ARAMARK event to aid low-income San Diego families caring for disabled family members

ARAMARKOct 2 2013

With minimal resources stretched to the limit, low-income families living in the heart of San Diego are challenged to provide adequate nutritious food, access to physical activity, and quality healthcare not only for themselves, but also for loved ones who suffer from disabling physical, mental or developmental impairments.  

To aid low-income San Diego families caring for disabled family members, ARAMARK is establishing an ARAMARK Building Community Opportunity Zone for health and wellness at the Neighborhood House Association's Adult Day Health Care Center (ADHC). This event kicks off a new partnership between ARAMARK and Neighborhood House Association, a multipurpose human service agency that provides a wide range of services to help families in need. Together, ARAMARK and the Neighborhood House Association will focus on nutrition and wellness education at ADHC so that families can embrace healthier lifestyles for improved overall health.

"At ARAMARK, we are committed to enriching the lives of families in our communities. Our employees are proud to volunteer to help one of San Diego's strongest community service associations," said Brad Drummond, Chief Operating Officer, ARAMARK Uniform Services. "Today's event marks the beginning of a new collaboration that will help us make an even greater impact in the region."

The event is part of ARAMARK Building Community, the company's commitment to enriching lives by helping people improve their health, secure jobs and move out of poverty both in San Diego and in 52 cities around the world.

"ARAMARK's partnership with Neighborhood House Association has been instrumental in building support for our underserved communities," said Rudolph A. Johnson, III, President and CEO of Neighborhood House Association. "ARAMARK Building Community is a shining example of how corporations can work with nonprofits to make a difference and directly impact the lives of others. ARAMARK's generous improvements to our Adult Day Health Care Center have allowed staff to provide ongoing quality care in an environment that represents a commitment to excellence."

Volunteers will create a community garden with customized planters that will be accessible to the center's physically disabled clients. Not only will these micro-farms provide fruits and vegetables for meals at the center, but also they will encourage those who are wheelchair-bound or have restricted range of motion to join in the low-impact exercise of gardening outdoors. Company experts will return throughout the year to conduct nutrition and wellness workshops for the families whose disabled loved ones use the facility every day.

Every year, the ADHC serves more than 115 adults who need nursing services, rehabilitative therapies, nutrition and psycho-social services as well as personal care assistance. Altogether the Neighborhood House Association serves some 24,000 people citywide.