2024 Highlights: A Community Effort in Action

Reflecting on 2024 & Growing Forward: Community-Powered Food Rescue and Sustainable Access in 2025

As we look back on 2024, we can’t help but feel proud of everything this community has accomplished. We’ve made incredible strides in food sustainability, access, and creating lasting change. And as we move into 2025, we are ready to continue building on this momentum with new opportunities, initiatives, and goals.

Carolina Trucking Company allowed us to move into a larger space, providing financial support to secure a dedicated warehouse, a commercial kitchen to upcycle rescued food, and a storefront that helps fund operations through community-powered contributions. That move gave us room to grow, breathe, and plan long-term.
CalRecycle helped carry the momentum we started in 2022–2023. With their multi-year grant support, we could purchase processing equipment that reduces food waste, host educational workshops on waste reduction at home, and strengthen partnerships with local businesses for SB1383 compliance. Their belief in long-term impact laid a strong foundation for where we are now.
Commonwealth Financial Network continued to support this work through their annual food drive partnership, ensuring our pantry is stocked with a variety and dignity. For our friends navigating allergies or specific dietary needs, this effort means real choice and access to food that fits their lives.

🌍 Join Us for Earth Day 2025: DIY Beeswax Wraps Workshop

In celebration of Earth Month, we’re hosting a DIY Beeswax Wraps Workshop on April 26, 2025! This hands-on workshop is a fun and sustainable way to create reusable food wraps—an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap. Sponsored partly by a generous CalRecycle grant, the workshop will help promote sustainability while providing a chance to learn a new skill. Whether you're looking to reduce waste in your home or just enjoy crafting, this event is perfect for anyone passionate about sustainability. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the planet while having fun with fellow community members!

Get Tickets- Humantix

📦 Looking Ahead: Strengthening Our Food Share Program

As we move into 2025, one of our key focuses is ensuring the sustainability of our food share program. The rising cost of food sourcing, transportation, and operations has been a challenge, but we've kept costs low thanks to the dedication of volunteers and donors. However, to ensure the long-term viability of this program, a small increase to the food share contribution will take effect on May 1, 2025.

This adjustment will:

✅ Make food sourcing more predictable instead of relying solely on limited food rescue.
✅ Support essential roles that keep operations running smoothly and services consistent.
✅ Maintain financial stability so this program remains a reliable option for years.
✅ Allow us to serve and continue expanding the FREE pantry for seniors, school pantries, and mutual aid groups, ensuring continued support for those who rely on it.

Every contribution, volunteer hour, and act of support has shaped this program into what it is today.

Together, this community has built something incredible, and with this adjustment, it will continue to be a resource for those who need it most.

If this change presents a challenge, support options remain available. Thank you for being part of this mission and ensuring that good food remains within reach for all.

🍽 NALC Food Drive: May 11, 2025—We Need Your Help!

Looking ahead, May 11, 2025, marks one of biggest FOOD DRIVE across the US! The NALC Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. This food drive is critical in helping stock our pantry with the essential items that keep food access equitable and sustainable for all.

We need volunteers to help sort, organize, and load donated food. Whether you can lend a hand for a few hours or spread the word to others, your support makes all the difference. Let’s come together to make this event a success!

❤️Grateful for You: How We’re Thriving Through Support

As a solo parent running this organization, I know there are moments when the weight of it all feels overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like I’m carrying this responsibility alone, but the truth is, I am never truly alone.

We continue to thrive because of your unwavering support, selfless dedication, and countless hours of volunteering.

Every person who shows up—whether to sort food, distribute resources, or spread the word—plays a vital role in our success.

Together, we are building a community—a community where we support one another, where everyone has a seat at the table, and where change is happening because of each person’s commitment to making it possible. It is through the collective power of all of you—our volunteers, donors, and neighbors—that we are able to keep this mission moving forward.

I am endlessly grateful for each of you. The road ahead may have its challenges, but knowing we have such a strong, compassionate community to lean on makes all the difference. Thank you for being the changemakers who keep us going. We’re not just surviving; we’re thriving, together.

With deep appreciation,

Claudia