When COVID hit, the Magnon Foundation wanted to do something to help struggling restaurants and at-risk residents in the city of Riverside. To help provide nutritious, convenient and delicious meals to residents, while also supporting restaurants hit hard by the crisis, the organization contacted IECF for help.
The Magnon Foundation generously donated $50,000 to IECF, creating the Magnon Food Program. Between May and July, IECF awarded grants of $16,000 each to Olive Crest, Path of Life and Autism Society Inland Empire. All three organizations used their funds to purchase meals from participating restaurants in Riverside and were thrilled with the opportunity to assist their constituents through this program.
Over a span of 90 days, 3,895 meals and 3,502 individuals were served. Some of the restaurants that helped with this effort included: The Tamale Factory, Marissa’s Deli, Joanna’s Café, Kraemer’s Koffee Bistro, Upper Crust, Law’s and the Romano’s family of restaurants.
By participating in the Magnon Food Program, Olive Crest was able to support many local families in the Greater Riverside area. During the grant cycle, they were able to help 774 individuals with meals.
“This program has been invaluable during a challenging emotional and economic time for the families in our care. Meals provided financial relief to families that have lost jobs during this pandemic and offered a kind reminder that they are valued and counted by our community,” said Walter Mueller, Director of Development at Olive Crest. “The food brought our families together, helped grow rapport with our service teams, and restored optimism for a better tomorrows. Our Olive Crest team is so appreciative of this generous help!”
Path of Life Ministries, a nonprofit that helps people in dire need of care, participated in the Magnon Food Program by serving 129 individuals. “It was a pleasure to have these amazing restaurants serve our shelters,” said Casey Jackson, Interim CEO of Path of Life. “The guests were extremely excited about the meal options and it alleviated our staff from preparing the food themselves.”
Beth Burt, Executive Director at Autism Society Inland Empire and President of Autism Society of California stated that she is grateful to IECF and the Magnon Foundation for their generosity and partnership in this program. “The Autism Society Inland Empire often fields calls from families in crisis, but we were unprepared for so many of our families who did not have money for food for their children and could not access food banks because their child with special needs was having violent meltdowns or could not wear a mask out into the community,” said Burt. “Thank you for helping our most vulnerable families. You’ve helped make these hard times brighter by your caring and your gift.”
“IECF is grateful for the Magnon Food Program for making this possible for the city of Riverside in these challenging times,” said Joe Staley, IECF Regional Charitable Giving Officer who coordinated outreach efforts for both restaurants and nonprofits. “I live in Palm Springs and through this initiative I was able to even uncover additional resources for the valley. My hope is we can replicate it in the Coachella Valley because the need is still immense.”
Thank you Magnon Foundation for your generous support of our nonprofits serving the Riverside community!
To learn more about how you can partner with IECF, contact our Charitable Giving Team today at 951.241.7777!