FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — As costs rise across the Central Valley, a Fresno nonprofit reports more people are turning to its community kitchen for a hot dinner.
Volunteers at Fresno Mission’s C.C.’s Kitchen, inside City Center, said they are serving a growing number of individuals and families, including more children and seniors than ever before.
As costs rise across the Central Valley, a Fresno nonprofit reports more people are turning to its community kitchen for a hot dinner (FOX26).
The mission offers a hot meal nightly and welcomes anyone from the public.
Tony Brieske, a Fresno Mission visitor, said he and his twin brother, Daniel Brieske, came to the mission while trying to rebuild their lives.
Tony Brieske (LEFT), a Fresno Mission visitor, said he and his twin brother, Daniel Brieske (RIGHT), came to the mission while trying to rebuild their lives (PHOTO: CHASE GAUTHIER).{ }
“Me and my family were homeless and we needed a place to stay,” Tony Brieske said. “Me and my wife were on drugs and we needed a fresh start so we came to the Mission.”
Tony Brieske said the mission has been a positive place for him.
“I’ve never been ashamed to be at the mission. I love the atmosphere here,” he said. “Everybody loves each other.”
In addition to hot meals, the mission provides community resources including free groceries, educational programs and housing.
In addition to hot meals, the mission provides community resources including free groceries, educational programs and housing (PHOTO: CHASE GAUTHIER).
“If you’re talking about the food here it is amazing. It’s really good. They put a lot of heart and soul into this food,” Tony Brieske said. “You’re going to enjoy a good meal and you’re going to enjoy good company.”
Desmond Camacho, chief development officer of the Fresno Mission, said more people are seeking help as household budgets get strained.
“Sometimes they’re paying PG&E, they’re paying the increased rent, they’re paying the increase in gas, and they can’t afford, say, a dinner or a warm dinner at the same quality that we’re able to go to here,” Camacho said.
Camacho said the mission has also seen fewer donations recently.
“We have unfortunately seen a decrease in donors in the last couple months specifically where the fear of war, the cost of living, all these different things,” Camacho said.
Even with tighter resources, Camacho said volunteers continue to show up to prepare and serve meals.
“From the moment that our meal was prepped to the moment that our volunteers serve it, everything is with love,” Camacho said.
Even with tighter resources, Camacho said volunteers continue to show up to prepare and serve meals{ }(PHOTO: CHASE GAUTHIER).
Daniel Brieske said watching Fresno Mission turn his brother’s life around inspired him to seek the same help.
“My twin’s my rock, he’s my superstar, hero (and) hero,” Daniel Brieske said. “He’s a superstar and I love him.”
Tony Brieske said he recently celebrated five years of sobriety, and Daniel Brieske celebrated 70 days.
The mission receives donations in many forms, including from businesses such as Costco and Bank of America, and from farms such as Harris Ranch Beef.
Families with children and seniors are served from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the general community is served from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m (FOX26).
Families with children and seniors are served from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the general community is served from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Information on donating or signing up as a volunteer, can click HERE.