Lifekind Foundation Launches Annual Thanksgiving Basket Initiative to Serve 1,000 Families Facing Food Insecurity

High Desert and Inland Empire nonprofit mobilizes community to provide Thanksgiving meal to vulnerable families

The Lifekind Foundation announced the launch of its annual Thanksgiving Basket Initiative, with a goal of serving 1,000 families in need across the High Desert and Inland Empire regions.

"Food insecurity is not just a hunger issue—it's a health crisis that affects chronic disease management, mental health outcomes, and overall family wellbeing," said Samantha Moritz, Vice President and Executive Director of Lifekind Foundation. "Our Thanksgiving initiative serves as an entry point to supportive resources and care navigation that addresses the root causes of health disparities in our community."

According to recent data, approximately 1 in 8 households in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties experience food insecurity, with rates significantly higher among Latino families and households with children. The Lifekind Foundation's approach goes beyond emergency food provision by

connecting families to ongoing resources through its partnership with Lifekind Health's integrated care model.

Thanksgiving Basket Initiative Details:

• Target Reach: 1,000 households

• Distribution Dates: November 15, 19-20, 22, 2025

• Locations: Sites across High Desert and Inland Empire

• Unit Contents: Food voucher, Thanksgiving pantry staples

• Additional Support: Recipients will also receive information about year-round food bank services in our participating clinic sites, as well as information about how the Lifekind family can help connect individuals to healthcare navigation support and external mental health resources.

How the Community Can Help:

The Foundation is actively recruiting volunteers and donors to make this initiative possible.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Unit Assembly: Pack and organize contents (November 10-14)

• Unit Distribution: Assist with community distribution days (November 15, 19-20, 22)

Donations:

• Online donations at https://www.lifekindfoundation.com/thanksgiving

  • $150 provides a complete basket for one family

  • $50 covers produce and fresh items for families to choose

  • $30 provides shelf stable Thanksgiving pantry staples

Get Your Thanksgiving Basket:

Sign up to pick up your basket from one of our 4 locations: Victorville, San Jacinto, Rancho Mirage, or Indio: https://www.lifekindfoundation.com/thanksgiving

Stay Connected:

Community members interested in volunteering, donating, or receiving updates can join the Lifekind Foundation Thanksgiving 2025 Facebook Group. Volunteer and recipient registration links can be found at: https://www.lifekindfoundation.com/thanksgiving.

"This initiative demonstrates what's possible when a community comes together with compassion and commitment," said Moritz. "We're not just providing holiday meals—we're opening doors to long-term wellness and building a healthier, more resilient community for everyone."

About Lifekind Foundation:

The Lifekind Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing social determinants of health through evidence-based, community-driven interventions. The Foundation serves vulnerable populations in the High Desert and Inland Empire regions through integrated food security, healthcare navigation, and mental health support resources. In partnership with Lifekind Health, the Foundation connects individuals to supportive resources that address root causes of health disparities. For more information, visit www.lifekindfoundation.com.