Families, retirees, and students in Los Gatos now have access to free groceries through a new community service that is aiming to reduce food insecurity in Santa Clara County. A refrigerated van, brightly painted and stocked with everything from fresh produce to packaged breakfast foods, is parked outside the Los Gatos Library twice a month as part of a mobile program known as the “park-it market.” The initiative, launched by West Valley Community Services, allows residents to pick up groceries without meeting any eligibility requirements.
The market has quickly become a lifeline for residents feeling the pressure of high living costs. On Thursdays when the van parks at 100 Villa Avenue, shoppers gather to browse through tables of fresh vegetables, eggs, cereal, and household goods. Many enjoy lighthearted conversations while discovering new products. Unlike traditional food programs that often come with income restrictions or limits, the park-it market offers flexibility and dignity by letting people select what they need and take home quantities sufficient to ease their financial burden.
Funding for the refrigerated van came from a $180,000 contribution by Sutter Health, and the nonprofit expects to serve around 500 households in Los Gatos and neighboring communities. West Valley Community Services has been operating similar vans in Campbell, Cupertino, Saratoga, and San Jose, and the Los Gatos expansion reflects growing demand. Advocates point out that the program comes at a critical moment, with federal legislation forecasted to cut billions from food assistance programs in the coming decade.
Donald Akimoto, who manages mobile operations for the nonprofit, has already seen steady participation since the Los Gatos market began. He noted that while federal cuts and inflation have pushed many families to the edge, some residents remain hesitant to seek help due to stigma. In a town where people may be house-rich but financially stretched, programs like this offer a safety net that allows families to redirect money toward essentials such as home repairs, medical care, or education.
For some, the market has become an essential part of their weekly routine. Retired resident George Aza shared that he and his wife rely on the groceries to stretch their fixed income. Supporting his adult son financially leaves little room for rising food costs, so the program’s impact has been immediate. He described the service as something that benefits everyone in the community, regardless of income.
The program is not limited by age, which broadens its reach compared to other food services. For example, the Live Oak Senior Nutrition Center provides meals and groceries but restricts access to older adults. By contrast, the park-it market is open to all, which has made it particularly valuable for students. International student Sonia Smart, attending Santa Clara University, uses the service regularly to free up her budget for tuition and education-related expenses. She explained that the market reduces the pressure of working extra hours, allowing her to focus on her studies.
Beyond groceries, the collaboration with the Los Gatos Library will soon provide residents with private spaces to learn about additional services such as rental assistance and case management. This expansion highlights the nonprofit’s holistic approach, addressing not just hunger but the underlying financial and social challenges faced by households.
Looking ahead, West Valley Community Services plans to expand further by bringing food directly to schools. Vans will begin visiting Title 1 schools like De Vargas, Nimitz, and Latimer, targeting neighborhoods where families often face higher levels of financial hardship. The goal is to ensure that students and their families have consistent access to food without having to travel long distances.
The park-it market reflects a shift in how communities are addressing hunger — with mobility, inclusivity, and dignity at the center. By eliminating barriers, the program acknowledges that food insecurity can affect a broad range of residents, from retirees to working families to international students. As the vans continue to roll into Los Gatos and beyond, they bring not only groceries but also a message of community resilience and shared responsibility in facing economic challenges together.
