02/04/2026
An exciting update! Recently, Philanthropy funded the Charlie Cart mobile kitchen, bringing hands-on wellness and cooking demonstrations to affordable communities. Now, that impact has expanded even further.
With additional philanthropic support, the Charlie Cart now includes an electric winch, making it possible to safely transport the cart between communities. This essential upgrade allows the cart to be unloaded efficiently and rolled directly to residents—reaching 40–50 participants each month, with many more joining out of interest.
The Charlie Cart meets a critical need. Many residents receive food assistance through MANNA FoodBank or subsidy programs but have limited experience cooking healthy meals or space for demonstrations. This mobile kitchen brings education, confidence, and access directly to where people live.
“I also discuss the benefits of eating healthy to help reduce health issues during these sessions,” says Lisa Rogers, Givens Supportive Services Manager. “Being able to reach residents in this way has been important in positively impacting both the Givens and greater community.”
Now, more neighbors can build healthy habits and make the most of available food resources, one meal at a time.
Read the full story on the Philanthropy news page here: https://givensphilanthropy.org/the-charlie-cart-project.../
