UPDATE: Martha’s Kitchen, the renowned non-profit organization in San Jose, has just relocated to a larger facility to combat the escalating food insecurity crisis. The move to 749 Story Road was announced earlier today and is a direct response to the urgent need for increased meal services in the community.
With food insecurity surging, Martha’s Kitchen aims to enhance its meal production capabilities significantly. In 2024, the organization distributed over 2.4 million meals across five counties in California. Their new facility is poised to potentially serve up to 7 million meals per year, a critical expansion in these challenging times.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Executive Director Bill Lee expressed a bittersweet sentiment, stating, “While this expansion is necessary, it underscores the heartbreaking growth of food insecurity in our community.” The event drew prominent city and county officials, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Councilmembers Bien Doan and David Cohen, and County Supervisor Betty Duong. Their presence highlighted the community’s support and the vital role Martha’s Kitchen plays in the fight against hunger.
Martha’s Kitchen is now launching a funding drive to fully operationalize the new Food Hub. They are seeking to cover the $7.5 million cost of the facility and urgently aim to raise an additional $3 million to $5 million to equip the state-of-the-art commercial kitchen.
In a statement to The Mercury News, Drew Starbird, a professor from Santa Clara University who has researched local food insecurity, remarked on the significance of the ceremony. He noted, “The robust attendance was a testament to the essential role Martha’s Kitchen plays in fostering community support and dignity for all.”
This urgent expansion signifies a critical step in addressing the mounting food insecurity in San Jose and beyond. As local officials rally behind this cause, the community is encouraged to support Martha’s Kitchen’s mission to ensure no one goes hungry.
For those looking to contribute, details on the funding drive and how to get involved will be available on Martha’s Kitchen’s official website. Stay tuned for further updates as this vital initiative unfolds.
