Annual Report
2019/2020
Annual Report
FY 2019-2020
Behind every meal is the story of new beginnings
"I used to take from my community,
Now I take care of my community."
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 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 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 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 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 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. ”
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."
Impact
By the Numbers
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We Saw Apprentices
Succeed
Click image to learn more.
Covid-19 Response
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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:
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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.
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Rallied an army of over 1,800 volunteers to assist with meal packaging.
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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.
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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.
We Responded
boldly
We found our future home
