FoodSource CA

Prior to the founding of UNI, we had a long history of working in food service: working at food banks, food distributions, and kitchens. However, from this experience, we learned that many of the donations made to major food outlets end up discarded or not reaching the mouths they were intended for before the foods' expiration date. Despite the hard work of food banks, many are understaffed and underfunded. Additionally, most people with food insecurity don't have the means to travel daily across the city to get to food banks. With this knowledge, we launched the FoodSource CA. Currently headed and managed by Alekos Binder, this project will function by leaning on our local supermarket and food bank connections to access large amounts of surplus foods that would otherwise end up in the garbage. These foods will then be distributed by one of our 200+ members across SoCal to group homes, shelters, churches, and other spaces for those in need of food. So far, we have made direct partnerships with World Harvest Food Bank and Alexandria House, and have made connections with many members of the LA community. Our goal eventually is to create an efficient and widespread distribution cycle that covers key areas in Southern California.

Connect

Our model begins with creating connections with local grocery stores and food banks. Our main partnered food bank now is World Harvest Food Bank. Simultaneously, we connect with local group homes and shelters in order to locate where our redistribution will go. Currently this includes Alexandria House, Dean's Group Home, Saint Sophia Church, and Hillsides.

Assist

At our sites, we regularly volunteer our time and help the daily operation, getting food into the mouthes of thousands. Our members learn skills in management, distribution, communication, and leadership. By engaging with members of the community in need and making connections with those who serve our communities, UNI attempts to find more ways to give back and create change.

Redistribute

With our connections, we secure the surplus foodstuff and necessities that would have otherwise gone to waste, and redistribute it. Indiviudally, we drop these resources off at group homes, shelters, and other spaces so those in need can access the food and necessities they need. Currently, we've donated over $12,000 in value of necessities since we officially began the project in August.

$15k+

of value has been donated to communities in need, including everything from foodstuff to daily necessities.

5+ groups

are putting our model into practice, helping our cycle of redistribution expand throughout SoCal.

$100,000

of value in foodstuff and necessities donated is our goal by March, 6 months since the official launching of FoodSource CA.