How Friends Supporting Families Began — And Why It Matters

In a small town like Los Barriles in Baja Sur Mexico, it doesn’t take long to notice when families are struggling. The rising cost of food, limited access to consistent income, and unexpected hardships mean that many local families quietly face food insecurity month after month.

Friends Supporting Families began when a small group of friends saw this need firsthand and decided to pay attention. The question wasn’t whether help was needed—it was how to help in a way that respected dignity, strengthened community, and created something sustainable.

Volunteers gathering week after week to create handcrafted items that help put food on local families’ tables.

Rather than handing out aid directly, we listened. We learned. And we partnered with trusted local systems already serving families in need. From the beginning, our goal was simple: raise funds locally to purchase food locally, and support families through established Mexican-led channels.

Every handmade piece sold supports monthly food assistance for families in Los Barriles.

What makes Friends Supporting Families different is how that support happens.

Our funding comes from the sale of handcrafted beaded items and artisanal goods made by volunteers, along with generous community donations.

Every peso raised goes toward purchasing monthly supplies of nutritious food and basic toiletries — Items like flour, sugar, beans, salt, lentils, maize, milk, shampoo, bar soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper. These are everyday items many of us barely think about, but for families in need, they make a real difference. These items are collected by FSF and are then distributed by the DIF to local area families who are determined to need them most, every single month.

Friends Supporting Families does not decide who receives food. That responsibility belongs entirely to the DIF and local Mexican community members. This approach ensures assistance is respectful, appropriate, and delivered with dignity. It also means support comes from Mexicans, for Mexicans—strengthening community trust and accountability.

Nutritious food and basic necessities—purchased locally and distributed through the DIF.

In 2025, thanks to local residents, visitors, and generous supporters, we were able to fund monthly food donations for approximately 25 families. Each "Food Box" the DIF puts together costs about 625 pesos (roughly $35 USD) and can help feed a family for an entire month. It’s a simple model, but one that works. Our goal is to feed even more disadvantaged local families in 2026.

Volunteers unloading food

Behind the scenes, volunteers gather week after week—stringing beads, organizing supplies, placing food orders, and delivering them to the DIF office. Food is purchased locally through Joe’s Deli, a small Los Barriles tienda that has supported our mission from the very beginning. This keeps funds circulating within the community while ensuring families receive reliable, quality food.

Food is purchased locally through Joe’s Deli, keeping support rooted in our community.

Friends Supporting Families isn’t about charity for recognition. It’s about consistency. It’s about showing up every month. And it’s about making sure help reaches families in a way that preserves pride and respect.

If you’ve found your way here, there are many ways to be part of this work—by visiting us at the Saturday Market, purchasing a Food Box, donating, or simply sharing our mission with others. Every action helps keep food on tables and support flowing where it’s needed most.

This is just the beginning. And we’re grateful you’re here.

You’ll find us at the Los Barriles Saturday Market—stop by, say hello, and support the mission.