I don’t know anyone who is not affected by the coronavirus. It’s turned everyone’s world upside down. And yet, I feel very fortunate to be able to feed my family, even though I know my income will be hit hard. We’re not starving. On Saturday, I saw hundreds of cars lined up in Anaheim waiting to get food at Pop-Up Drive-Through Food Distribution thanks to Second Harvest Food Bank at the Honda Center and it broke my heart.
Those who are less fortunate and food insecure in Southern California are affected even more by the coronavirus. 48% of kids are on a government-subsidized lunch program at school in Orange County, and all schools have been shut down. Many more people are hungry and out of work. A recent poll for NPR and PBS found that 18% of the adults surveyed were laid off or their work hours were reduced. And, for adults earning less than $50,000 a year, it was 25%.
In response to even more economic and social restrictions due to the coronavirus, Bracken’s Kitchen that recovers food and feeds those in need is stepping up its meal production to a goal of at least 25,000 meals a week. That’s nearly four times their average! They cannot do this alone. They are seeking donations to keep moving forward. They’ve changed their meal production at Bracken's Kitchen to meet the need in our community.
A local family is offering a $100,000 matching grant commitment to help feed the need at Bracken’s Kitchen. I know everyone is hit financially, but if you can donate any amount or spread the word, that would be incredible. It would be best to try maximize that $100,000 matching grant so that they can turn it into a $200,000 grant.
“My heart and prayers go out to each and every person whose life is being completely turned upside down by this invisible virus,” said Bill Bracken, Founder of Bracken’s Kitchen.
“But in spite of all of this please remember my friends. THIS TOO WILL PASS and life will go on. Now more than ever we will work to "Delivering Hope, One Tasty Meal At A Time."
Bracken’s Kitchen is seeking donations to support their COvid-19 Response goals and can be made here.
