The Thermal Food & Donation Center was founded by Ruben Martinez, a local businessman who moved to Thermal in 1962. He recalls a time when there were no established programs to help families in need, and his family had to rely on food spoils from local markets. Today, over 50% of Thermal's Hispanic population lives below the poverty line, and many struggle to access sufficient food. The center's mission is to provide food assistance to those in need in Thermal and the Coachella Valley, ensuring no one goes hungry. It operates Monday to Friday, helping over 250 families with food boxes each week.