Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta families struggling to deal with the economic impact of COVID-19 now have a vital lifeline, thanks to two kindhearted restaurant owners.
Tunnel Road BBQ proprietors, Jimmy Plouff and Frankie Victoria, have converted their popular Texas barbecue restaurant into a much-needed food bank, even donating their own stock to the cause.
The newly opened Vallarta Food Bank is already serving up to 70 families per day, but the duo intends to expand their operations over the coming weeks.
Speaking to Banderas News, Frankie said: “We know how lucky we are. (Army veteran) Jim gets his pension every month and that allows us to have our needs met. But we also know not everyone has that luxury, and we would love to help people as much as we can.
“Our goal is to have a food bank to provide a food kit (despensa) every week for Puerto Vallarta families in need. We will also add warm, prepared meals for those who no longer have gas, and use our kitchen facilities for this for as long as it is needed.”
This is not the first time the duo have provided for the local community, having distributed donations after Hurricane Willa in 2018 and the tropical storms last year.
However, the pair now plan to make their food bank a permanent fixture.
She added: “People have been amazing. Ever since the first time we did this together, this community has helped so much.
“We are very grateful to everyone who is helping us. We really couldn’t do it without all the amazing donors out there who believe and trust us to do this work. Thank you all for helping us help others.”
She also reserved special praise for Francie Nguyen, owner of Bonito Kitchen, who provided much needed organizational support, including helping to launch the food bank’s GoFundMe page, and donated a generous stock of food items.
So far, the GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $10,000, about a third of the way to its $35,000 target.
Those who want to make food donations can drop packages off at Vallarta Food Bank on Rio de la Plata 379 in Lopez Mateos on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Alternatively, send the team an email at tunnelroadbbq(at)gmail.com to arrange a time for collection.
Those in need of food can also visit Vallarta Food Bank on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Alternatively, Frankie and Jimmy can deliver. As the former told Banderas News: “We don’t want people going hungry.”
Sam Murray is a travel writer from London, England, who is currently residing in Puerto Vallarta. You can find his latest work on his Facebook page.