By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–Mama’s Pies Thanksgiving bake sale is back for its 21st year, serving up homemade holiday pies to San Diegans while raising vital funds for Mama’s Kitchen, the county’s only accredited medically tailored meal provider.
Each pie sold helps support San Diegans battling critical illnesses such as HIV, cancer, congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The annual fundraiser allows residents to enjoy a seasonal treat while helping ensure that medically fragile neighbors receive the nutrition they need.
Pies are available for purchase online at mamaspies.org for $35 each, with flavors including pumpkin, traditional apple, pecan, and Dutch apple. Every pie sold funds the delivery of 12 medically tailored meals to clients in need. The popular “mystery pie” flavor, first introduced for last year’s 20th anniversary celebration, is also returning this year by popular demand. Orders will remain open through Friday, Nov. 21, or until sold out.
“With federal funding cuts, an ongoing government shutdown, and the rising cost of living, our no-cost medically tailored meal deliveries are being relied upon more than ever,” said Eva Matthews, CEO of Mama’s Kitchen. “All proceeds from Mama’s Pies stay within San Diego, supporting our neighbors and loved ones. Each pie sold helps ensure no one loses access to our services — and adds a little sweetness to the season.”
Mama’s Kitchen has already been notified of $350,000 in federal funding losses this year, placing more than 400,000 meals and 1,300 critically ill San Diegans at risk. Each pie purchase directly offsets the shortfall, covering the cost of preparing and delivering meals to clients across the county.
Pie pickup will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at nine locations throughout San Diego County—just in time for Thanksgiving. Pickup sites can be found at mamaspies.org/pickup-sites.
More than a dozen local chefs, bakers, and culinary professionals are donating their time and talent to bake thousands of pies for the fundraiser. This year’s confirmed participants include Sycuan Casino Resort, Behind the Scenes Catering, Starry Lane Bakery, Sugar & Scribe, Bahia Resort Hotel, Grand Hyatt San Diego, Hyatt Regency La Jolla, The San Diego Convention Center, Travel & Leisure Co., MIHO Catering Co., Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, The Wild Thyme Company, and Mielimon Bakery.
Mama’s Kitchen continues to welcome additional bakers and sponsors. Those interested in donating pies or becoming a partner can contact Jenna Novotny at jenna@mamaskitchen.org.
For supporters who prefer to give without purchasing a pie, donations can be made to the “Holiday Feast” fund at mamaspies.org/shopping-cart, with each contribution funding 12 meal deliveries for clients in need.
