LIVEMeals on Wheels Does More Than Deliver Food
Current kitchen location built in the 1950’s. Fresh meals made Monday-Friday all year. Old, industrial appliances need replacement. Increase clients served from approximately 40/day to 200/day especially in response to Corona-19 issues. Increase volunteers from approximately 10/day to approximately 30/day. Funding for food, reusable/recyclable containers and additional materials to increase all operations. Add new programs such as Ani-meals, library services, craft tasks for clients.
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
South Bay
In what stage of innovation is this project?
Expand existing program
If you are submitting a collaborative proposal, please describe the specific role of partner organizations in the project.
Willenberg Career & Transition center is one of LAUSD'S Schools rigorous providing vocational training for students with disabilities. As part of their alternative curriculum, students grow and distribute fresh vegetables from their sustainable garden. San Pedro Meals on Wheels will be the recipient of their produce and incorporate it into the weekly menu.
Greengirlfarms.org is a local organization dedicated to growing healthy produce in backyards, empty spaces and community gardens making it available to everyone through local markets and donations. Green Girl Farms teaches others in the community how to grow delicious, nutritious produce. San Pedro Meals on Wheels is in discussion with Greengirlfarms and the Willenberg Center to partner and expand their educational programs.
What is the need you’re responding to?
San Pedro Meals on Wheels has been a successful program since 1972, serving approximately 1.5 million people to date. The San Pedro senior population, the number of people with chronic illnesses and people recuperating following a hospital stay are groups which are all growing exponentially. The services available to serve these people in our community is limited, not keeping up with the demand and must be expanded. This organization relies on donations to meet operating budget goals.
Why is this project important to the work of your organization?
San Pedro Meals on Wheels has proven it's success throughout the years, including receiving the Chamber of Commerce Non Profit of the Year Award in 2018. We have the facilities and overall capacity to grow and serve many more people than we currently serve. We have the support of a strong Board of Directors, a helpful community and loving, caring volunteers. With the financial backing, we can prepare and deliver many more meals throughout the San Pedro and neighboring communities.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this proposal?
Direct Impact: 200
Indirect Impact: 56,000
Please describe the broader impact of your proposal.
Currently client average of 40/day. Projected clients 200/day. Currently San Pedro population is approximately 56,000. Word of mouth and social media will spread regarding the additional program success and reach the entire community.
Reusable and recyclable containers will be researched and added to the program.
Personal interaction with people confined to their home is a daily occurrence. Additional programs developed to assist these people in creating simple craft products to donate to other organizations in need in the community.
Please explain how you will define and measure success for your project.
Depending on the date funding is received, we will increase the number of people served, the number of meals prepared and served and the number of community volunteers utilized to expand San Pedro Meals on Wheels services. These number will be easily accessible and shared.
Which of the LIVE metrics will your submission impact?
Access to healthy food
Food insecurity
Older adult well-being
Which of LA2050’s resources will be of the most value to you?
Access to the LA2050 community
Communications support
Capacity, including staff
Strategy assistance and implementation