Stories from the teams we feed

A Story from our Community Kitchen

Just Fare delivers not only food but dignity and joy. With the lunches, my center experienced a 200-client increase in the last fiscal year.

Just Fare’s food gives needed sustenance to an under-cared-for population. Beauty and attention to flavor are the extra touches that make life worth living but are often dismissed as unnecessary for those facing harrowing struggles. In providing this level of care in service, Just Fare delivers not only food but dignity and joy. Without the lunchbox program, the Berkeley Wellness Center would not be able to afford the additional tens of thousands of dollars in labor and food required to provide lunch.

In addition to delivering lunches in the park as part of our outreach program, we serve Just Fare lunches at our center. Although we have a “Free Fridge” from which clients can take a lunch box when they need it and sign up, we have a specified lunch hour from 12:00–12:30 each day, and everyone eats together. We use the lunches in multiple ways. We have group outings with clients to distribute lunches to others in need at the parks, and we have a volunteer program to assist in lunch service and clean-up, fostering life and social skills. Not only has this majorly impacted our client’s ability to engage in mental health services at the center throughout the day, but we also have many clients reporting that the to-go lunches are lifesaving and that without them, they would be eating food from 7-11 or not at all.

One of our dear daily clients took it upon themselves to don an apron and “parent” the kitchen a few months ago. They shine while they sing around the kitchen, signing people up for lunches and giving them out, then tidying up. We decided that their work was so excellent and consistent that we would offer them a formal agreement to last four weeks that could be used to show volunteer work along with a letter of recommendation officially. This client has been able to use these documents in ongoing judicial matters, giving an example of his independence and welfare.

With the Just Fare lunches, my center experienced a 200-client increase in the last fiscal year. These clients don’t just stay for lunch and leave. They come back repeatedly, and even the most reticent begin to lower social defenses and participate in our therapeutic groups and milieu. Good food is a necessity that without which our mental health work would have little impact.

Five Years of Nourishment & Community Care

What began as a meal distribution partnership with Just Fare grew into something much deeper — a shared mission to bring dignity and access to those too often left behind.

Today marks over five years of a selfless act rooted in nourishment, love, and community care. What began as a meal distribution partnership with Just Fare grew into something much deeper — a shared mission to bring dignity and access to those too often left behind.

Back in 2020, when our good brother Khamal connected us with T and the Just Fare team, we knew this was more than a coincidence — it was divine alignment. Through the Alameda County Food Emergency Distribution Grant, we became a trusted partner in delivering delicious, nutritious meals to our people.

This partnership wasn’t just about food. It was about equity. It was about showing up for folks who deserved better. It was about understanding that nutrition is foundational to any healthy society. Whether on the block, in the park, or on the road — we kept the meals moving and the bellies full.

Five years later, the bond is still strong. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and even more excited about what’s ahead. Here’s to continuing the work — feeding bodies, building relationships, and growing communities.

Thank you, Just Fare.

I never have to worry about timing, execution, food quality, or delivery. A repeatable lunch service program that operates like clockwork 5 days a week.

The service and staff from Just Fare is always dialed in. I never have to worry about timing, execution, food quality, or delivery worries. They were hands on when setting up our office space for a repeatable lunch service program that operates like clockwork 5 days a week. Whenever we have ideas or suggestions, they are willing to listen and make it happen while adding special touches that our team always appreciates. If you are looking to partner with a team that champions service, quality, and mindfulness while providing healthy meals for your team, I'd recommend taking a serious look at Just Fare.

I truly don't know where our company would be without the help of Just Fare. Your team has become a vital part of our day.

Just Fare has been an amazing group to work alongside with. Michelle and Gabe really lead the charge for the team and are always offering a helping hand as well as infinite solutions on how to make our food program better. Whether it be last minute requests or figuring out alternative solutions to help reduce costs, Just Fare is always one step ahead ready to make a contribution.

In addition to the high praise on my end, I know the rest of our Watershed staff truly value everything the onsite staff does. Jagger, Fernando, Monica, Ling and Mike have made our lunchtime experience very unique and special to our building. Our staff get along with the crew extremely well and give them a safe space to ask questions regarding the food being offered.

I truly don't know where our company would be without the help of Just Fare. Your team has become a vital part of our day and provides us the fuel we need to continue to drive our business in the right direction. We highly recommend Just Fare to anyone who is considering them as an option! Thank you for all that you do!

It was a pleasure working with the whole Just Fare team and I am hoping we can work together again in the future.

It was a pleasure working with the whole Just Fare team and I am hoping we can work together again in the future.