Helping people afford not only food but medicine too!
Our heart broke when we heard from this woman who is struggling to pay for all her medicine: “I didn’t expect to be in this place financially but am in the position of affording my medications or groceries. I fell into the Medicare Part D donut hole for the first time, even though my medications,…
Read MoreCristo Rey De La Salle Partnership
Jesus and Jayden are joining us from Cristo Rey De La Salle High School this school year. We are thrilled to have their energy, skills and vision. Their questions help us see our program from another set of eyes and it makes us stronger. They come with all kinds of dreams of the future. Therefore,…
Read MoreA Story about Margaret
This morning, 83 year old Margaret* came to the front desk of the Mercy Retirement and Care Center to sign up for Brown Bag. She sat in a wheelchair as her companion filled out her entrance paperwork and explained to me that she had just recently broken her hip. “I can’t believe this happened to me,” she…
Read MoreStriving for Real Change
“Hey! Hey! Golden State! Take a look at your poverty rate!” On May 8th, our executive director, Krista Lucchesi, traveled with a group of our senior volunteers to Sacramento, California, the state capitol. They went to advocate for an increase in SSI, which stands for “Supplemental Security Income.” According to the Social Security Administration, SSI…
Read MoreFood is Medicine
At Mercy Brown Bag, we provide our recipients with 20lb bags of food twice a month. Here is the breakdown of one of our bags.. Fresh Produce and Fruit (53%) Items can include salad mix, potatoes, yams, onions, strawberries, apples, oranges, carrots, cabbage, squash, pears, plums, cauliflower, celery, brussel sprouts and more… Canned/Frozen Foods (12%)…
Read MoreCommunity
One of my favorite parts about working for Mercy Brown Bag is working with all of the amazing volunteers and seeing them work together. There is so much joy, collaboration, and love that fills the sites and makes everyone feel welcome. And it’s fun! I think about places like Eden Issei Terrace that has a fantastic…
Read MoreThe Reality of Injustice
My time with Mercy Brown Bag has further opened my eyes to the realities of injustice and the ways that the systems in our country leave people out. Being born within a certain context should not make the difference between whether or not I will have enough resources to survive. Taking the time to step…
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