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About Us overview
TONA aims to build a network of regional MKP Mobile Pop-Up food pantries across Southern California that rescue surplus food from national Tier 1 brand name grocery outlets, and gets it to those underserved communities that need it.
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Volunteers get it done at MKP
- part one -
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Volunteers get it done at MKP- part two -
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Behind the scenes at MKP.
Thank God its Friday!
About Us our founders
September 2024 Foundation and Initial RebrandingLeveraging their diverse professional backgrounds, founders Eric Wilder, Jessica Becerra, Mai Nguyen and Harold Arscott volunteered at Mary's Kitchen Pantry (MKP), setting the stage for the Tree of New America (TONA) Their initial impactful contribution was a digital rebranding of MKP, significantly improving its online presence through their collective expertise.
Eric Wilder
Jessica Becerra
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Mai Nguyen
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Harold K. Arscott
About Us brief history
The Evolution of Tree of New America (TONA)
October - December 2024: Strategic Growth and Operational DevelopmentTONA's founders took decisive action to accelerate MKP's expansion. They implemented key operational strategies, including detailed strategic planning, targeted content creation, proactive community outreach, and technology solutions to streamline operations.
Simultaneously, they drove a continuous website redesign and brand development initiative, aiming to establish MKP as a prominent leader in the mobile pop-up pantry space. A user-friendly calendar was added during the website redesign, ensuring the community could easily find upcoming events.
They also actively cultivated strategic partnerships and directly engaged with key decision-makers to secure vital support, ensuring MKP's growth trajectory.
January 2025: Transition, Strategic Planning, and Expansion VisionFollowing MKP's rebranding, TONA transitioned to a facilitator role, aiming to scale its services and amplify its impact. Recognizing the limitations of operating solely as volunteers, TONA sought non-profit designation to unlock crucial resources and build long-term sustainability.
This status would enable them to secure grants, establish formal partnerships, and attract dedicated funding, allowing for the replication of the MKP model across Los Angeles and neighboring counties. To this end, they pursued strategic partnerships and collaborations, initiating strategic communication and proposal development.
February 2025: Partnerships, Logistics, and Volunteer DevelopmentTONA forged a pivotal food rescue collaboration with a national food retailer. An executive, spearheading their food insecurity initiatives, drove this alliance. This partnership will guarantee a steady influx of fresh ingredients and groceries, significantly boosting our food resources. To establish community credibility and goodwill, TONA actively cultivated relationships with representatives from permanent and temporary supportive housing communities. To improve logistics, TONA developed an app that ensured effective communication and food pickup from MKP and the grocery retailer.
TONA is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of community leaders. We empower student volunteers through comprehensive educational support and hands-on experience, fostering their ability to apply their expertise. This includes teaching students about the critical aspects of food rescue and sustainability, equipping them with valuable knowledge for the future. We also offer internships and resume-building skills, providing practical tools for professional development. Through mentorship, hands-on projects, and platforms for skill development, TONA creates opportunities for students to excel, nurturing their potential to become impactful leaders in food rescue and sustainability.
March 2025: Official Status and Program ExpansionTONA achieved its official non-profit designation, enabling the organization to secure crucial donations and funding. Following weeks of focused discussions, TONA secured MOUs and launched pilot programs at Jamboree Housing and Project Access locations.
Additionally, TONA redesigned its website to align with its mission of addressing mental health through nutrition. Furthermore, they continued outreach to secure more pilot programs and build a team of dedicated student volunteers, ensuring sustainable service delivery.
April 2025: Preparing for Expansion & Consistent Service DeliveryFollowing successful site tours and logistical planning, TONA is poised to launch pilot programs at Boys & Girls Club and Family Promise OC locations.
Their objective is to establish consistent mobile pop-up pantry events upon the successful completion of these initial trials, demonstrating the viability of their model for regional replication.
TONA aims to build a network of local food pantries, mirroring the success of MKP, across Orange County and Los Angeles.
Simultaneously, they drove a continuous website redesign and brand development initiative, aiming to establish MKP as a prominent leader in the mobile pop-up pantry space. A user-friendly calendar was added during the website redesign, ensuring the community could easily find upcoming events.
They also actively cultivated strategic partnerships and directly engaged with key decision-makers to secure vital support, ensuring MKP's growth trajectory.
January 2025: Transition, Strategic Planning, and Expansion VisionFollowing MKP's rebranding, TONA transitioned to a facilitator role, aiming to scale its services and amplify its impact. Recognizing the limitations of operating solely as volunteers, TONA sought non-profit designation to unlock crucial resources and build long-term sustainability.
This status would enable them to secure grants, establish formal partnerships, and attract dedicated funding, allowing for the replication of the MKP model across Los Angeles and neighboring counties. To this end, they pursued strategic partnerships and collaborations, initiating strategic communication and proposal development.
February 2025: Partnerships, Logistics, and Volunteer DevelopmentTONA forged a pivotal food rescue collaboration with a national food retailer. An executive, spearheading their food insecurity initiatives, drove this alliance. This partnership will guarantee a steady influx of fresh ingredients and groceries, significantly boosting our food resources. To establish community credibility and goodwill, TONA actively cultivated relationships with representatives from permanent and temporary supportive housing communities. To improve logistics, TONA developed an app that ensured effective communication and food pickup from MKP and the grocery retailer.
TONA is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of community leaders. We empower student volunteers through comprehensive educational support and hands-on experience, fostering their ability to apply their expertise. This includes teaching students about the critical aspects of food rescue and sustainability, equipping them with valuable knowledge for the future. We also offer internships and resume-building skills, providing practical tools for professional development. Through mentorship, hands-on projects, and platforms for skill development, TONA creates opportunities for students to excel, nurturing their potential to become impactful leaders in food rescue and sustainability.
March 2025: Official Status and Program ExpansionTONA achieved its official non-profit designation, enabling the organization to secure crucial donations and funding. Following weeks of focused discussions, TONA secured MOUs and launched pilot programs at Jamboree Housing and Project Access locations.
Additionally, TONA redesigned its website to align with its mission of addressing mental health through nutrition. Furthermore, they continued outreach to secure more pilot programs and build a team of dedicated student volunteers, ensuring sustainable service delivery.
April 2025: Preparing for Expansion & Consistent Service DeliveryFollowing successful site tours and logistical planning, TONA is poised to launch pilot programs at Boys & Girls Club and Family Promise OC locations.
Their objective is to establish consistent mobile pop-up pantry events upon the successful completion of these initial trials, demonstrating the viability of their model for regional replication.
TONA aims to build a network of local food pantries, mirroring the success of MKP, across Orange County and Los Angeles.
If you are the manager of a permanent or temporary supportive housing property whose residents are experiencing food insecurity, contact us, our services are free of charge. We can help!