CONTACT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shannon Haber, 213-393-1289 April 27, 2020
Chuck Lorre Family Foundation Offers $250,000
Matching Grant to Benefit LA Students Most In Need
LOS ANGELES – April 27, 2020 – Superintendent Austin Beutner today announced a $250,000 “challenge grant” from the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation to help Los Angeles Unified provide meals through its 63 Grab & Go Food Centers.
Superintendent Beutner established the LA Students Most In Need charity to support the Grab & Go Centers, which have provided more than 13 million meals to students and families, along with toys, special treats, books, baby supplies, sports gear, technology and internet access for all students and other urgently needed supplies while schools are closed.
“Businesses and individuals have joined together to be part of this effort to help those in need,” Superintendent Beutner said. “Chuck Lorre contributed $250,000 earlier this month, and today has committed another $250,000 as a challenge grant – he will match other donations we can raise up to that amount. Just $20 will provide a week’s worth of lunches to a hungry child. The need is great, and any contribution will help.”
The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation was founded by award-winning television writer and producer Chuck Lorre (“Young Sheldon,” “The Big Bang Theory” and “The Kominsky Method”) to fund innovative programs in the areas of education, health and the arts. The foundation has supported Los Angeles Unified schools through its Young Sheldon STEM Initiative, which fosters interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math; and a program that teaches computer coding to elementary school students. In addition, the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation is funding college-preparation exams for students at the Girls Academic Leadership Academy.
“The fact that over 13 million meals have been served to students and their families by the Los Angeles Unified community is both staggering and inspiring,” Mr. Lorre said. “With more than 600,000 public school students receiving their education remotely for the foreseeable future, the food that was once delivered in cafeterias needs to be made available at home. That need is immediate, and the time to act is now.”