa Ana community, embodying the true spirit of giving.
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