Riverside Couple Turns Halloween Night into a Pop-Up Pantry, Handing Out 30 Grocery Bags to Families Struggling with SNAP Cuts
For many people, Halloween means costumes, candy, and spooky decorations. But for one couple in Riverside, California, it became something much more meaningful. Martina and Jacinda Meyer-Toribio decided to turn their driveway into a pop-up food pantry — offering grocery bags filled with essentials to local families instead of the usual handful of sweets.
Their idea was simple but powerful: use the spirit of giving that comes with Halloween to help those who are struggling as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits come to an end for many. The couple, who both work in community outreach, said they were inspired to do something that would make a real difference right in their neighborhood.
It started as a small gesture. They planned to make 10 grocery bags — enough to quietly help a few nearby families. But when Jacinda shared the idea on TikTok, something incredible happened. Donations began pouring in from strangers all over the country. People on Venmo sent funds, others offered to drop off canned goods, and a few even mailed gift cards to support the effort. Within days, the project had grown far beyond what they expected.
With the unexpected support, Martina and Jacinda were able to prepare 30 grocery bags, each filled with a thoughtful mix of items: pasta, canned vegetables, rice, beans, cereal, pancake mix, and even small treats for children. They spent the weekend shopping, packing, and labeling each bag, determined to make sure every one felt personal — not like a handout, but a gesture of kindness.
On Halloween night, instead of trick-or-treat candy, families visiting their home were met with smiles, warm greetings, and bags of groceries ready to take home. For many, it was more than just food — it was a sign that their community cared. Neighbors who came for candy stayed to talk, share hugs, and even volunteer for the next event.
Jacinda said that watching children light up when they saw their parents receive something helpful was the most emotional part of the evening. “We didn’t want anyone to feel embarrassed or different,” she explained. “We just wanted to bring people together in a way that reminded everyone they’re not alone.”
Their kindness didn’t go unnoticed. After posting photos of the giveaway online, the story quickly spread, reaching thousands of views and hundreds of comments. Many called the couple’s project “the true spirit of Halloween.” Some people were so moved that they started planning similar pop-up pantries in their own neighborhoods. Others simply said thank you — grateful to see a moment of compassion at a time when so many are struggling to afford groceries.
The couple admits the need in their community feels overwhelming, especially as economic pressures rise and SNAP benefits change. But rather than let that reality bring them down, they’ve turned it into motivation. They’re already planning a Thanksgiving version of their project — hoping to deliver even more grocery bags next month, and maybe include fresh produce and hygiene items as well.
What started as a small act of generosity has become a movement of empathy. Martina and Jacinda say their biggest goal is to show that ordinary people can create extraordinary change. “You don’t need a lot of money to make an impact,” Martina said. “You just need to care enough to do something.”
As Halloween night came to a close, the couple’s driveway was empty — every single grocery bag had been given away. But what lingered was something far more lasting: the sense that in one small corner of Riverside, kindness had taken center stage, proving that even in uncertain times, compassion never goes out of season.
