In it's simplest form Bracken’s Kitchen delivers hot and nutritious meals in a fun, and dignified manner. The program serves the highest quality and most nutritious meals that their clients will get all week. In doing so they are not only nourishing the body but the soul as well. Bill has been known to take a break from his prep to play with the kids and engage on a personal level. He has definitely earned his nickname of Uncle Bill.
Why you ask, “Because feeding people isn't the same as nourishing them”, as Bill often states, and we work to nourish more than just the body.
Dignity, respect and pride are three areas that the program is intent on preserving for those we serve. The lives of the under-served in our communities are challenging enough. Bracken’s team feels that providing services to this population should and can be done in a dignified manner. Utilizing the power and popularity of the Food Truck, the Kitchen provides meals in a manner that echoes a fun, upbeat environment. Tables and chairs to sit at, music playing and a robust and varied menu from a clean and attractive truck are just a few of the elements that are used to deliver meals with dignity. Offering a hand up and not a hand out is one of the bigger goals.
"Food is the first and most basic of human needs for survival and as a result it is a very powerful force in a person’s life. Bracken’s team has learned that serving a high quality and tasty meal gives their community hope for a brighter tomorrow and better future."
The Kitchen’s “Food Truck Feeding program” is in full swing and operating with the hard work and efforts of Betsy and Babs. “We have gone way beyond the typical food pantry box of pasta, rice, beans and tomato sauce”, says Bracken, “On a deeper level we are dishing up hope one plate at a time”.
Bracken has leveraged his relationships in the business to build a model that can provide a complete well balanced dinner for an average price of .28 cents. A typical meal may be Roasted Pork Loin with Charred Tomatoes and Bell Peppers, Brown Rice Pilaf, Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables, Southwestern Caesar Salad and Fresh Fruit.
We realized that the best and most impactful way to reach our communities was by collaborating and supporting many of the wonderful organizations throughout Southern California. With that in mind we have chosen to partner with several organizations that offer a multitude of services to the under-served in our communities, with food not being one of them.
We have since expanded our collaborative efforts with organizations such as Buena Clinton, Boys & Girls Club, St. Peters Lutheran Church, Higher Grounds, Garden Grove Senior Center, Seabreeze Church and many more. In doing so we are able to help and support a larger group of people.
Visit our GALLERY to see first hand what a night with Babs looks like.