When Bob and Lucy Berglund first heard about Feed the Hungry San Miguel in 2007, it was almost by chance, through a road trip, a bed-and-breakfast conversation, and a local fundraiser. What struck them right away was the directness of the program. They liked knowing their support would go straight to the schools and children who needed it most, without passing through layers of bureaucracy. That clarity of impact inspired them to become Kitchen Angels, beginning with the school kitchen in the rural community of Jalpa.
At our school kitchen in Jalpa, Bob and Lucy witnessed the power of a hot, nutritious meal. They remember children walking long distances just to have lunch at school, proof of how essential the program was in their daily lives. “It was meaningful to see the kids’ determination,” Bob recalled. “It showed us just how much these meals mattered.”
When the school at Jalpa eventually graduated from the School Meals Program in 2021, the Berglunds did not hesitate to continue their support at another school, this time in Alonso Yáñez. Their commitment went even further: they helped the continuity of the Hydration Program and the Early Childhood Nutrition Program. “We were happy to take part in building something lasting,” Bob said. “It felt like a way to walk alongside the community on their journey.”
Their dedication was equally strong during the COVID-19 crisis. Bob and Lucy were among the first to step forward and contribute to Feed the Hungry’s emergency relief program. Bob recalled being impressed by the leadership and determination of the board and staff to transform operations in less than two weeks in order to distribute food bags to entire families across the communities. “We often talk with friends about how important it is for expats to contribute to this community,” he explained. “This is the most direct type of donation you can make, one that you can see and feel in action.”
The Berglunds’ generosity also carries deep personal meaning. In 2018, a kitchen was dedicated in memory of their beloved son, Carl, who passed away from brain cancer. For Bob and Lucy, that dedication transformed their grief into a living legacy, nourishing children in San Miguel in Carl’s honor.
Over the years, Bob has also been struck by the scale and efficiency of Feed the Hungry’s operation. He recalled visiting the warehouse, watching volunteers pack food, and seeing drivers set out to deliver it to the schools. “It’s an impressive operation,” he said. “So many volunteers make this possible. The few people who are paid—chefs, cooks, and nutritionists, along with small group of professional staff—are modestly compensated, and that support goes back into the local community. It’s a winning situation all around: for the children, the cooks, and their families.”
For Bob, the message to other Kitchen Angels, or to those considering becoming one, is simple: “It’s a chance to see your dollars do good. It’s a very direct way to help people in a country we love.” Feed the Hungry San Miguel has become by far the largest beneficiary of his philanthropy, precisely because he can see the impact up close. “We could have given to other big organizations, but what we like here is seeing the direct contact with the communities and knowing the results.”
Among his favorite memories are his visits to Jalpa, where he twice observed the kitchen in full swing and children enjoying their meals. “It was wonderful to see the difference; from nothing before to happy, healthy kids eating nutritious food. And I had fun with them too, taking pictures and sharing in their joy.”
For nearly two decades, Bob and Lucy Berglund have exemplified what it means to be Kitchen Angels: steadfast supporters who not only nourish children but also build lasting bridges of compassion. Their story reminds us that when love, generosity, and community come together, the impact can last for generations.
Learn how you can become a Feed the Hungry San Miguel Kitchen Angel.
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