Community Seva has launched an emergency weekend meals program in Gilroy to support families affected by the suspension of SNAP/CalFresh benefits, serving 500 children and their families each weekend in November.
Community Seva, a Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to providing hot meals and essential services to unhoused and food-insecure residents, has initiated a new emergency weekend meals program. This initiative, in partnership with the Gilroy Union School District, aims to serve 500 children and their families every Saturday and Sunday throughout November.
The program was established in direct response to the recent suspension of SNAP/CalFresh benefits, which has left many low-income families across Santa Clara County struggling to secure adequate meals at home. The Gilroy Unified School District has reported increasing concerns about weekend hunger among students who rely on meals provided during the school week.
“No child or family in our community goes hungry during difficult times,” said Nathan Ganesan, Founder and Board President of Community Seva.
Starting this past weekend, Community Seva and its volunteers have begun preparing and distributing fresh, nutritious boxed lunches to ensure that children do not face hunger during this challenging period. The meals are prepared at Community Seva’s centralized commercial kitchen located in the City of Santa Clara.
Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, representing District 1, expressed her concern for families in the area, stating, “Our families in South County are hurting. Children should never bear the burden of bureaucratic delays or policy breakdowns. I am grateful to Community Seva and all of our partners for stepping up so quickly.”
Dr. Anisha Munshi, Superintendent of the Gilroy Unified School District, echoed this sentiment, adding, “At a time when so many of our families are experiencing the effects of food insecurity, the district is profoundly grateful for the partnership and generosity of Supervisor Arenas’ office and Community Seva. Their commitment to supporting our community ensures that our students and families have access to the essential resources they need. We value their collaboration and the positive impact they make in the lives of those that GUSD serves.”
Nathan Ganesan further emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “When we heard about the sudden disruption of SNAP/CalFresh benefits, we immediately mobilized. When the need arises, Community Seva has always stepped up for our neighbors. This emergency meals program is a true example of who we are and what we stand for, which is ensuring that no child or family in our community goes hungry during difficult times.”
This emergency initiative is being executed in collaboration with several local leaders, including Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, Mayor Greg Bozzo of the City of Gilroy, and the South County Youth Task Force. Each partner has contributed outreach, coordination, or on-the-ground support to ensure that meals reach the families most affected by the suspension of benefits.
Community Seva Inc. has been committed to feeding the hungry and serving the unhoused across Santa Clara County and the greater Bay Area for over a decade. Through various programs that provide hot meals, emergency food boxes, women’s hygiene kits, and mobile showers, Community Seva has served tens of thousands of individuals since its founding, including over 400,000 meals. The organization relies on volunteers, community partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to dignity and compassion.
Source: Original article