News
Diana Gregory Outreach Services: Nourishing Veterans and Seniors Through Food Access
DGOS fights food insecurity, supporting veterans and seniors through outreach services.
Last Updated on July 5, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Diana Gregory Outreach Services (DGOS) began as a humble fresh produce delivery service in 2009, operating out of a pick-up truck. Over the years, it has evolved into a remarkable organization that supports thousands of seniors, including many veterans, through mobile food drives and nutrition education initiatives. With the generous support of the Walmart Foundation and a LISC Equitable Food Access grant, DGOS is expanding its reach, hiring more staff, and increasing the number of individuals it can serve.
A Personal Journey:
The inspiration for DGOS came when Dennis McGarry, a Vietnam War veteran, noticed the lack of resources available to his fellow veterans and other individuals facing food and housing insecurity. Determined to make a difference, he crossed paths with Diana Gregory, the founder and CEO of DGOS, during a cooking class for residents of his Phoenix apartment building. Together, they embarked on a mission to fight food insecurity, initially focusing on seniors, many of whom were veterans. Six years ago, DGOS expanded its efforts to include pop-up events at VA hospitals, providing much-needed support to those who have served their country.
From Humble Beginnings to Impactful Initiatives:
What began with a pickup truck and a dedicated team of volunteers has grown into a passion project for Diana Gregory. Having retired from a successful career in sales and marketing at Anheuser-Busch, she now leads an initiative that delivers thousands of pounds of fresh produce to those in need. Thanks to a $110,000 LISC Equitable Food Access grant, funded by the Walmart Foundation, DGOS is scaling up its efforts and plans to support 20,000 seniors and veterans with food access and nutrition education this year.
Supporting the Cause:
DGOS has received additional support through the Funds to Feed Initiative, made possible by the City of Phoenix and administered by LISC, totaling $175,000 since 2020. The recent Equitable Food Access grant will allow DGOS to increase the frequency of its distribution events and serve 20% more people compared to the previous year. This milestone would not have been possible without the funding provided by LISC, as acknowledged by Diana Gregory.
Expanding Reach and Volunteer Engagement:
The grant has enabled DGOS to hire more staff and pilot a volunteer engagement model that offers stipends to trained drivers responsible for packing and delivering fresh produce. La Shonya McNeil, a program officer with LISC’s health team, explains that this approach has attracted a dedicated group of veteran and senior volunteers who are committed to improving food access and fostering social connections among underserved individuals in Phoenix.
Addressing Food Inequities:
DGOS is one among eight LISC Equitable Food Access grantee partners working to combat local food system inequities throughout the United States. They employ various interventions, such as hosting neighborhood client choice food pantries and advocating for food policy changes. By supporting organizations like DGOS, LISC aims to ensure that those who have selflessly served their country have consistent access to nourishing food.
Veggies for Veterans
Filling an Overlooked Need:
While mental health issues and homelessness among veterans receive significant attention, the lack of food access remains an often overlooked yet pressing concern. In the United States, one in nine working-age veterans lives in food-insecure households, and one in four veterans has diabetes—an ailment directly linked to poor nutrition. Diana Gregory hopes that by supplying fresh food, DGOS can provide healthier options for veterans and their families, making a tangible difference in their lives.
Gratitude and Enrichment:
A crucial aspect of DGOS’s program is recognizing veterans for their contributions. Each recipient of a bag of produce is personally thanked for their service, a gesture that holds significant meaning for many veterans. Expressions of gratitude may be rare for some veterans, particularly those who are homeless. By providing nourishing food and acknowledging their service, DGOS aims to enrich the lives of veterans and seniors in a meaningful and tangible way.
Diana Gregory Outreach Services has transformed from a grassroots initiative into a powerful force in the fight against food insecurity. Guided by the dedication and vision of Diana Gregory, DGOS continues to expand its reach, supporting thousands of seniors and veterans with fresh produce and nutrition education. With the support of grants and partnerships, DGOS is making a significant impact, ensuring that those who have served their country have access to the nourishment they need. Through their efforts, DGOS is not only filling stomachs but also uplifting spirits, one bag of produce at a time.
For more information on Diana Gregory’s Outreach Services, visit: https://dianagregory.com/
Check out this release about Veggies for Veterans: https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/thanking-veterans-their-service-one-bag-groceries-time/
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Last Updated on April 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff
🕒 [UPDATE] Orion Performs Translunar Injection Burn
The spacecraft has completed its critical engine burn, sending Artemis II on a trajectory toward the Moon. This marks the official start of its deep space journey.
Artemis II Successfully Launches
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has successfully launched its Artemis II mission, marking the first crewed journey toward the Moon in more than 50 years.
The powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, carrying four astronauts on a 10-day mission around the Moon and back.
On board are Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The mission is already being hailed as a major milestone in NASA’s effort to return humans to deep space.
Shortly after liftoff, the Orion spacecraft successfully reached orbit and deployed its solar arrays, beginning its journey that will eventually send the crew on a translunar trajectory toward the Moon. 
Artemis II is a lunar flyby mission, meaning astronauts will not land but will travel farther from Earth than any human mission in decades while testing critical systems needed for future landings.
The mission also marks several historic firsts, including the first woman and the first person of color—Victor Glover—to travel into lunar space.
NASA says the mission is a key step toward future lunar landings and long-term plans to establish a human presence on the Moon later this decade.
🛰️ Artemis II Mission Timeline
The 10-day Artemis II mission follows a carefully planned trajectory from Earth to the Moon and back:
- Day 1: Launch and Earth orbit
- Day 1–2: Translunar injection burn
- Days 2–4: Deep space travel
- Days 4–5: Lunar flyby
- Days 5–8: Return to Earth
- Days 9–10: Reentry and splashdown
For official updates and in-depth mission details, visit the following trusted sources:
- NASA: Artemis II Mission Overview
- NASA Artemis Program (Return to the Moon)
- Orion Spacecraft – Mission Details
- Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket Overview
- Kennedy Space Center – Launch Operations
- Watch NASA Live Coverage and Replays
🧾 Sources
- NASA official launch coverage and mission updates
- NASA Artemis II press materials and briefings
- NASA Kennedy Space Center launch operations updates
Stay with STM Daily News for live updates on Artemis II.
Travel Advisory
Traveling to Mexico this spring? Here’s what to know about current advisories
Traveling to Mexico this spring? Visitors should be aware of state-specific travel advisories, as safety concerns in one region do not affect major resort areas like Cancun and Los Cabos, currently rated Level 2, which encourages increased caution. Monitoring official updates is essential for informed travel decisions amidst evolving conditions.
Last Updated on March 30, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Traveling to Mexico this spring? Here’s what to know about current advisories
(Tiffany Miller for ALG Vacations) For some travelers counting down to spring break, recent headlines about violence in parts of Mexico have sparked a new question: Should I cancel my trip? Travel advisors say they are seeing a surge in calls and emails from clients trying to determine whether developments in one region affect major resort areas elsewhere.
The questions follow several days of unrest in parts of Mexico after security operations targeting organized crime leaders prompted temporary flight disruptions and shelter-in-place guidance for U.S. government personnel in areas including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. In this article, ALG Vacations explains what current travel advisories mean for spring break travelers heading to Mexico.
The U.S. State Department evaluates Mexico state by state, not as a single destination, and advisory levels vary by region. Many major beach destinations, including Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum and Los Cabos, are currently under a Level 2 advisory, which encourages travelers to exercise increased caution. It does not discourage travel.
Part of the confusion stems from geography. Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific coast, is roughly 1,300 miles from Cancun and the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean side, about the distance between New York and Miami. Because advisories are assigned state by state, developments in one region do not automatically alter another.
In recent days, that uncertainty has translated into additional inquiries about whether specific resort areas are experiencing disruptions. U.S. Embassy security alerts issued this week indicate that temporary shelter-in-place guidance affecting Puerto Vallarta was lifted and that flight operations resumed. The advisory level for the Mexican state of Quintana Roo remains unchanged.
Some clients are asking about alternatives, advisors say, but many are continuing with their plans after reviewing official updates. Travel patterns often shift in response to breaking headlines, they add, before stabilizing as clearer information becomes available.
The State Department assigns travel advisories on a four-tier scale ranging from Level 1, exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, do not travel. While Level 2 encourages increased awareness, Level 3 and Level 4 carry stronger language discouraging or restricting travel.
Advisories are reviewed regularly and can be updated as conditions evolve. The State Department’s Mexico advisory page breaks down conditions by state, reflecting the country’s federal structure rather than issuing a single national designation. Travelers can also enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which provides real-time security updates and allows U.S. officials to contact citizens in an emergency.
Embassy notices state that airports, hotels and tourism services in Quintana Roo are operating normally. Security conditions across Mexico vary widely by state, with some regions carrying higher advisories and others designated Level 1. Most destinations popular with U.S. travelers are currently classified as Level 2.
As spring break approaches, advisors say informed decision-making depends on reviewing the advisories assigned to a specific destination and monitoring official updates, rather than reacting to national headlines alone. Travel decisions ultimately depend on individual comfort levels, they add, but advisory levels are assigned regionally and should be evaluated accordingly.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
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Community
McDonald’s First Job Confessional Turns Career Stories Into Free Meal Opportunity
McDonald’s is launching First Job Confessional, a campaign inviting fans to share first job stories for a chance to receive a $15 gift card in select cities.
First Job Confessional
McDonald’s is putting first jobs in the spotlight with a new campaign that asks fans to share the real-world skills they gained early in their working lives. Launched on National Employee Appreciation Day, the brand’s First Job Confessional invites people to reflect on how those first roles helped shape their careers — and, in some cases, earn a free meal in the process.
The campaign is built around a simple idea: first jobs often teach lasting skills that deserve more recognition. Whether someone learned problem-solving while babysitting, communication during a lunch rush, or teamwork behind a counter, McDonald’s is framing those experiences as valuable career foundations. The company says those are the same kinds of skills employers continue to prioritize as workplace demands evolve.
How the First Job Confessional Works
In select cities, McDonald’s is setting up confessional booths designed to look like ordering kiosks. But instead of placing a meal order, participants can record a story about their first job and the skills they picked up along the way. Those who take part in person will have the opportunity to receive a $15 McDonald’s gift card, while supplies last.
Fans who cannot attend in person can still join online by posting their stories using #FirstJobConfessional. McDonald’s says selected videos may also be featured on its YouTube channel, extending the campaign beyond the live events.
External Related Links
- McDonald’s corporate article: McDonald’s is Asking Fans to Get Real About Their First Job Skills in Exchange for Free Meals
- McDonald’s 1 in 8: First Job Confessional
- McDonald’s 1 in 8 home page
- Marketing Dive coverage of the campaign
- Parade coverage of the First Job Confessional tour
Source Links
- Original PRNewswire press release from McDonald’s USA, LLC
- McDonald’s official corporate story
- McDonald’s 1 in 8 First Job Confessional page
- McDonald’s 1 in 8 official website
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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