The Hunger Task Force puts faith into action by feeding those in need in our community. There are volunteer opportunities for all ages (see below) - everyone is welcome to participate!

Turning Point Sunday

Each month, on the first Sunday, we collect frozen casseroles and bags of fresh fruit and deliver them to Turning Point, a project of OPCC. Turning Point Transitional Housing is a 55-bed shelter for homeless men and women that offers housing and supportive services for up to 9 months. The project seeks to break the cycle of homelessness and to integrate homeless individuals back into the community by providing comprehensive, individualized services designed to address their physical and emotional needs. In addition to an individual sleeping area, three meals a day and clothing, Turning Point provides intensive case management, counseling and support groups, specialized programs such as job counseling, money management, health education, computer classes and independent living skills

Your food donation is greatly appreciated. Mark your food item for "Turning Point" and drop it off to the kitchen's freezer. Fruit can be tagged and left on the counter next to the freezer. For more information, contact hunger@uusm.org.

Lunches for Bunches

Each month, on the 4th Sunday from 12:30-1:30pm, volunteers gather to assemble 100 bagged lunches for the clients at Turning Point/OPCC. See above for details about Turning Point. To volunteer, just show up and help! No need to sign up in advance. For additional information, contact hunger@uusm.org.

Backyard Bounty

Each week we collect the surplus from our gardens and deliver it to those who are in need. Simply bring your bagged produce and place it in the Westside Food Bank basket on Sunday morning during the service. Our volunteers will collect the produce and donate it to Turning Point. If you would like to join the Backyard Bounty team we would love to have you! Please contact hunger@uusm.org for details or to sign up.

Backyard Bounty members also attend Food Forward harvesting events. Everyone is welcome to help harvest produce, and it's fun too! You can sign up to collect excess produce from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market on Sunday afternoon, or for one of many other local events during the week. Produce is donated to local food banks. For information visit the Food Forward website or contact hunger@uusm.org.