Amazon-style package lockers may help struggling families busy trying to make ends meet to be able to access fresh produce and other items from food banks.

That’s the “dream” behind this year’s Empty Bowls event being staged Saturday, Sept. 16, by the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Greater Valley.

Jessica Vaughn, who serves as the Manteca-based non-profit director of development and communications, said staff noticed a growing trend of those in need of help with food not being able to connect with food pantries.

And that is especially when it comes to fresh produce distributed at Mobile Fresh sites throughout the region or via food pantries.

She noted a growing number of families — even with two incomes as they may be at minimum wage or just above — are being stretched thin economically.

“It’s everything — housing costs, commuting, food, clothing, electricity,” Vaughn said.

In order to support their families, they often take jobs that require traveling longer distances or work at times that make it impossible to access food banks for additional help.

Of they may be unable to secure babysitters or transportation at the time of food distribution events.

It is why Second Harvest hopes to purchase refrigerated food lockers. Each set of lockers cost $150,000 including installation, electrical work, and fencing.

The initial food lockers will be placed in front of the Second Harvest offices in the Manteca Industrial Park. There is a Manteca Transit bus stop nearby.

The lockers will allow families to access fresh food and other staples by scheduling times they can pick up items at their convenience.

Food banks across the country have started using the food lockers to extend their network service hours to reach more people experiencing food insecurity.

Second Harvest through the various food pantries it supplies assists more than 35,000 individuals each month in the counties of San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Alpine, and Amador.

The Empty Bowls event featuring a brunch prepared by Besitos Fine Cuisine along with a hosted bar offering Mimosa, beer, and wine takes place on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MRPS Hall, 133 N. Grant St. in Manteca.

Tickets are $50 each.

There are also sponsorships available.

Sponsorship and ticket information are available by going to the website at localfoodbank.org or calling 209-239-2091.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com