Ascencia, a nonprofit homeless services agency and emergency shelter that serves Burbank, Glendale and other parts of L.A. County, is seeking volunteers for its Guest Chef Feeding Program.
With food costs skyrocketing, Ascencia is struggling under the weight of increased expenses across the board. The organization provides breakfast, lunch and dinner to its 45 shelter residents every day of the year. That’s 50,000 meals served per year.
“We are so grateful for everyone who consistently volunteers and donates to cover the cost of meals,” Ascencia said in a statement. “However, high costs, and pandemic-related fallout has presented ongoing challenges for Ascencia’s Guest Chef Program.”
Ascencia used to have 90% of its Guest Chef meals donated. But in 2023, that number dropped to 55% donated.
“We desperately need more help. If you cannot come on-site as a guest chef, please consider donating meals, whether it’s a monetary donation, or arranging an Instacart, Uber Eats or DoorDash order over to Ascencia,” the nonprofit said. “With your help, we can realize 90% participation!”
To learn more about Ascencia’s Guest Chef Program before signing up, contact Volunteer Coordinator Karina Moreno at kmoreno@ascenciaca.org.
To sign up, scan the QR code or visit signupgenius.com/go/guestchef2024.
First published in the February 3 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
