The nonprofit provides free meals to seriously ill people in San Diego County. Mama's Kitchen served a special meal to Jerry Okie on Thursday.
SAN DIEGO — It's a big milestone for Mama's Kitchen: The nonprofit, with the help of City Councilman Stephen Whitburn, served its 12 millionth meal on Thursday.
Jerry Okey, who has cancer, received the special diet. He has been receiving meals from Mama's Kitchen for the past few years. He said the meals are tasty, balanced and palatable.
For nearly 34 years, Mama's Kitchen has been providing free breakfast, lunch and dinner to people living with serious illnesses including HIV, cancer, kidney disease and diabetes.
“We have become the largest provider of home-delivered meals in San Diego County and the only provider of medically sensitive meals, all made by hand here at Mama's Kitchen,” said Eva Matthews, CEO of Mama's Kitchen.
The organization is on track to deliver 900,000 meals this year alone, thanks to volunteers, staff and donors who strive to make a difference in San Diego.
“It means the world to us to be part of a community like San Diego that cares so much about its seriously ill neighbors,” Matthews said.
Okey said it's not just the food that's making a difference, it's the people too.
“I look forward to more than just the staff, the smiles, the joy and the food that's being served,” Oakey said. “You can tell by the presentation and the love and affection that goes into serving the food that they're excited to see you all.”
And once he feels better, Okie said he plans to do some volunteer work.
“I'm looking forward to volunteering. I would love to volunteer at Mama's Kitchen,” Oakey said.
More information on how to donate, volunteer or receive services can be found here.
“I don't just want to give food, I want to give the human touch of meeting someone,” Oakey said. “It's like giving a life to someone. That's how I feel. I'm so grateful every time.”
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