A man living alone and out of food called 911. California police found a way to help

In the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, a California police department helped a resident get the food he needed to survive.

A 63-year-old man called the Sacramento Police Department dispatch line crying. He was out of food, diabetic and living alone, according to the Sacramento Police Department Outreach and Engagement team.

“He further advised he did not get his check for another week to buy himself food,” the team said on Twitter. “The man was in distress.”

Dispatch supervisor Kelly Joy told ABC 10 that the resident was struggling to find food because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“He was, I mean, it is very stressful right now,” Joy told ABC 10. “With everything that you are hearing about the pandemic and the need for groceries and supplies and certain shopping hours for those who are unable to go out during the normal hours because they may be more at risk.”

The man had no family around and didn’t know what to do, according to police. The man originally told the dispatcher that he had only been eating lentils, KCRA reported, and he only had beans left. He had no milk, bread or eggs, according to the news outlet.

Dispatch told Sacramento Police Sgt. Dan Nutley, who went to check on the man, according to police. They decided to help the man.

“While on scene, it was determined through the help of SacPD Cares that they would purchase groceries for the man and bring them to him,” the Outreach and Engagement team said on Twitter. “Sgt. Nutley went to Grocery Outlet to buy groceries, only for Grocery Outlet to donate the food! In addition, they provided more food items to be taken to the man.”

This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 2:16 PM with the headline "A man living alone and out of food called 911. California police found a way to help."