I may be a trained chef, but it was my two sons who taught me how to whip up hot, nutritious meals for the masses… and on a whim, no less.  Feeding their friends, who would regularly show up on my doorstep unannounced (at least to me!) inspired me to start feeding the countless kids and families in our community that don’t always have access to home-cooked, hot and healthy meals.  A luxury many often take for granted, and a key element for a child’s development, comfort, and overall well-being.

As a mother, it warms my heart to see families gather and reunite over a hot meal, and I am eternally grateful for the outpouring of community support and assistance we receive for this program.  Our Mobile Meals food delivery is made possible with the help of my sous-chef, Charlie Anacker, who volunteers his time to help cook for and feed those experiencing hunger, our amazing community partners who advise us on where our food will be best served and most needed, our selfless GTF volunteers who help package and distribute hundreds of plates at a time, and our loving donors who help keep innocent faces smiling and hungry bellies full.

At GTF, we believe that every child deserves a healthy, filling meal and a good night’s sleep to set them up for success and help them conquer their world.  I’m beyond proud to say that we are doing our part to provide this for as many families as possible, and in the community where not only my husband and I were raised, but where we raised our children: the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County, California.

— Chef Mare