City of San Jose issued the following announcement on Dec 16.
“I am committed to the mission of feeding the hungry. Now that I recognize the gravity of this issue and with no answer in sight. How do we break this cycle? I do not know, but I believe that every step, no matter how small, will lead to a solution, ”says Cynthia White, a volunteer at Martha’s Kitchen.
Martha's Kitchen ESSENTIAL volunteer Cynthia White, has contributed to the community for more than 12 years. As a San José native, White began donating her time to her local soup kitchen. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, White took action and became a volunteer, actively going to the facility several days out of the week.
White is retired and as the shelter-in-place began, she felt a loss of direction and purpose. However, she did not give-up and felt a need to help the community.
“After I was laid off/retired I was lost for direction and purpose; I drove by the church and saw a Martha's Kitchen van and felt the need to pick up the phone and call to volunteer,” says White.
Volunteering four days each week, she also assists with special projects such as “Christmas” Toys for Kids, an annual fundraiser, Gala event. Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday White volunteers 3 ½ hours preparing sandwiches and other meals. On Thursdays, White makes it possible for breakfast to be served to the community preparing food boxes with all the essentials.
“We see a consistent need as more partners request that we increase the amount of food sent to their organizations. There has been a higher demand in the number of requests received,” shares White.
As the pandemic has increased food insecurity in San José, nonprofit organizations, food banks and government officials are working to provide food assistance for our local residents. Martha’s Kitchen has stepped up and raised preparation of meals from making 1,500 sandwiches to 5,000 plus every week. “It is a real production,” says White.
“I did not recognize how great the need was in Silicon Valley,” says White. “It’s an ongoing growing need.”
As White served dinner for Martha's Kitchen, she was surprised at the demographics. Expecting the unhoused to be the main recipients of meals, she was surprised, realizing it was the entire community who was in need. From families to individuals who had jobs before the pandemic, it affected people at all levels.
Martha’s Kitchen serves breakfast once a day each week and residents come for a hot breakfast. Sometimes, it might be the only meal they get for the day.
Martha's Kitchen will remain open, as they are considered ESSENTIAL SERVICES that help feed the community during the pandemic. However, Martha’s Kitchen cannot do this alone. They need assistance - volunteers who can help out during the Holidays to keep the “Kitchen” running.
Meal service is being provided as a "to go" service for their clients, and they have implemented the recommended CDC and County protocols to ensure the safety of their clients, staff, and volunteers.
ESSENTIAL VOLUNTEERS are now needed more than ever. If you have the time, volunteering will give you purpose and help create a difference in our community. “Don't give up! Commit to finding resolutions for people being hungry without resolution,” shares White.
With the Holidays around the corner, Martha’s Kitchen and other nonprofits are in need of volunteers to ensure our community has needed assistance. You can volunteer for Martha’s Kitchen or a number of other organizations from the list below. As White mentioned earlier, “…Don't give up! Have HOPE.!” Find your purpose this Holiday and volunteer today.
Volunteer opportunities can be found below or you may submit an application to volunteer at SV Strong: https://siliconvalleystrong.org/volunteer/
- FIRST 5 Santa Clara County - Childcare Kit Distribution
- Make childcare diaper kits OR deliver kits to homes. 2 - 3 hour shifts
- Monday - Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Email Nishma Samat to sign up: nishma.samat@first5kids.org
- Veggielution - Pack farm boxes with fresh produce
- Help pack fresh produce. Workdays are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at San Jose Conservation Corps & Charter School. Shifts are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (optional shorter shift)
- Sign up at https://veggielution.org/farm-box
- Martha's Kitchen - Toy distribution
- Help give away toys to children on 12/19, 12/20, or 12/21 during a 5-hour shift.
- Sign up at http://www.marthas-kitchen.org/ or email to sign up: volunteers@marthas-kitchen.org
- The Salvation Army, Silicon Valley - Food Distribution
- Loading cars for food box distribution or checking in individuals and families arriving for food pick-up.
- Sign up at https://volunteer.usawest.org/OpportunityListPage.aspx
- Second Harvest of Silicon Valley - Food Distribution
- Help with various food distributions like sorting food in the warehouse or delivering food to homes.
- Sign up at https://www.shfb.org/give-help/volunteer/
To find out how you can access food resources in your neighborhood, please visit bit.ly/SCCFoodMap. #SiliconValleyStrong #SJCares #KeepSJHealthy
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of San Jose
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