Ecumenical Hunger Program

Specialties

The Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP), a 35 year old, private, non-​profit, community-​based organization located in East Palo Alto provides emergency food, clothing, case management, and household essentials to families in need in East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto. In addition, EHP plays a major role in both advocating for, and providing referrals to resources available to low-​income families and individuals in our community.

History

Established in 1975.

EHP has been in the safety net business since it was founded in 1975 by Miriam Nixon Hope and a group from Church Women United who channeled surplus and donated food to neighborhood pantries where it was then distributed to families in need. EHP was incorporated in 1978 as a non-​profit organization. Under the direction of Nevida Butler, EHP began providing direct services to families in need in 1981 and it has grown to become the largest direct emergency food provider in East Palo Alto and Menlo Park. EHP also began addressing other critical needs in the community, distributing clothing, furniture, and household essentials, and providing case management, referrals and other support to those in need in our service area. However, EHP’s program focus has always been on essential resources for survival, primarily food.

Throughout the past 35 years, EHP has remained a community based organization meaning that it has grown and adjusted based upon community needs and trends.