Mama's Kitchen serves up meals to critically ill

By: NOELLE IBRAHIM - Staff Writer | Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:28 PM PDT ∞

NORTH COUNTY ---- About two days a week, every week, Escondido resident Joanie Brandt delivers hot meals to critically ill San Marcos residents for Mama's Kitchen, the nonprofit organization for which she has volunteered the last 13 years.

"The clients are so grateful. ... They need the food, they need the nutrition, they need everything we provide," said Brandt, one of about 10 North County residents, and 50 countywide, who volunteer daily for the nonprofit agency. Mama's Kitchen provides nutritious meals to low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS or other critical illnesses, such as cancer and diabetes.

"I just get a feeling of such a reward in my heart that I'm helping somebody less fortunate," said Brandt, adding that many clients can't physically get out to grocery shop or prepare meals themselves. "The love, smiles and hugs you get in return brings such satisfaction."

Last year, more than 700 volunteers from all over the county prepared, packaged and delivered free meals to more than 500 clients, 13 percent of whom live in North County, according to Denise Scatena, spokeswoman for the nonprofit group.

Deliveries are made Monday through Friday and each include a hot meal for dinner and ingredients for the next day's breakfast and lunch. Friday deliveries include a hot dinner and a grocery bag filled with enough food to get them through the weekend, she said.

"Nutrition is a critical piece of the well-being and improved prognosis of people who are ill," said Alberto Cortes, executive director of the San Diego-based Mama's Kitchen, which was founded in 1990 as a nutritional support system for men, women and children affected by AIDS.

Many times, the organization's volunteers are the only link to the outside world that the clients have during the course of the day, said Cortes.

"It's more than just a delivery, it's an opportunity for human contact," he said.

Mama's Kitchen is very much a volunteer-driven organization, Cortes continued, and relies on donations of time and money from the community. The mostly privately funded group has a $2 million budget, he said.

In an effort to raise awareness about the constant need for volunteers and funding, Mama's Kitchen will host its 16th annual Mama's Day fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. May 11 at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla, at 3777 La Jolla Village Drive.

"It's our signature fundraising event," said Cortes, adding that nearly 10 percent of the nonprofit's annual budget comes from the gala, which costs $125 a ticket.

Joined by Mama's supporters, volunteers will take the night off and sample food prepared by 70 of San Diego County's finest chefs and restaurants, including North County's El Bizcocho at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, Sbicca Bistro in Del Mar, ChileCo Catering in San Marcos and Elizabethan Desserts in Encinitas.

"I think it's an excellent cause and this really gets the word out there," said Elizabeth Harris, of Elizabethan Desserts, a retro bakery that offers classic American comfort foods with an elegant twist. "We're a new business, so this is one way I can give back."

Harris' booth will offer something for everyone, she said, including peanut butter/caramel Rice Krispies treats, small banana cream pies and other goodies.

Themed "Mama Loves Mambo," this year's fundraiser will be colorfully decorated and will also feature a live DJ mixing tracks poolside, a silent auction and a martini bar.

"It's an informal, fun place to socialize," said Cortes. "People love going from table to table and tasting the delicious food."

For more information, call (619) 233-6262 or go to www.mamaskitchen.org.

Contact staff writer Noelle Ibrahim at (760) 761-4404 or nibrahim@nctimes.com.

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