Left to right: Jenna Novotny, Mama’s Kitchen, director of development; Rob Wilson, Alsco San Diego, service manager; and Annette Casemero, Alsco San Diego, general manager.
SAN DIEGO — June 16, 2020 — Alsco San Diego, a branch of Alsco Inc., the premier linen and uniform rental services company, recently donated to Mama’s Kitchen. Mama’s Kitchen prepares and delivers medically tailored meals and nutrition services for San Diegans battling cancer, HIV or other critical illnesses who are unable to shop or cook for themselves. This donation helps with the increased demand and accompanying costs for Mama’s Kitchen Home-Delivered Meal Service as a result of the current worldwide pandemic. Several members of the Alsco San Diego Team adopted a route, which means that the team members rotate delivering meals each delivery day.
Since COVID-19 began, the board, staff and volunteers of Mama’s Kitchen have been working around the clock to continue providing meals to community members who are critically ill or immune compromised. In addition, there has been a drastic increase in the number of new clients who have joined the Mama’s Kitchen Home-Delivered Meal Service.
“We are incredibly grateful for Alsco’s generosity during these times of heightened need,” said Alberto Cortés, CEO of Mama’s Kitchen. “We are currently serving 63% more critically ill individuals than we were before the pandemic. Alsco’s contribution of both a financial gift and volunteer support by adopting delivery routes will help ensure we can continue to serve every qualified client in need. We are honored to partner with Alsco to keep our most at-risk community members healthy and safe.”
Annette Casemero, Alsco San Diego, general manager said, “We at Alsco take pride in partnering in our community and especially with Mama’s Kitchen. Mama’s Kitchen goes above and beyond to provide food for those who are too sick to shop and cook for themselves, and our experience in service and delivery is a natural fit to provide support. We had a great opportunity to make the most of these challenging times during the COVID-19 crisis to rally our team in a rewarding community experience.” She continued, “Jenna Novotny and Mark Maddox did a top-notch job of making us feel like part of their team from the start with warmth and professionalism. Mark provided us with routes to deliver meals, and we were off. The ability to brighten someone’s day with a delivery and a kind word is beyond rewarding. We look forward to a long-term partnership with Mama’s Kitchen.”
About Mama’s Kitchen
Mama’s Kitchen prepares and delivers medically tailored meals for individuals and families battling cancer, HIV and other critical illnesses who are unable to shop and cook for themselves. Mama’s Kitchen was established in 1990 by a San Diego caregiver who was deeply concerned about her neighbors suffering from the AIDS epidemic. Over time, a group of volunteers was formed to cook and deliver free meals to individuals who are unable to shop for groceries or cook for themselves as a result of the debilitating effects of AIDS.
Since then, Mama’s Kitchen has used that experience with AIDS nutrition to replicate the Home-Delivered Meal Service program for other critically ill populations. Together with hundreds of volunteers, businesses and community supporters, Mama’s Kitchen strives to help clients stay healthy, preserve their dignity and keep their families together by providing free, culturally appropriate home-delivered meals along with pantry services and nutrition education. On September 30, 2019, Mama’s Kitchen celebrated the delivery of its nine millionth meal.
In addition to these long-term services, Mama’s Kitchen provides Emergency Food Assistance to HIV+ San Diego residents experiencing a sudden need for groceries. Each Emergency Food Assistance grocery bag provides the equivalent of 21 meals. The year 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of Mama’s Kitchen. During three decades of service to the community, Mama’s Kitchen has never turned away an eligible client and has never charged a fee for service. To learn more or to donate, go to mamaskitchen.org/donate.
About Alsco
Alsco is a fourth-generation family owned and operated business, founded in 1889, that was recognized by the prestigious Hohenstein Institute for having invented the linen and uniform rental industry. Celebrating 130 years of business, Alsco provides linen and workwear rental services to customers that include restaurants, health care, automotive industry and industrial facilities. With over 180 locations and more than 20,000 employees, Alsco provides world-class service to over 355,000 customers in 14 countries. Learn more at alsco.com.
CONTACT:
Annette Casemero General Manager Alsco San Diego 619-234-7291