You are invited by the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation and Community Kitchens to support “Kitchens Around The World,” a program addressing the food security of at risk youth attending the City of Oakland’s Town Camp this summer with hot take-home meals.
Conceived by Maria Alderete, owner of Luka’s in Oakland, Kitchens Around The World will provide locally-prepared family meals, along with cultural exploration and fun, to the 500 kids attending Town Camp at Oakland recreation centers starting on June 29.
“The best way to keep people healthy is to keep them fed,” Maria explains. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, our families and local businesses are facing unprecedented hardship. There is a place at the table for everyone – Kitchens Around The World is a new way to serve our Oakland community and provide restaurants with a critical lifeline during this moment of profound crisis.”
When Kitchens Around The World is on site, each departing camper will receive:
- Four meals featuring Chinese, Ethiopian, Vietnamese and Mexican dishes;
- A menu describing each dish with ingredient information;
- A flyer with supplemental educational materials; and,
- A flyer with information on enjoying the parks safely during COVID-19.
The math is simple: every $10 provides a camper with a take-home family meal from one of 4 different Oakland restaurants. Please join corporate and individual supporters who have already contributed more than $17,500 to date by donating generously today through the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation Youth Scholarship page (under “Town Camp”).
“Maria is one of the most community-minded parks advocates I know,” adds Ken Lupoff, executive director of the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation. “We’re proud to support Kitchens Around the World as a way to help Oakland children, lift local businesses and promote the multicultural diversity of our beautiful city.”
For more program information or to volunteer on site with food distribution, please contact the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation at hello@oaklandparks.org.