Homelessness and housing provider nonprofit Ascencia provides more than 50,000 meals to those in need each year.
A partner to the city of Burbank, Ascencia is dedicated to providing shelter and support to unhoused residents in the community, said one of its most pressing needs is supplying nutritious meals for clients in the greater Burbank, Glendale area.
“Unfortunately, rising food costs have added an extra burden on our bottom line,” said Ascencia staff. “Families and individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity deserve resources and services to help them get back on their feet and begin to afford basic necessities. Ascencia is doing what we can to relieve this burden from the people we serve.”
Despite rising costs, the nonprofit still makes sure to provide three meals every day at its access center in Glendale, allowing clients to focus on housing, which removes the worry about where their next meal is coming from.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner for 45 shelter residents every day of the year comes to 50,000 meals to provide. Each meal for 45 costs $360 on average, or $8 per person, staff said.
And those meals are sponsored by Ascencia’s guest chefs, who cover 55% of meals served.
“However, the uncovered meals must be purchased by Ascencia to ensure our clients are fed,” staff said. “We are relying on the generosity of donors like you to help cover the cost of the remaining meals. For as little as $8, you can provide a meal for a client at Ascencia.”
Those interested can make a donation to Ascencia at ascenciaca.org/donate.
First published in the March 9 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
