On Wednesday July 15th, a group of amazing volunteers distributed over 1000 bags and over 7,000 pounds of fresh produce, quality food, PPE supplies and prepared meals to community members in need—making our Food Kitchen Collective kick-off a smashing success! An additional $2,000 in gift cards were handed out courtesy of AmCap, Market Square on Havana and The Gardens on Havana. By partnering with  OnHavana Street , FKC was able to support over 19 small businesses and restaurants during the #1000Tables drive, which makes a considerable difference during this time of uncertainty. “The purpose of this #1000Tables drive was three-fold: first, to showcase the amazing array and diversity of restaurants On Havana Street; second, to generate revenue for these businesses to help them stay afloat through the crisis; and third, to give back in a culturally appropriate way to individuals who are struggling through the crisis with food insecurity” says Chance Horiuchi, On Havana Street Business Improvement District’s head. This event was successful only because we had such amazing community partners. To make this happen, 71 volunteers donated 318.5 hours of their time over a 4-day period!  5 nonprofits came together as well to donate food and deliver culturally appropriate groceries to families. We are blown away with their generosity and compassion for others. A very special thank you goes out to Mayor Mike Coffman and Council Members Dave Gruber and Juan Marcano who helped to pack and distribute food! An additional thank you goes out to the ASCI Korea Committee, the Stampede, the Law Office of Lee, Myers and O’Connell, Comcast, H-Mart, M-Mart, Mission Disciple Church and the Village Exchange Center for your incredible contributions to the event. Food Kitchen Collective is a cooperative of nonprofits working together to purchase high quality food directly from small business owners in Aurora and the Denver-metro area and donating it to local families and individuals in need. By doing so, we help our local small businesses thrive; support our friends, families and neighbors in need; and bring needed dollars back into our local economy to grow our community. Learn more here: www.FoodKitchenCollective.com.

Aurora Sister Cities International, “Feeding Our Community and Supporting Small Businesses to Be the Power of Change”, Karlyn Shorb, AuroraSisterCites.org,

Posted: 7.25.20.