Nearly 50 million Americans are living in food-insecure households, according to the latest—and final—Household Food Security Report from the USDA’s Economic Research Service. Hunger is rising across the country, impacting children, seniors, families, and communities like ours here in the Tri-Valley. Learn what the data reveals, what changes to federal food programs mean for our neighbors, and how Open Heart Kitchen is responding to meet this growing need.

The Livermore Aquacowboys are making waves for a great cause. During their 2025 Swimathon, 87 swimmers completed nearly 8,000 laps and raised more than $10,000 to support Open Heart Kitchen—one of the highest totals ever raised through our virtual fundraising campaigns. Their commitment to leadership, community, and giving back shows just how powerful young people can be when they come together to support neighbors facing hunger.

There are a lot of phrases that are used when talking about issues around housing, homelessness, and food insecurity. Two you might have heard before are NIMBY and YIMBY.