top of page
KitchensForGood-62 (1).jpg

Annual Report

FY 2019-2020

Behind every meal is the story of new beginnings
Video

"I used to take from my community, 

Now I take care of my community."

Dinners for Good_Chefs-9.10.20- Twitter

Dear Friends,

Since our first day of operation in 2015, Kitchens for Good has prepared more than 300 individuals for careers, provided more than 500,000 meals to food insecure San Diegans, and earned more than $5,000,000 through its enterprises. This annual report captures some of the stories behind those numbers and how we've worked to scale our impact in the last year.

 

Whether you volunteer, donate, serve as a partner, or attend our events, these stories are because of your support. Thank you for sharing our belief that all food has power, and all people have potential.

 

With sincere gratitude and warm wishes, 

 

The Team at Kitchens for Good

The Heroes

Behind the Masks

Soni Color.jpg
75ED1392-806F-4662-AED7-3D7ECEF643E0 2.J

Soni Shine

Kitchens for Good Chef Instructor

and Alumni, Class 13

Small Title

"My favorite part is getting to go out into the line and seeing the people we help and how much these meals mean to them. I’m grateful to be doing something I love with the people I love and having something so positive to stay focused on during these crazy times."
Geannie Color.jpg
IMG_2587-preview.JPG

Geannie Hyacinth 

Apprentice, Class 18

Small Title

"It is such a pleasure being a part of something that is helping and inspiring the community. Before my training at Kitchens for Good, me and my son were experiencing homelessness, which was very dark at times. Coming to a place that was so positive and making a difference has allowed me to gain confidence and get back on my feet to launch my career.” 
Jason Color.jpg
Jason Burket.jpg

Jason Burket 

Apprentice, Class 19

Small Title

"For a long time, I was a hinderance to society. Now I’m able to give back to society. I love being able to bring joy or comfort to others. Feeding the community gives me purpose.”     
Alex Color.jpg
Wasted-53.jpg

Alex Otero 

Apprentice, Class 18

Small Title

“I’m proud of myself. My family and friends are seeing a whole new me. They now see someone who is focused, determined, and helping the community. This is the first time in my life that I’ve had a job, paid bills, and felt truly valuable. "
Karen Color.jpg
IMG_9394.JPG

Karen Marcum 

Lead Cook and Alumni, Class Three

Small Title

“Prior to Kitchens for Good I was homeless, with very little hope for
my future. I feel blessed to now be
able to give back to the community that
is struggling, because I was there and
I know how that feels. The kitchen
has been a bright spot during this
dark time. ”      
IMG_3016 3.jpg
IMG_9973.jpg

Sharon Washington 

Apprentice, Class 20

Small Title

“This is about the people out there- helping them. I really like making the meals and getting a chance to give back to the community. It makes me feel really good."
Alumni Spotlight
029.JPG

Impact

By the Numbers

2020 AT A GLANCE (1).png

We Saw Apprentices

Succeed

Click image to learn more.

Covid-19 Response

IMG_9F7F2014BD82-1
IMG_9036 3
IMG_DF28AF9C0387-1
Meals Small
058
IMG_3086
042
IMG_4430
IMG_0757
Crowdfunding Banner 2020.3 (3)
IMG_5103
geannie

As the pandemic reached San Diego in March, Kitchens for Good quickly pivoted its operations to respond to the crisis and community need. In the first months of the pandemic, Kitchens for Good: 

  • Scaled hunger relief meal production from 2,000 meals a week in February to over 15,000 meals a week by June to meet a critical need for food insecure families affected by Covid-19. 

  • Rallied an army of over 1,800 volunteers to assist with meal packaging. 

  • Engaged student apprentices in an online daily life skills and career development class over Zoom and provided apprentices with weekly home-delivered culinary kits filled with ingredients and cooking lessons. 

  • Reached out to 258 alumni and connected them to food, financial support, and mental health resources. As the quarantine was lifted, the team worked all summer to help apprentices reenter the workforce and secure new jobs. 

Volunteer  post.png

We Responded

boldly

Programs

We found our future home

030.JPG