LOS ANGELES, Jan. 22, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Angel Harvest is announcing it will stop its services unless it raises at least $21,000 by the end of January and a further $230,000 to remain operational for the remainder of 2003.
For the past seven years, the Los Angeles-based nonprofit has operated a free, 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week service that picks up excess, perishable food from restaurants, caterers, stores and delivers it to social service agencies which feed those in need.
"Make no mistake about it. Angel Harvest desperately needs $250,000 to keep its operations running," said Executive Board Member David Roberts, C.P.A. and partner at the accounting firm RBZ.
Angel Harvest delivers enough food for 150,000 perishable meals each month for free to feed growing numbers of men, women and children. Of these meals 30,000 go to children.
"No one in Los Angeles does what we do," said Angel Harvest's President and Founder Helen Palit, whose urban, perishable food distribution model has been replicated in over 200 communities worldwide. "The $21,000 we need just pays for the drivers, truck costs, gasoline, insurance on the trucks, the food and the phone lines."
Angel Harvest, like so many nonprofit organizations, has faced severe financial challenges since September 11th. After downsizing, it has reduced operating costs from 42 to 13 cents per meal.
"Our staff drivers have been volunteering up to 5 hours a week to help us through this financial challenge. These are guys that are paid $8 an hour," said Palit.
Over 1,700 companies, restaurants, caterers, wholesalers, film studios and event planners give their leftover food to Angel Harvest, which picks up and delivers enough food for over 150,000 meals per month to social service agencies, many of whom are very dependent on Angel Harvest's deliveries.
"If Angel Harvest were to close down, we would probably have to do the same," said Leona Blair, Director of Bethany Lutheran's Emergency Center, whose food pantry provides meals for hundreds each month.
Food Donors include Along Came Mary, Foodworks, SGS, O'Melveny & Myers LLP, Disney, Paramount and John Randolph's Superior Catering, which also provides Angel Harvest with free office space in Redondo Beach.
"Angel Harvest fills a huge void in our system. The food is available. The people are in need, and Angel Harvest is the link," said Palit. "Saving Angel Harvest is a total team effort involving the food companies donating the food, the individuals writing checks, the drivers picking up and delivering, the social service agencies giving the food and the hungry child eating her next meal that so many generous people have made possible. I urge people to write a check, make a credit card contribution on line (www.angelharvest.org) or donate stocks and bonds. Please help Angel Harvest's trucks keep driving."
To donate with your credit card, please visit www.angelharvest.org and click on the money tab. We also suggest donating your stocks or bonds to reduce capital gains.
Or mail checks to:
Angel Harvest 2323 - 190th Street Redondo Beach CA 90278