California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, yet 1 in 5 Californians – that’s about 8 million people currently struggling with food insecurity, reports a study by the California Association of Food Banks. Food insecurity is the occasional or constant lack of access to the food one needs for a healthy, active life. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many families who do not know where their next meal will come from and whether to buy groceries or pay rent.
In response to the food insecurity challenges exasperated by the COVID-19 pandemic, BAPS Charities donated $10,000 to the Meals on Wheels program by Spectrum Community Services in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Meals on Wheels is a program that delivers healthy meals to the homes of seniors who are unable to prepare their own food or have difficulty with mobility.
On Saturday, December 11, 2011, Pleasanton Mayor Karla Brown, San Ramon Vice Mayor Sridhar Verose, Congressman Eric Swalwell’s District Chief of Staff Mallory De Lauro, and Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan’s Deputy District Director Marilyn Cachola Lucey joined BAPS Charities volunteers at Pleasanton City Hall to appreciate the community service efforts of Spectrum Community Services. While accepting the BAPS Charities donation, Ms. Lara Calvert, Executive Director at Spectrum Community Services, and Ms. Carrie Oldes, Program Manager for Meals on Wheels appreciated the BAPS Charities donation.
“We know that the pandemic has exacerbated and put a spotlight on the inequalities that exist in our society. In addition to the government efforts at all levels, it takes the grassroots intelligence, relationships, and trust that the local organizations have built with the community to address this challenge. It requires support from larger organizations such as BAPS Charities with their global reach to recognize the challenge and support the communities in need. On behalf of Congressman Swalwell, we thank BAPS Charities for supporting the FreeMeals.org and the Meals on Wheels programs,” said Mallory De Lauro, District Chief of Staff for Congressman Eric Swalwell’s district office.
Representing California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan at the event, Marilyn Cachola Lucey conveyed that “With sincere gratitude, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan would like to honor BAPS Charities for serving local communities and empowering individuals.”
BAPS Charities is grateful to its volunteers, supporters, and well-wishers. Beyond the recent donation, BAPS Charities has donated meals and personal protective equipment to local community organizations and implemented several online awareness campaigns for the community on how to stay healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
