Bringing Warmth and Nourishment to Our Community This Holiday Season
As we celebrate the holidays, I’m reminded of the power of partnership and what we can achieve when a community comes together. This year, ExtraFood once again teamed up with Elks Lodge 1108 in San Rafael to serve holiday meals to our neighbors facing hunger in Marin and San Francisco counties.
Together, we’re made the season brighter by preparing and distributing 1,000 turkey meals complete with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. These meals are more than just food—they’re a reminder to our community members that they are cared for and not forgotten.
At ExtraFood, our role in this collaboration is to rescue surplus food from local businesses and donors—food that might otherwise go to waste—and ensure it reaches the people who need it most. The incredible team at Elks Lodge 1108 provides their kitchen and resources to help us prepare these meals. With the help of our volunteers and drivers, we’re delivering these meals to community partners like San Pedro Elementary School in Marin and Family House and City Team in San Francisco.
Looking Ahead to 2025
This partnership with Elks Lodge has been so successful that we’re planning to expand it next year. In 2025, we’ll be working together to provide meals on a regular basis throughout the year. By addressing hunger and reducing food waste, we’re not just meeting immediate needs—we’re building a more resilient and compassionate community.
A Message of Gratitude
Hearing from our partners truly warms my heart. Katherine Thompson from Family House in San Francisco shared:
“Family House families can thrive with this partnership in the community to help them through the hardest times in their lives. We can't do all that we do without compassionate partners like ExtraFood and the San Rafael Elks.”
It’s stories like these that remind me why we do what we do.
The Spirit of Collaboration
I truly believe that collaboration is the key to creating meaningful change. As I often say, “This holiday season, our meal delivery program is about more than food—it’s about spreading warmth, hope, and joy to those who need it most.” By working with partners like Elks Lodge 1108 and our generous food donors, we’re transforming surplus food into moments of connection and care for families, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity.
Pete Crowley, Activities Chair at Elks Lodge 1108, sums it up beautifully:
“We are happy to announce that, with the help of ExtraFood, we served over 1,000 meals to people in need this holiday season. We’re grateful for this partnership and are happy to contribute to our community.”
Thank You for Being Part of the ExtraFood Family
I’m filled with gratitude for our supporters, donors, and volunteers who make this all possible. You are the heartbeat of ExtraFood, and your generosity is what allows us to continue making a difference.
Here’s to spreading hope and nourishment—not just during the holidays, but every day of the year.
Warm wishes,
Will Dittmar
Executive Director, ExtraFood
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