Kenneth Riggs and his wife first visited Cabo in 2012 and purchased an investment property in San Lucas in 2016. During the pandemic, with travel halted and vacation renters canceling, the couple decided to work remotely from Cabo. Having become permanent residents in 2017, they ultimately made it their full-time home. Over the years, Ken and his wife Kelly visited Los Cabos frequently—first as tourists, then as homeowners managing remodeling projects and enjoying the area.
On these visits, they often volunteered with Feeding Los Cabos Kids (FLCK), helping serve meals at one of the organization’s community kitchens. Wanting to contribute more meaningfully, Ken approached FLCK’s founder and director, Donna Brnjic. She asked him to begin weekly food deliveries to four kitchens in San José.
After a few months, Pastor Michael Galles of Cabo Church invited Ken to manage the ministry. As manager, Ken focused on growing FLCK’s fundraising efforts. With his friend Art Gilfus, he organized the first music concert fundraiser at Cocina & Bar by Cabo Bakery. It drew over 350 attendees and was a huge success. They continued hosting concerts at venues like Roadhouse/Latitude 22, with each event proving equally popular.
Though the organization doesn’t publicize exact figures, Ken estimates that last year’s concert fundraisers accounted for about 25% of FLCK’s annual budget. Other fundraising events include the Christmas Gift Basket Auction, organized by Donna; the Designer Purse Auction in February; and the Bling Party in March, all volunteer-led. Additionally, Paul and Carla Shouse organize 2 to 3 annual Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruises.
FLCK now operates 14 kitchens. “When we build kitchens, we also build on-site living quarters,” said Ken. “The resident family manages the kitchen, plans meals, shops for groceries, recruits community volunteers, and handles light maintenance. In return, we provide housing, and food, pay all bills, supply equipment, and manage major repairs.”
There are about 90 full-time community volunteers helping with meal service, many of whom are underprivileged and lack formal education. FLCK gives each a monthly grocery bag for their family. Another 70 volunteers, mostly U.S. and Canadian expats like Paul and Carla, help with fundraising, deliveries, donation sorting, and events.
“FLCK is a ministry of Cabo Church, but it’s 100% funded by private donations and fundraisers,” Ken explained. “We’re likely the only legitimate U.S. and Mexican non-profit in Los Cabos. As a Mexican Donataria and a U.S. 501(c)(3), we accept tax-deductible donations without paying taxes.”
A key source of donations comes from kitchen visitors. FLCK picks up tourists from their hotels and brings them to a kitchen to sponsor a day, either by providing a meal or donating funds to cover operational costs. If they choose to cook, volunteers guide them through shopping and meal preparation. If not, they’re welcome to donate instead and help serve a pre-planned meal.
“We also bring footballs, frisbees, coloring books, nail polish, and games so visitors can engage with the kids before school,” Ken added. “These visits often turn guests into long-term supporters.”
FLCK also uses its kitchens as community centers. During Christmas, they host posadas with toys, candy, and special meals for kids. On Día del Niño (September 13), they distribute toys, candy, and school supplies. Volunteers receive care packages on Mother’s Day, and every fall, school-age children get stocked backpacks and blankets. When expats donate items, volunteers distribute clothing, toiletries, and household goods through the kitchens.
To celebrate FLCK’s 20th anniversary, they plan to build a 15th kitchen in 2025, one that will include a food pantry, thrift store, church, and classrooms. “A family will live on-site and handle meal service,” Ken said. “But the new pantry will allow us to buy food wholesale, reducing costs by 40%. It will serve as a regional distribution center for all 14 kitchens.”
The thrift store will sell donated items unsuitable for the local community. The facility will also include space for worship, like many current kitchens, which double as churches. “Funds from our events are earmarked for this new project,” Ken said. “Our goal is to raise $200,000 to cover land, construction, start-up, and first-year costs.”