City: Hot Meals Giveaway Will Continue at Villa-Parke

The Pasadena United Hot Meals Program, founded by local restaurateur Robin Salzer, will continue at the Villa-Parke Community Center for the next 60 days, according to a city press release.

Previously, the City had asked Salzer to relocate the program after April 10, 2014 to a non-City location or consider merging it with Pasadena United’s meal program at the Jackie Robinson Community Center due to its impacts on other regularly scheduled recreational and organized sporting events.

“Further discussions with Mr. Salzer have resulted in an agreement to continue the program at the Center for at least 60 days,” a city press release said. ” During this time, City staff and Mr. Salzer will work together to address issues associated with operating the program at the Center, including potential conflicts with recreational uses. ”

Efforts to enhance the program, including using healthier food choices through collaboration with local community gardens, will also be explored. A determination on the future use of the Villa-Parke Community Center as the program site will be made after the 60-day assessment.

Pasadena United Hot Meals will mark its two-year anniversary at the Villa-Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St., from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, April 10.

“I would like to thank the City of Pasadena for stepping up to support a meal program that our residents rely on and who in some cases their lives depend on. Eradicating hunger in our community, even if only for one or two nights per week, will improve the quality of life for those without and will validate the commitment of a community and city that truly cares,” Mr. Salzer said.

Mercy Santoro, Director, Human Services and Recreation Department, said the department’s vision for community building and providing excellent programs continues to be a primary goal for the Department.

“The Department wants to cooperatively work with Mr. Salzer to make sure his volunteer efforts are successful and benefit the Villa-Parke neighborhood,” Santoro said.

“Villa-Parke is an important recreation, sports and community service complex for the City. We have a strong commitment to serving all of Pasadena while also being sensitive to the specific needs of the Villa-Parke community. Mr. Salzer’s philanthropy is to be commended and we want to work with him to make sure he has the opportunity to continue his good work,” Santoro said.