Our Beginning

I lived in Malaysia until I was 14 years of age. My mother worked as a government social worker. Because there were 8 children, my mother could not afford a nanny. I tagged along with her as she made her case calls. Many of her clients were victims of unfortunate circumstances, such as fires, monsoon flooding, homelessness, drug abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, etc. Food was always connected in some way. Those who lost their homes in natural disasters always needed access to food. The poor lack money to buy food. The unhoused begged for food. Substance abusers would choose drugs over food. The lack of money contributed to domestic violence, and was somehow intertwined with supporting a family who needed food.

In 2007, while I was a student at Tante Marie’s Culinary School, I met Mary Risely, the founder of the school and of the San Francisco Food Runners. Her story inspired me, so after graduating from Tante Marie’s, I began to volunteer at SF Food Runners. It was amazing to meet people from all walks of life and to hear their stories. It reminded me of the importance of being grateful for what I have, but also showed me how many people live without knowing where their next meal would come from.

My childhood experience, along with the years of volunteering with SF Food Runners, inspired me to expand the Food Runner's model and good will to the Peninsula and South Bay Area. Geographically speaking, this area is much larger than San Francisco. Shelters are often located in obscure locations. In 2011, my husband, Tod, created a custom software called ChowMatch to address the difficulties of food distribution in the South Bay.

With the creation of ChowMatch, Peninsula Food Runners was launched in 2013. Our mission is to relay delicious, healthy food to those in need, and we rely on the goodwill of our volunteers and donors. The success of Peninsula Food Runners is attributed to the dedication of those who believe, with one meal at a time, we can make a difference in people's lives.

Let there be food among us and let it begin with me!

8 Million

Californians who face food insecurity

1 out of 5

Californians do not know where their next meal is coming from.

40%

The amount of food wasted in the United States

Get Involved

If you know a company or organization that has excess food, please have them get in touch with us.  If you have a car and some spare time, please consider becoming a food runner. Sign up today!  Or, if you like what we do, but don't have spare time, make a financial contribution.