Kelly Cheng, Co-CEO of Fruit 4 Homeless shares the non-profit organization’s deeply personal mission rooted in volunteerism, environmentalism, and community service values. Each weekend, volunteers mainly contributing of high schoolers, pick up ripe fruit from trees that might otherwise go to waste.
When asked about her dedication, Kelly shares, “I think for me, I feel I need to help out my community because what I value is volunteerism, environmentalism, and helping out in my community… And with that ingrained in me, I felt that this organization is something I connected with, and I think it’s really important for everyone to have access to fresh produce.”
The organization not only provides essential nourishment to the unhoused and low-income population but also bridges the gap between donors and recipients. Many of the donors, often elderly individuals, may have fruit trees in their yards but lack the physical ability to harvest them. By enlisting the help of volunteers like Kelly, Fruit 4 Homeless ensures that these fruits are not left to rot but instead find their way to those who need them the most.
The impact of Fruit 4 Homeless extends far beyond filling empty stomachs; it fosters a sense of solidarity within the community, creating connections between individuals from diverse backgrounds. Volunteers, donors, and recipients alike come together, bound by a shared commitment to alleviate hunger and reduce food waste. In this shared mission, barriers dissolve, and relationships flourish, creating a basket of compassion and empathy.
If you would like to donate to our food pantry, please email us at: information@foothillunitycenter.org