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Estimated meals since March 2020
31 meals for each Wednesday.
About Team Just Us
Neighbors, gathered by care.
We’re a Santa Cruz community group sharing meals and care with neighbors experiencing homelessness. Food brings us together. Belonging keeps us showing up.
Houseless not hopeless.
These words from our original logo belong where everyone can read them. Our work begins with seeing each person as a neighbor, and sharing food with dignity and care.
With gratitude to co-founder Paula “Scoop” Mellard, and to everyone who gives time, food, and heart to this community.
Meet our founder
Mimi Peleg
Mimi Peleg is the founder of Team Just Us. Every Wednesday, the team comes together to prepare meals and pack 31 bags of food, water, and everyday essentials for neighbors.
Founder, Team Just Us
Our impact
The difference we make, together.
Weekly meals add up. These estimates show what steady Wednesday service can mean. Confirmed milestones can be added below as the team records them.
≈134
Meals in an average month
31 meals × 52 weeks ÷ 12 months.
≈34
Family-meal equivalents per month
At 4 individual meals per family meal. This is an illustration, not a count of unique families.
How we estimate: We assume 31 meals every Wednesday with no missed weeks from March 11, 2020, the date WHO characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. This is a calculated estimate, not an audited service record.
The total updates after Wednesday’s 3:30 PM drop-off window in Santa Cruz time. A month may have four or five Wednesdays; the monthly figures use a 52-week average.
The same heart. A clearer voice.
The original T and its detailed roots stay at the heart of our identity. Our message has more space here: good food, shared care, and a place to belong in Santa Cruz.
