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 has donated $10,000 to the FreeMeals program by WishingWell, Inc. in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. FreeMeals.org is a volunteer-run organization that was launched in response to COVID-19 It is currently working to bring food security by providing hot, nutritious meals to anyone in need.
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 FreeMeals.org. Reena Jadhav, the founder and board member of FreeMeals.org thanked BAPS Charities and committed to using 100% of the funds to provide free meals to the families impacted by food insecurity in the local community.
Pleasanton Mayor Karla Brown also shared her gratitude, “Thank you, BAPS Charities. The families appreciate your incredible work in our community. This generous gift from BAPS Charities will be a tremendous help to support a community that is food insecure.”
“Holiday season is about sharing the joy with your fellow community members. BAPS Charities coming forward to support the local organizations in need across the US means a lot to all of us. You are truly sharing the joy with others and big applause for the fantastic work by BAPS Charities,” said Vice Mayor Sridhar Verose, City of San Ramon, California.
“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.
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.
