Provide food security during the coronavirus pandemic for those who would otherwise go hungry, with Focusing Philanthropy and Catalyst Kitchens

As always, Focusing Philanthropy covers all overhead costs. 100% of every donation will go to the COVID-19 Emergency Meals campaign.


THE NEED

Millions of people who needed the next paycheck to buy food are now unemployed with nothing in reserve. Schools providing free lunch programs are closed, and grocery hoarding is reducing the supermarket surplus normally contributed to food banks. Shelters, community centers, and quarantine sites are experiencing dramatic spikes in the number of people they serve, including as a primary source of food. Federal aid programs have historically provided only ~$1.50-$2 per meal whereas the cost to produce, package, and deliver a meal is ~$5.


THE APPROACH

Seattle-based nonprofit FareStart—and Catalyst Kitchens (CK), the 80 member North American network that FareStart launched, leads and to which it provides resources and support—disrupt poverty by bringing together life skills and on-the-job culinary training to help homeless, in recovery, or formerly incarcerated individuals achieve lasting employment in the foodservice industry and prepare nutritious meals for low-income adults and children in the greater community. Since 2013, Focusing Philanthropy has been the lead philanthropic partner in enabling FareStart to build and strengthen the Catalyst Kitchens network.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, we have identified at least 12 CK members with existing social service food security programs that are now ramping up to meet rapidly growing demand. Together, they were producing ~20K meals a day, and, funds permitting, can increase their daily count to well over 100K meals. This emergency response is extremely cost effective: ~$3 for one healthy meal prepared, packaged, and delivered.


THE GOAL

We seek funding to provide resources and support to Catalyst Kitchens’ national members to provide millions of healthy meals to those who would otherwise go hungry. Building on all we know and what we have already worked together to put in place, we can make a difference.

Donations must be a minimum of $1,000 and directed to Focusing Philanthropy, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and free resource to donors. Donations are fully tax deductible and 100% of funds contributed will go to the COVID-19 Emergency Meals initiative. All Focusing Philanthropy costs are covered by its founders.