Join the Cause: Orange County Businesses Kick Off ‘Food from the Bar’ Campaign to Raise $100K for Local Hunger Relief

Orange County’s legal community is gearing up for the 2025 “Food from the Bar” campaign, which kicks off on June 1. This year, they aim to raise an impressive $100,000 for the Second Harvest Food Bank. This goal exceeds last year’s total of $88,722 as demand for food assistance in the area continues to grow.

The “Food from the Bar” initiative encourages local law firms and legal groups to compete in fundraising for Second Harvest. In fiscal year 2024, the nonprofit provided food to an average of 442,000 people each month, and demand skyrocketed by over 500,000 people on two occasions in the last ten months.

Melissa Gorin, Director of Marketing for Judicate West, highlighted the increasing food insecurity in the community. “With rising living costs, many—especially seniors, students, and families—struggle to afford nutritious meals,” she said. “Second Harvest helps fill this gap by delivering fresh food, including produce from their farming initiative, Harvest Solutions Farm.”

The campaign’s kickoff event was held at Minyard Morris’s Newport Beach offices. It served as a space for law firm representatives and supporters to connect and learn about the campaign’s goals. Gorin shared, “We wanted a friendly atmosphere to motivate everyone before we officially start fundraising.”

Minyard Morris is the title sponsor for this year’s campaign, alongside other firms like Rutan & Tucker LLP and Dorsey & Whitney. Mark E. Minyard emphasized the importance of the cause, stating, “Nobody should experience hunger in our community.”

Since “Food from the Bar” began in 2017, it has raised over $500,000 for Second Harvest. This funding helps support initiatives like the 40-acre Harvest Solutions Farm, which grows and distributes vital fresh produce.

This year’s campaign runs from June 1 to 30, with a celebration planned for July to honor all participating firms.

According to a recent survey by Feeding America, 1 in 6 people in the U.S. face hunger. It’s vital for communities to band together and address food insecurity, making campaigns like “Food from the Bar” crucial. As these efforts grow, they not only help those in need but also strengthen connections within the community.

For more information on food insecurity and related initiatives, you can visit the Second Harvest Food Bank’s official site here.

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