We Are Santa Monica Fund Focuses On Food Insecurity This Holiday Season
December 13, 2022 10:54 AM
by Melissa Spagnuolo
In the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, community members and businesses reached out to the City of Santa Monica eager to share funds and supplies with those in need. In response, the City partnered with the California Community Foundation to establish the We Are Santa Monica Fund to receive these donations and offer urgent relief to those most in need. During a time of great uncertainty, our friends and neighbors stepped up and supported the Santa Monica community tremendously. Thank you to those who have donated to the Fund and contributed to this collaborative effort.
As our community looks to the future, the We Are Santa Monica Fund will be a continuing resource for a vibrant, resilient, and equitable city where everyone can thrive. The Fund’s Advisory Board is excited to continue leveraging our community’s collective philanthropy to help meet Santa Monica’s greatest needs, including a distinct focus on addressing food insecurity this holiday season – an issue experienced by approximately 16% of Santa Monicans.
The Fund has had a tremendous community impact so far. Over $1.6 million has been donated by local individuals and businesses and the Fund has disbursed $1 million in grants to more than 70 organizations, including 40 small business grants facilitated by the City’s non-profit partner LISC, as well as the following notable contributions:
- $370,000 went toward the distribution of free, nourishing meals and groceries to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity by supporting the Westside Food Bank, establishing the Virginia Avenue Park Emergency Food Pantry, and contributing to Santa Monica College Foundation’s annual Giving Thanks(giving) event
- $25,000 supported the Cayton Children’s Museum’s Free Admission and Equity Initiative that reduced barriers to play for local residents
- $20,000 was granted to Social & Emotional Wellness Initiative to bring mental health services, case management, and crisis intervention to youth through a partnership with SMMUSD, and
- $400,000 community-initiated donation to restore the Police Cadet Program was facilitated by the Fund to provide college-aged students with unique experience and preparation for careers in public safety.
Make a donation today and help us respond to ongoing challenges faced by our community. Those interested in donating to the We Are Santa Monica Fund are encouraged to visit santamonica.gov/programs/we-are-santa-monica for additional information.
Authored By
Melissa Spagnuolo
Community Partnerships Manager