Community
California Fire Foundation Mobilizes Over $85,000 in Aid for Park Fire Survivors
In the wake of the catastrophic Park Fire in Butte and Tehama counties, the California Fire Foundation has swiftly mobilized to support the survivors by distributing over $85,000 in aid. As part of their ongoing commitment to providing immediate disaster relief, the Foundation has activated 300 Disaster Relief cash cards valued at $250 each, amounting to more than $75,000 in direct assistance.
The Foundation’s rapid response to the disaster involves a crucial partnership with Northern Valley Catholic Social Services in Oroville. This collaboration ensures the effective distribution of the cash cards directly to those most affected by the fire. These cards are designed to help survivors meet immediate needs such as purchasing food, medicine, fuel, lodging, and clothing in the critical period following the disaster.
Adding to the immediate financial assistance, the California Fire Foundation has also contributed $10,000 to the United Way of Northern California. This donation supports the essential 211 NorCal referral program, which connects fire survivors with vital resources and services during their time of need.
Rick Martinez, the Executive Director of the California Fire Foundation, emphasized the importance of swift and efficient aid during such critical times. “In the midst of a destructive wildfire, it’s vital we help those affected quickly and effectively,” said Martinez. He highlighted the value of partnering with trusted local organizations to ensure that the aid reaches those who need it most urgently.
The Park Fire, which ignited on Tuesday, July 24, 2024, has already left a trail of destruction across 239,000 acres and has resulted in the loss of 134 structures. In response, the Foundation’s Disaster Relief program continues to be a beacon of hope, providing not only financial but also emotional support to those impacted.
For those interested in supporting the ongoing relief efforts, additional information is available on how to contribute to the Disaster Relief program through the California Fire Foundation’s website at www.cafirefoundation.org/programs/disaster-relief-programs.
The California Fire Foundation, established in 1987 by the California Professional Firefighters, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that offers a wide range of assistance programs. These programs support not only the families of fallen firefighters but also living firefighters and the communities they serve. Through initiatives focused on survivor and victim assistance alongside various community projects, the Foundation continues to uphold its mission of providing crucial support in times of need. For more about the Foundation and its impactful work, visit cafirefoundation.org.
As communities reel from the Park Fire’s devastation, the proactive steps taken by the California Fire Foundation underscore the critical importance of disaster preparedness and immediate response. The collaboration between non-profit organizations and community services ensures that aid is not only promised but delivered, offering a lifeline to those facing the direst circumstances.
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child education
When School’s Out, Community Steps In
Community: The joy of being a kid on summer vacation offers a time to explore with your friends, discover new things about the world and yourself and recharge for a few months before heading back to school in the fall. However, for millions of families, the end of the school year also marks the beginning of a stressful season filled with tough choices, as children can fall behind in the months away from the classroom.
(Feature Impact) The joy of being a kid on summer vacation offers a time to explore with your friends, discover new things about the world and yourself and recharge for a few months before heading back to school in the fall. However, for millions of families, the end of the school year also marks the beginning of a stressful season filled with tough choices, as children can fall behind in the months away from the classroom.
The summer gap begins when the school doors close and many children lose access to the daily routines, educational support and dependable nutrition that help them thrive. For families already juggling tight budgets and demanding schedules, summer can quickly become a season of added pressure and stress.
Summer learning loss – or the decline in academic skills and learning during the school break – can have a lasting impact on academic outcomes. Studies show over the summer, students can forget 20-30% of what they learned during the school year. Without the right support, students often start the new school year playing catchup, which can cause them to fall further behind.
Summer can also intensify food insecurity. Of the more than 22 million kids who rely on free or reduced-priced school meals, many lose access to these vital programs over the summer. When those meals disappear, families must stretch already limited budgets to cover up to 10 additional meals a week per child. In fact, recent United Way Worldwide data from 211 – the free 24/7 helpline that connects people with local resources – identified food access as one of the most pressing needs facing millions of families nationwide.
These overlapping pressures fall especially hard on millions of working families living paycheck to paycheck, including ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households. They earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic expenses like housing, medicine, food and transportation.
Addressing the summer gap requires a community-wide approach and solutions that meet hardworking families where they are. For example, United Way Community Schools are community-based hubs that bring together schools, social services agencies, volunteers and other community partners to provide students and families with essential support like tutoring, food access and health and wellness resources.
Families also need easy, practical, daily tips and local resources to make ends meet and help their kids stay on track.
Learning that Fits Your Day
For busy families, low- or no-cost learning moments that fit into packed schedules can make a real difference. Many communities and nonprofits offer dedicated programs to keep children active and learning during the summer, such as:
- Summer art classes, creative writing workshops and digital literacy tutoring at local libraries
- Free monthly book deliveries and reading challenges through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – a United Way partner – or book exchanges at Little Free Libraries in high-traffic areas
- Gardening classes, nature appreciation classes and swim lessons through local parks and recreation departments
- Free weekly youth workshops offered by many public museums, zoos and botanical gardens
- Free virtual museum field trips through institutions like the Smithsonian and NASA Glenn Research Center
- Free online courses in topics ranging from coding to art or language learning
Accessing Your Community’s Food Network
Families shouldn’t have to choose between nutritious food and other essentials. Help is available to ensure kids have the nutrition needed to thrive over the summer. While resources vary by community, examples include:
- Youth-serving organizations serving as open summer meal sites, offering free breakfast and lunch to kids and teens
- City parks departments offering daily meal stations
- School districts offering summer meal programs; food delivery may be an option
- Local places of worship hosting open-door meal programs or distributing weekend grocery bags for families
For those looking to make a difference this summer, consider lending a hand to help children and families. Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to your community. Whether it’s mentoring, serving meals, reading with students or supporting local programs, even a small time investment can make a lasting impact. After all, when families thrive, communities thrive.
To learn more about childhood summer learning programs, food initiatives and ways to support your community, visit unitedway.org.
SOURCE:
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
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Community
StarKist® and Feed the Children Team Up Again to Help Put Child Hunger to Bed™
StarKist and Feed the Children are expanding the Put Child Hunger to Bed campaign (May 1–Sept 30, 2026), donating up to 100,000 pouches and matching up to $100,000 in donations.
Child hunger isn’t an abstract issue—it’s a daily reality for families in communities across the U.S. That’s why StarKist® is renewing its long-running partnership with Feed the Children through the Put Child Hunger to Bed™ campaign, turning simple, everyday actions into tangible support for kids who need it most.
Announced April 30, 2026, the campaign runs May 1 through September 30, 2026, and gives consumers two straightforward ways to participate: buy a product many already keep in their pantry, or donate directly online. Either way, the goal is the same—help more children and families access nutritious food and essential resources.
Two ways everyday choices can make an impact
StarKist is inviting shoppers to join the movement with built-in giving tied to routine purchases:
- Buy a tuna pouch, give a pouch: For every StarKist tuna pouch purchased, StarKist will donate one pouch to Feed the Children, up to 100,000 pouches.
- Donate online, double the impact: StarKist will match consumer donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000, when donations are made through the campaign site.
Consumers can learn more or donate directly at StarKist.com/feedthechildren.
A partnership with more than 15 years behind it
StarKist and Feed the Children aren’t new collaborators. According to StarKist, the organizations have worked together for more than 15 years, combining product donations and financial contributions to support children and families experiencing hunger and hardship.
Michael Merritt Jr., Vice President and Head of Marketing & Innovation at StarKist, said the campaign is designed to make participation easy and meaningful—so consumers can be part of the solution through actions that fit naturally into everyday life.
Feed the Children also emphasized the broader impact: when families have reliable access to food and essentials, it doesn’t just help them get through today—it supports children’s development and future opportunities.
Jax joins the campaign to amplify awareness
To help bring the message to more families and communities, StarKist is partnering with a group of creators and advocates, including musician and mom Jax (@jax), who has 14.7 million TikTok followers and is known for uplifting, relatable content.
Jax shared that becoming a mom has deepened her perspective on food insecurity—and that no child should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. As part of the collaboration, she’s also teaming up with Charlie The Tuna® for a new jingle tied to the campaign.
More voices joining the movement
Alongside Jax, StarKist is working with additional creators to encourage participation and share practical ways to support families:
- Becca Kufrin (@bkoof) – TV personality and mom
- Kit Hoover (@kithoover) – TV host
- Marina Chaparro (@nutrichicos) – Registered pediatric dietitian
- Samantha Busch (@samanthabusch) – Lifestyle influencer and philanthropist
The mix of entertainment, family lifestyle, and nutrition voices is intentional: the campaign is built to meet people where they already are—online, in stores, and in daily routines.
Why tuna pouches are the campaign’s centerpiece
StarKist is centering the campaign around its tuna pouches because they’re designed for convenience and nutrition—ready-to-eat, fully cooked, and available in more than 20 varieties. The company notes that each pouch delivers 12 grams or more of protein, making it an easy option for quick lunches, snacks, or on-the-go meals.
The bigger idea: when a product is already part of a household routine, tying it to giving can help scale impact—turning a small choice into support for families facing food insecurity.
How to get involved
If you want to participate between May 1 and September 30, 2026, you can:
- Purchase any StarKist tuna pouch (any size, type, or flavor) at your local grocery store or retailer
- Visit StarKist.com/feedthechildren to learn more or donate (with matching available up to the campaign limit)
Together, StarKist and Feed the Children say they’re working toward a shared goal: helping ensure kids can focus on growing, learning, and dreaming—rather than worrying about their next meal.
About the organizations
- StarKist Co. is a socially responsible company focused on convenient, nutritious proteins, known for its single-serve pouch products and its longtime mascot, Charlie The Tuna®.
- Feed the Children is a global nonprofit working to end childhood hunger in the U.S. and around the world by providing food, essentials, and opportunities to children and families.
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Community
GENYOUth and Taste of the NFL Help Expand Access to 75 Million School Meals Nationwide
GENYOUth and Taste of the NFL will help provide access to 75 million school meals through a $1.5 million initiative benefiting 500 schools and 275,000 students nationwide.
Super Bowl LX fundraising efforts will support 500 schools and help combat student hunger across all 32 NFL markets.
A major effort to fight student hunger is set to make a lasting impact on schools across the United States. GENYOUth, a national nonprofit focused on improving youth nutrition and physical activity, announced that its 2026 Taste of the NFL event and related initiatives will generate a combined impact of $1.5 million, helping provide access to an estimated 75 million school meals for students nationwide.
The funding is expected to benefit approximately 500 schools and 275,000 students, strengthening nutrition security in communities across all 32 NFL club markets.
Tackling Student Hunger Through Football and Food
Held on February 7, 2026, ahead of Super Bowl LX in San Francisco, Taste of the NFL brought together celebrity chefs, NFL legends, current players, corporate sponsors, and community leaders to raise awareness and funds for student nutrition programs.
The event featured renowned chefs including Andrew Zimmern, Carla Hall, Lasheeda Perry, Mark Bucher, and Sayat and Laura Ozyilmaz, along with appearances by Cat Cora and Tyler Florence. More than 20 culinary professionals participated alongside over 30 NFL players and legends, creating a unique experience that blended sports, food, and philanthropy.
According to GENYOUth CEO Ann Marie Krautheim, school meals remain a critical resource for millions of children.
“For millions of children, school meals are more than nutrition—they are a lifeline that helps students show up ready to learn, grow, and thrive,” Krautheim said. “Together, we are turning shared commitment into real opportunity—fueling brighter, healthier futures for kids across the country.”
Support from the NFL and PepsiCo
Taste of the NFL was made possible through support from the NFL, the NFL Foundation, and presenting sponsor PepsiCo, along with numerous corporate and community partners.
The NFL has long supported initiatives aimed at improving youth health and wellness, using the league’s visibility to address challenges facing communities nationwide.
Anna Isaacson, NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility and a GENYOUth board member, emphasized the role football can play in bringing people together for meaningful causes.
“By leveraging the unifying power of football and moments like Super Bowl LX, we can bring together partners, communities, and resources to make a meaningful difference in supporting the health and well-being of kids nationwide,” she said.
PepsiCo, a longtime partner of GENYOUth, also highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing food insecurity among children.
Beyond the Big Game
The impact of Taste of the NFL extends well beyond a single fundraising event.
Leading up to Super Bowl LX, GENYOUth’s Super Schools initiative delivered Grab and Go meal equipment packages to more than 60 schools throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. These resources help schools increase student participation in meal programs by making nutritious meals more accessible throughout the school day.
The 2026 Super Schools program is expected to expand access to approximately 9 million school meals annually while creating more opportunities for daily physical activity for more than 33,000 students.
By providing equipment, resources, and support directly to schools, GENYOUth aims to remove barriers that often prevent students from accessing healthy meals and active lifestyles.
A Growing Mission
GENYOUth has become one of the nation’s leading organizations focused on youth wellness. To date, the nonprofit has supported more than 77,000 schools across the United States, helping millions of children gain greater access to nutrition and physical activity programs.
The organization’s efforts are especially important as schools continue addressing food insecurity, a challenge that affects families in communities large and small across the country.
As planning begins for Taste of the NFL 2027 in Los Angeles, organizers hope to build on this year’s success and continue expanding programs that ensure students have access to the nutritious meals they need to learn, grow, and succeed.
For GENYOUth and its partners, the goal remains clear: no child should have to face hunger while trying to get an education.
Source: Information for this article was provided by GENYOUth and PR Newswire. Additional information is available through the GENYOUth Press Release Archive and the Taste of the NFL News Center.
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
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