Grassroots effort helping thousands in Monterey County hit hard by the pandemic

A $5 million program launched through a collaboration among government agencies and nonprofit groups is bringing vital information and assistance to many underserved people in Monterey County.

Called the Virus Integrated Distribution of Aid, or VIDA, the program is reaching 7,000 people a month and providing critical information on COVID-19 protocols in English, Spanish and several indigenous languages like Triqui, Zapoteco and Mixteco that many migrant farmworkers speak.

The Monterey County Health Department, the Community Foundation for Monterey County and Rosemary Soto with the county administrative office are forging the effort and coordinating with 10 area nonprofit groups to provide information to populations hardest by the pandemic.