Volume #1
February - March 2026
We wrapped up yet another year of service to our neighbors with People's Kitchen. Together, we served 3,868 first time meals in November with 3,504 in December. In total, we served 39,939 meals in 2025 — the highest amount we've ever served.
For reference, here are People's Kitchen's annual totals in recent years to show you the increased demand for a hot meal served with compassion:
2024: 36,840
2023: 32,799
2022: 28,093
2021: 23,683
2020: 27,208
2019: 27,327
2018: 32,156
Thank you for stepping up to meet our neighbors' needs throughout the changes of the last year. It's clear that a community's strength lies in how it provides for its most vulnerable members, and we're grateful we can work together to make big things happen.
As always, if you need assistance with meal supplies or servers, please reach out to our board members.
People’s Kitchen Board
If you are age 701/2 (or older) you can make a gift directly from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to People's Kitchen. A direct gift from your IRA to a non-profit is called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). These direct gifts/QCDs are considered non-taxable income, so it is important to let your tax preparer know that you made these gifts/QCDs. QCDs can be made contacting your IRA custodian (e.g. Schwab, Fidelity, etc.).
If you have reached Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age, QCDs reduce the RMD amount dollar for dollar, which will reduce your taxable income. QCDs could help reduce the amount of your Social Security benefits subject to income taxes and potentially reduce or prevent Medicare premium surcharges.
There are so many groups with amazing stories of their service. Share your story with us by emailing Mary Parker at mnparker539@gmail.com.
Contact Pat Beck: pbeck8833@gmail.com , phone 805-235-9712 OR
Contact Mary Parker: mnparker539@gmail.com, phone 805-440-2312
People’s Kitchen posts weekly numbers on our Facebook page; check there for the latest count.
