Editorials

Berkeley’s beleaguered Quarter Meal program got an unexpected boost last week from an unexpected source: $2,500 from the student council at a private middle school in the Berkeley Hills. Quarter Meal supporters, which announced it might close this summer due to funding problems, are expressing optimism that the program can be saved for the balance of the year through help from local community organizations. 

The 30-year-old Quarter Meal program, sponsored by the Berkeley Food and Housing Project (BFHP) serves daily community meals to homeless and low-income individuals and families. The meals are served at Trinity United Methodist Church on Bancroft Way. 

Student leaders at Bentley Middle School have challenged a number of other private schools in the East Bay to match their $2,500 contribution to save the program. 

According to Betsy Strode, who sits on the BFHP board and whose son attends Bentley, the middle school participates in a community service program with the Quarter Meal. Students of Bentley help run the service a couple times a year.  

“Our school has had a long history of volunteerism and when we heard they were lacking funds, we knew we had money in the budget,” said Raj Lakireddy, 13, the student council president. 

Meanwhile, letters have been sent out to local congregations, asking them to boost their contributions in order to meet the program’s $75,000 annual operating budget. The appeal for donations is considered only a temporary stop-gap measure until a long-time funding source is found to save the program. 

“We are feeling pretty optimistic,” said Marci Jordan, BFHP executive director. “I’m keeping my fingers and my toes crossed.” 

According to Jordan, $75,000 will allow the Quarter Meal to operate five days a week for a full year. $50,000 would allow them to operate three days a week. If or when the funding comes through, Jordan said that the BFHP will be freed up to seriously pursue a private or grant donor that she hopes will provide enough money to fund the program for several years.  

The Quarter Meal has also gotten some immediate help from the Dorothy Day House, another Berkeley organization that provides food service, which has stepped in to serve dinner two nights a week.  

Meanwhile, both BFHP Board Member Betsy Strode and Bentley Head Robin Gal said they were surprised by their student council’s decision. 

“Believe me, it’s more enjoyable to watch your kids do community service than play soccer,” said Strode. 

“I think it’s really great that the kids are being given the opportunity to be put in advocacy positions. If these kids can fill the gap, that’s great.” 

“[Raj Lakireddy] is one of these kids who is completely dedicated to changing things in society,” said Gal, noting that he was a leader in creating the idea and getting it through the council. 

The Berkeley Food and Housing Project is looking for community support and donations of any size. For more information on the Quarter Meal program contact the Berkeley Food and Housing Project at 649-4965.›