Mission & Vision
Mission Meals Coalition is a mutual aid collective of organizers, community groups and small businesses dedicated to connecting SF Bay Area community members to food resources on a weekly basis. We believe in the human right to access food no matter someones zip code, housing, or immigration status. Through community engagement and cultural humility, we facilitate direct access to redistributed resources to meet the diverse communities, cultural health practices and languages of the people we serve. As a collective, we curate meals and groceries that are prepared and distributed to individuals and families.
Meet the team
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Cinthia Aleman | Lead Organizer
A dedicated UC Berkeley B.A. candidate, Cinthia brings a blend of academic commitment and real-world experience to her role. Drawing from her background in the service industry and fueled by her passion for holistic care, stewards MMC’s regional programming. She is dedicated to providing dignified food access for local communities, reflecting her deep commitment to community wellness and support.
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Xiomara Alemán | Co-Founder & Director of Programs
Xiomara, a local small business owner and former case manager, brings a wealth of experience in supporting older adults and their families through the challenges of accessing aging-related services and resources. Her background has instilled in her a strong commitment to ensuring that initiatives she undertakes and uplifts, are both dignified and accessible to all.
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Gabriela Alemán | Founder & Development
Gabriela has raised nearly $6M throughout her career in non-profits and community organizing. Her expertise lies in community mobilization, partnership development, and fundraising. Her deep-seated passion for advancing local food and agriculture initiatives stems from personal experiences, having stood in food lines with her family as a child. Her drive is further shaped by her family's legacy of working on farms and fields in the U.S. and Central America, inspiring her advocacy for sustainable food systems.
Our Story
During the COVID-19 crisis in March 2020, Mom Chairs, a family-owned event rental business in San Francisco's Mission District, mobilized to support neighbors with groceries and hot meals. This effort evolved into Mission Meals, a coalition of organizers, health workers, neighbors, and volunteers. Partnering with community groups and local businesses, the coalition has delivered over thousands of groceries and hot meals since March 2020.
2020
Founded MMC
Community Free Fridge hosted at Adobe Books
2021
SF Community Free Fridge moved to Mom Chairs & Mini Mart Model is piloted on site
MMC subcontracts with HOMEY via SFHSA funding
2022
Moved offices to La Ofrenda 2070 Mission St.
1st Mini Mart launched at SFUSD School, John O’Connell
2023
Moved offices to La Ofrenda 2070 Mission St.
1st Mini Mart launched at SFUSD School, John O’Connell