UPDATE: Martha’s Kitchen has just relocated to a larger facility in San Jose to tackle the escalating issue of food insecurity in the community. The non-profit organization officially opened its new Food Hub on Story Road, significantly boosting its capacity to serve those in need.
With food insecurity surging, this move comes at a critical time. In 2024 alone, Martha’s Kitchen distributed over 2.4 million meals across five California counties, highlighting the urgent demand for meal services. The new facility is projected to increase their output to 7 million meals per year, allowing them to better meet the needs of vulnerable populations.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Executive Director Bill Lee expressed a bittersweet sentiment, acknowledging that the expansion was necessary due to the troubling rise in food insecurity locally. “While we celebrate this new beginning, it’s disheartening to see how much help our community needs,” he stated.
The event drew significant attention from city and county officials, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and County Supervisor Betty Duong. Their presence underscored the vital role Martha’s Kitchen plays in combating hunger and fostering community support.
Martha’s Kitchen is now launching a funding drive to fully operationalize the new Food Hub. The organization aims to cover the $7.5 million cost of the building and raise an additional $3 million to $5 million for the state-of-the-art commercial kitchen.
In a powerful statement, Drew Starbird, a professor from Santa Clara University, emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying that the strong turnout at the opening ceremony reflects the community’s commitment to supporting those in need with dignity.
As Martha’s Kitchen moves forward, the community is urged to contribute to this critical cause. The stakes are high, and the need for support has never been greater. This expansion is not just a new building—it represents hope and a promise to fight hunger head-on.
Stay tuned for further updates as Martha’s Kitchen takes significant steps to alleviate food insecurity in San Jose and beyond.
