By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Congressional hopeful distributes free bread
bread mayors
From left, Manteca Mayor Ben Cantu, 10th Congressional District candidate Ted Howze, and Mayor Robert Rickman of Tracy delivered free loaves of bread in front of the Manteca Senior Center on Wednesday morning as part of Operation Compassion.

Ted Howze has put Operation Compassion ahead of his campaigning.

The Republican candidate for the 10th Congressional District, opposing incumbent Josh Harder, is focusing his attention to helping seniors and disabled veterans amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Howze, who is a large animal veterinarian and active leader in Turlock, would normally be spending this time for fundraising and organizing for the upcoming general election in November. Instead, he’s putting his young campaign staff to work on Operation Compassion.

On Wednesday, Howze and Operation Compassion made a stopover at the Manteca Senior Center on Wednesday.

Howze along with Mayor Robert Rickman of Tracy and Manteca Mayor Ben Cantu worked side by side – practicing social distancing and taking other safety precautions in guarding against the spread of the coronavirus – handing out free loaves of bread to seniors while providing drive-thru service.

“Leadership really shows in this time of crisis,” said Howze, who took pride in having the endorsement of 11 of the 13 mayors in the 10th Congressional District.

The free bread giveaway was made possible by an anonymous donor, he added.

Howze and Operation Compassion have made the rounds during these unprecedented times, going to communities throughout Stanislaus County to as far north as Sacramento.

“On Monday, we were in Modesto for a 9 a.m. (free bread giveaway) – there were about 100 cars already lined up by 8:15,” he said.

Both mayors were proud to join in this endeavor.

“We have plenty of bread,” said Cantu.

Added Rickman: “We’re all in this together.”

Operation Compassion offers deliveries to homebound seniors and disabled veterans. “We’ll drop the supplies at the doorstep,” Howze said.

For more information, call 209.502.4801.