Ceres has been making a difference in Marin County for more than a year. Utilizing the kitchen at Whistlestop's Jackson Café, just across from the Transit Center in downtown San Rafael, local teens prepare nourishing, health-supportive meals for Marin neighbors struggling with cancer and the challenges of treatment.
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, the kitchen is a busy scene where local teens from throughout Marin work under the direction of Chef Trudy Schafer and adult volunteer mentors. They learn valuable cooking skills, connect with the power of whole, nutritious food, and feel the simple satisfaction of giving back to the community. The program draws youth from all neighborhoods and diverse backgrounds while emphasizing teamwork and an understanding of the powerful role nourishment plays in restoring health and building community.
Delivery Angels pick up the finished meals every Thursday evening and take them to homes from Sausalito to Novato to nourish neighbors and relieve some of the stress of a serious illness.
It’s an amazing example of a community coming together to meet one another’s needs. The fresh organic produce in Ceres meals each week comes from producer partners including Full Belly Farm, Tomatero Organic Farm, Feather River Farms, and Green Gage Farm. Other generous partners include Whole Foods Market in San Rafael, as well as the Straus Family Creamery, Buddha Salt Company LLC, Achadina Cheese Company, and Della Fattoria.
