Salad and Go is assisting UMOM New Day Centers with the donation of a pallet of salad supplies as the COVID-19 pandemic has driven homelessness higher.

UMOM New Day Centers supportive services and housing for families, single women and youth experiencing homelessness, continues to see an increase in homelessness in Maricopa County.

Many people in the community work hard but were already struggling to keep up with the economic pressures that existed pre-coronavirus. With widespread business closures and job losses, the situation is even worse, the shelter claims in a press release.

Last week the family shelter wait list increased 30% due to the COVID-19 pandemic and for UMOM, that means additional resources are needed to help care for these individuals.

“UMOM provides a home and so much hope for the homeless,” Tony Christofellis, cofounder of Salad and Go, said in a prepared statement.

“Donating healthy food for those in need is important to us at Salad and Go because we know the positive impact fresh, organic ingredients have on everyone’s health. These donations allow us to serve our community and put our core value “compassion” into action by doing good.”

Every week, UMOM serves over 5,500 meals to families and single women at two shelter locations. The pallet of salad and fixings will serve over 700 meals to people who are experiencing homelessness.

“We are so grateful to Salad and Go for providing the salad kits for our families and single women at UMOM New Day Centers this week,” Dina Altieri, director of culinary enterprises at UMOM, said in a prepared statement.

“We offered these delicious, nutrient-dense Greek and Caesar salads for two consecutive lunches at both our main campus and Halle Women’s Center. We really appreciate their community spirit and love collaboration with companies like Salad and Go.”