Assemblymember Berman Hosts Food Drive to Support Families in Need During the Summer Months

• Isabelle Grassel
• Communications/Legislative Assistant
• (916) 319-2023
• [email protected]

MENLO PARK, CA - Last week, Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) hosted a community food drive to collect food items for families in need during the summer months.

Assemblymember Berman's office received over 2,000 pounds of donations to his District Office in Palo Alto and the Ted Adcock Community Center in Half Moon Bay.

"With school out for the summer, the need for food assistance is greater than ever, and kids who rely on free meal programs during the school year may miss out on that critical nutritional support. It was really special to walk in the office and see so much food ready to be donated to our local food pantries," said Assemblymember Marc Berman. "With recent cuts to food assistance on the federal level, it is so crucial that we all step up to support each other. I am incredibly proud of our community's generosity and thank everyone who donated and supported their neighbors."

Assemblymember Berman delivered the donated food to Coastside Hope and Community Service Agency, two local food pantries where families in need of additional support can access vital food assistance, free of charge.

"At a time when summer expenses and reduced access to school meals can strain household budgets, this contribution keeps CSA's pantry stocked with essential staples and helps our neighbors put food on the table while preserving limited income for rent, utilities, medication, and other necessities," said Tom Myers, Executive Director, Community Services Agency.

Nearly 160,000 people in Santa Clara County and San Mateo County rely on federally funded food assistance to pay for groceries, and recent federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as CalFresh in California, put many of these individuals at risk.

"At a time when safety net services, including access to food, are facing significant challenges, we are deeply grateful for the thoughtfulness and generosity shown through food drives like the one organized by the Office of Assemblymember Marc Berman. Their support helps ensure that families in our community have access to nutritious food when they need it most," said Judith Guerrero, Executive Director, Coastside Hope.

Community members seeking food assistance can reach out to the Assemblymember's District Office at (650) 324-0224.

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Contact: [email protected]