FOOD HERO … When schools returned to in-person classes in 2021, student Colin Chu noticed tray after tray of discarded, uneaten food in his school cafeteria. So he decided to do some research on food waste. He learned that three Bay Area cities, San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland, were among the top 10 cities with the highest homeless populations in the United States. He also learned that “a third of the food produced worldwide is wasted” and is a leading cause of methane emissions in the United States. He then created Homeless heroes, a program that collects unused school meals and delivers them to homeless shelters and food banks. On July 30 Hormel Foodsan international food conglomerate, has selected Chu for its list of 10 under 20 young changemakers. Chu, 16, will receive a grant for his initiative and will be honored at the company’s headquarters in Minnesota to discuss his work with food industry leaders. To date, Homeless Heroes has delivered over 135,000 meals — about 7,000 meals a month. Chu also welcomes other students and community members who register their schools for food donations to maximize food deliveries. Chu said that through his work, he has appreciated the opportunity to sit with people and learn about their lives. “I’ve found that little things can make such a big difference,” he wrote in a message to this publication. “For example, one day we hesitantly delivered extra pints of milk (you know the little cartons kids put on their trays) and were greeted with cheers, as the home had been out of dairy for weeks. I hope this will be an inspiration to others as well.”
ANNUAL BLOCK FESTIVAL … The Ecumenical Hunger Programmean East Palo Alto-based nonprofit organization that provides support services to neighbors in need, is hosting its annual Community block party on Saturday. Founded in 1975, the program aims to provide material assistance in the form of food and essentials, as well as through personal support. “We fully recognize the importance of providing the essentials of life, but we aim for a broader focus: creating a moral support community that can offer hope instead of despair,” a statement on the program’s website said. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., attendees can enjoy free barbecue, watch live entertainment and meet other local nonprofits at their booths. The event will be held on the nonprofit’s campus at 2411 Pulgas Ave. in East Palo Alto. Program Executive Director Leisa Preston said the event is an opportunity for residents and nonprofits alike to learn about the type of services the Ecumenical Hunger Program provides. “It brings the community together for a day of fun,” Preston said.
FROM DIRECTOR TO COO … Amika Guillaume, who holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and a master’s degree in school administration from Harvard, has been principal at East Palo Alto AcademyBut this summer she resigned from that position and took the position of Chief Operating Officer for a nonprofit educational organization Peninsula Bridge that is committed to “empowering” first-generation students to attend college. “The Bulldogs, who became my ‘beloved Bulldogs’ on this journey, have been an integral part of my life,” she wrote in an email. “As I look back on the years as a school leader, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support I have received from the entire East Palo Alto Academy community.” During her time at the school, she increased the post-high school college attainment rate from 23% to 85%, a statement from Peninsula Bridge said. She also consistently exceeded annual fundraising goals of $1.5 million and worked hand-in-hand with local community organizations, the statement said. “Peninsula Bridge is thrilled to have Amika on our team because she brings a unique skill set in operations, management, strategy, fundraising and program success for first-generation students,” wrote Randi Shafton, executive director of Peninsula Bridge.
