Barton Foundation Reinstates Response Fund for Community Members Facing Food Insecurity as a Result of Caldor Fire

(South Lake Tahoe, CA) – The Barton Foundation has reinstated their Response Fund to assist community members disproportionately affected by the Caldor Fire. Now called the Emergency Response Fund, the program will assist local families and individuals facing food insecurity challenges brought on by the Caldor Fire evacuations. In May, 2021, the Foundation’s COVID Response Fund resulted in over $420,000 donated to more than 6,000 residents impacted by COVID-19 in the South Lake Tahoe and Stateline areas.

“The Barton Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund is intended to assist with a basic need—putting food on tables—as many community members are experiencing economic hardships due to the recent evacuations,” said Chris Kiser, Executive Director of the Barton Foundation. “In addition to being displaced from their homes, many were unable to work, resulting in wage loss and inability to fulfill basic needs. The fund has been created in direct response to this issue and aims to provide relief to anybody feeling the effects of food insecurity as a result of the fire.”

The Barton Foundation will distribute food cards, redeemable at Safeway stores in $25 increments, at The Attic Thrift Store, Bread & Broth, Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Family Resource Center, Tahoe Youth & Family Services, and Live Violence Free beginning September 20.

To kickstart the Emergency Response Fund, on Sunday, Sept. 19 from noon to 9 p.m., Lake Tahoe AleWorX will host the Caldor Community Festival, a community gathering at their “Y” location (2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Suite #2050 in South Lake Tahoe), to celebrate the first responders and all organizations and individuals involved in fighting the Caldor Fire. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event will benefit locals affected by the fire through Barton Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund. We encourage attendees to wear masks and keep distance, when possible, to ensure the safety of all involved.

For additional information or to make a contribution to the Emergency Response Fund, visit BartonHealth.org/Foundation, or call the Barton Foundation at 530.543.5612.