Muscoy, CA — The Muscoy community is grappling with a significant loss after learning that the PAL Center, a cornerstone institution in the area for over four decades, will no longer serve as a USDA food distribution site after September 2025.
This development follows the abrupt end of a 35-year partnership with the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC).
The decision was unexpectedly delivered to PAL Center CEO Dwaine Radden Sr. during a last-minute Zoom meeting—replacing a previously scheduled in-person visit.
During the virtual meeting, CAPSBC’s executive team informed Radden that the PAL Center had not been selected to continue as a USDA food distribution location, leaving many questions unanswered.
“After decades of dedicated service, it’s disheartening to be cut off without community input or a clear explanation,” said Radden. “Our commitment to Muscoy remains strong, and we will continue seeking ways to serve our people.”
More than just a food distribution site, the PAL Center has long served as a vital hub for education, workforce development, and family support.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center fed over 50,000 families each month. Its annual Thanksgiving Feast provides free meals to the community, and students from PAL Charter Academy earn service hours by volunteering at food events.
The sudden termination of USDA food distribution services raises serious concerns about food insecurity in Muscoy.
Hundreds of low-income families rely on the program for consistent access to groceries and nutritious food.
“I’ve reached out to a CAPSBC board member to gain clarity on their evaluation criteria and how site selections were made—but I’ve received no response,” Radden added. “We met every requirement—from compliance documentation to a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). We’ve stood by this partnership through good times and bad. This community knows they can count on us.”
Local churches and nonprofit organizations are also experiencing disruptions, suggesting that broader administrative changes at CAPSBC may be affecting long-standing community collaborations across San Bernardino County.
In response, the PAL Center is actively pursuing new partnerships and alternative resources to continue meeting the needs of Muscoy families. Community members are encouraged to speak up and advocate for the restoration of services that have long been a lifeline in the area.
Contact the PAL Center at (909) 887-7002 or www.palcenter.org
