Augustine Casino in Coachella donates food amid COVID-19 outbreak

Friday 27th March 2020

Hidden Harvest helps rescue produce left behind in fields and orchards.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Augustine Casino announced on March 15 that it would be closing its doors to the public. Since the Coachella casino's closure, the company has donated nearly 3,000 pounds of fresh vegetables, fruit and perishable proteins to Martha's Village and Kitchen and its employees.

The food donations come from the casino's restaurant Café 54 and its buffet. Approximately 40 varieties of perishable goods were donated to the community, including lettuce, spinach, broccoli, lemons, bell peppers, mushrooms, squash, cantaloupe, tomatoes, seafood, beef, pork and chicken items.

"The Tribe graciously chose to see the silver lining during this time of distress throughout our community," said Augustine's general manager, Jef Bauer, in a press release. "This is a time for us to do what we can to ensure [that] our dedicated team as well as a great organization like Martha's Village and Kitchen have the resources they need to weather this storm. We can't forget about our homeless brothers and sisters during the COVID-19 crisis. It's relieving to know that we're helping Martha's truly make a difference with this vulnerable population."

Opened in 2002, Augustine Casino was the first business enterprise of the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians. The casino is nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, located at 84-001 Avenue 54 in Coachella.

For more information about the Augustine, call (760) 391-9500 or visit augustinecasino.com.