Why $2.20 when others may be less?

Some may be wondering about our cost per meal of $2.20 . . . As it is Fall Campaign time again, and as Long Beach is in the shadow of five larger Missions (LA and Orange County), you will be getting appeals from most of us to help provide meals and critical services to the homeless and disadvantaged during the holidays. Unfortunately, only Orange County Rescue Mission works with us in limited mail in Long Beach zip codes. We wish LA Missions did the same.

When one serves over 240,000 meals a year, meal costs are an interesting conversation item with our marketing vendors and other Missions. We are told that it is not good to raise the price of meals in our appeals. I can't say how others calculate their meals, but I will always choose to be fully honest and transparent with our donors and public. Our meal cost reflects closely what the real meal value and expense for our average meal.

Just as your costs are rising, so are ours. Yes, we do use donated food in preparing our meals; however, the meal cost basis is what the real value is – as if we had to purchase all the items served. So, whether you send a check, food donations, or both, our meal value is on average $2.20. Still a deal no matter how you slice it!

Thank you for sharing your table with those in need this holiday season and throughout the year.

Jim Lewis, CEO