Community spirit surrounds South Lake Tahoe food giveaway

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For the second time in as many weeks, Overland Meat & Seafood Co. of South Lake Tahoe gave away 1,000 pounds of hamburger to the first 500 people to come by the store.

This time, Overland owners Brian and Kim Cohen had other businesses join in the fun.

Grass Roots gave away $10 gift cards, Heart Rock Herb & Spice Co. gave away spice samples, and Safeway at Bijou added two pallets of fresh fruits and vegetables to the mix.

"This is community effort at its finest," said Brian.

During the first week of the hamburger giveaway, all 1,000 pounds were gone in under two hours. This time it took a bit longer and the last of the packages of meat was given out at 1:00 p.m.

One of the 500 who made it through the line was long-time local Debbie Locicero. She cleans several vacation rentals and since she works as an independent contractor, was not eligible for unemployment.

"I am very appreciative of this giveaway, especially since I'm not getting unemployment," said Locicero. "Funds are weak. It's hard when for those in the vacation home rental and motel business."

Safeway heard of the giveaway Monday and called Brian and told him they had food to add to the cause. He filled his truck up with berries, potatoes, and other fresh items from the story. Roni Bombino of Safeway also came to help get the bags of food to those in line.

"We are happy to be able to do this," said Brian.

Neighboring business Free Bird Coffee was also handing out some Chai Tea to people waiting in the parking lot.

He said the community has helped pay it forward by donating money to help him with the costs of the hamburger, about $4,000. Brian said a woman asked if she could come by with a donation and he said "sure." He didn't expect the $500 check she handed him. Even those getting free food today were leaving behind cash donations to aid with the costs.

There is no date for another hamburger giveaway at this time.

Overland Meats is located at 2227 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
Grass Roots is located at 2030 Dunlap Dr.
Heart Rock Herb sells spices in Overland or can be found online at https://heartrockherbandspice.com/.