As the spring rains begin to cool our days, we find ourselves closing out the 2025 school year and preparing for the new one in September. This transition comes with both heartfelt farewells and exciting new beginnings.
One of the biggest changes ahead is the retirement of our longtime Operations leader, Olivia Muñiz, who has dedicated an extraordinary 30 years to Feed the Hungry. Olivia has helped shape our growth and guided our daily
operations with determination, wisdom, and heart. Under her leadership, we expanded to serve 40 schools and institutions consistently across San Miguel and beyond. While we will greatly miss her at the helm, we are comforted by her commitment to continue volunteering with us for years to come.
We’re also proud to welcome Paola Juarez to her new role as President, Feed the Hungry A.C., following the retirement of Jen Venkatraman from the role. Paola has played a key role in our organization for years, leading our communications and bringing creativity and purpose to everything she does. Jen, whose dedication has been a guiding force, will remain on the board as Secretary. We thank her sincerely for her service.
Our board has also grown with the addition of two wonderful new members:
- Darryl “Blue” Blueitt, a part-time resident since 2021, has been volunteering in our food packing operations and working closely with our volunteer coordinator to improve how we weigh and package proteins. He and his wife, Elizabeth, are passionate supporters of our mission to improve the lives of children in San Miguel.
- Carlos Carrazana, now serving as an at-large board member, brings decades of leadership experience from organizations such as Planned Parenthood, the Trevor Project, and Save the Children. Carlos and his husband, Tom, have lived in San Miguel for over five years. Tom teaches at the Biblioteca, and Carlos is also on the board of Cruz Roja. We are thrilled that he is helping modernize our governance policies and bringing his wealth of knowledge to our team.
We were deeply saddened by the recent loss of Ray Fairchild, one of our most devoted volunteers. Ray and his wife, Jonna Stratton, have long been the heart of our food packing team. Every Monday morning—rain or shine—Ray was in the warehouse, helping ensure proteins were prepped and ready to be delivered to our schools. His kindness, work ethic, and friendship meant the world to us. We send our love and deepest sympathies to Jonna and thank Ray for all he gave to Feed the Hungry.
Looking forward, we have several exciting fundraising events on the horizon. Led by Liz Dietz, Barbara Vidargas, and Gabriela Gonzalez, our Donor Relations lead, we’re planning a full calendar of opportunities to come together in support of our mission—including the return of our signature Gala in 2026. Stay tuned for updates!
Want to Get Involved? Here are three ways you can make a meaningful difference:
- Volunteer – We’re in need of drivers and food packers. Just a few hours a week can have a huge impact. If you have a sturdy vehicle and are free on Tuesday mornings, we’d love your help delivering food to schools. Reach out to us at volunteers@feedthehungrysma.org.
- Give Through Your IRA – Consider making a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from your IRA—this allows you to support Feed the Hungry tax-free. For more information, contact pbrameley@feedthehungrysma.org.
- Become a Kitchen Angel – Sponsor the operations of a school kitchen through a multi-year commitment. Whether as an individual or a group, you’ll be helping to sustain one of the most critical parts of our program. To learn more, contact ggonzalez@feedthehungrysma.org.
Thank you for being a part of the Feed the Hungry family. With your support, we continue to nourish minds, build futures, and create hope, one meal at a time.
Warm regards,
Feed the Hungry San Miguel, Inc.
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