Local Effort Feeds 40 Families – Donations Needed to Double Impact This Weekend

What began as a simple idea from local residents Jenn Gevertz and Lili Chen, to keep food on the table for Bay Area families affected by the current federal shutdown and disruption of SNAP benefits, has grown into a focused community effort to feed any family in need.

This past Saturday morning, volunteers met at Costco with a clear mission: fill 40 boxes of groceries for families who could use extra support before Thanksgiving. Carts were loaded with canned goods, pasta, beans, eggs, and chicken. Volunteers then stopped by the local farmers market to add fresh produce so every box included both pantry staples and healthy options.

From there, the group headed to Coldwell Banker Realty in Burlingame, which generously opened its doors as the packing headquarters. A production line quickly formed, with volunteers including Chamber CEO Crystal Tilton, Jerry, Steven, and Mark, along with several drivers who preferred to remain unnamed, packing and delivering the boxes directly to families’ doorsteps.

Thanks to this combined effort, 40 families most of whom live in Foster City, received full grocery boxes in time for the holiday. Organizers emphasize that the most critical need now is financial support, as the entire effort depends on raising enough money to purchase the food.

The team plans to repeat the project on Sunday, November 16, and hopes to double their impact by feeding at least 80 families. Currently they have enough funds for 20. To reach that goal, they are asking the community to help fund the next round of grocery boxes. A contribution of $100 provides a full grocery pack for one family, and donations are tax-deductible through the Foster City Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Donations can be made online at: https://tinyurl.com/food4fc

The first priority for all funds raised is buying food for families this Sunday. Any money collected beyond what is needed for groceries will be used to purchase holiday gifts for local children, extending the impact of this effort into the rest of the season.

In addition to financial contributions, organizers are also seeking 3 to 6 more volunteers to help with shopping, packing, and delivering groceries. Families in need, or those who know someone who could use support, are encouraged to text (650) 573-7600 with an address. Volunteers or those with questions can also email events@fcbiz.org. Deliveries are made discreetly, with no questions asked.

This initiative, led by neighbors and supported by the Foster City Chamber Foundation, shows how a community can come together so that no family has to face the holidays without enough food or a little joy for their children.