Jill Caballero knew that health care workers are “crazy busy” and probably “can’t even think about where to get food,” so she sent lunches to the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital (USC VHH) emergency room staff. On the same day Jill provided lunch, the moms from an elementary school, including Ashley Bell, provided dinner for the ER. From there, via posts on social media, the Community Meal Train grew rapidly. The Meal Train platform is a public online system that allows anyone—in this case donors—to pick an available date, meal and department, while letting donors know the point of contact and even any food allergies. The donor then arranges delivery of the meals.

“It was a viral effect,” Jill said. “I was born and raised in this La Cañada. It was great to see that outpouring of support.”

Soon, Ashley Bell set up a Community Meal Train page for USC VHH, while Jill, whom she had never met, handled all the cash donations. Jill made sure everyone who donated received a thank-you note and that their name was included on a meal to a caregiver.

“It’s amazing how the community has rallied together,” Ashley said. “We are all so thankful for so much love going out to the workers at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital.”

Jill then put the word out that medical workers were in desperate need of hand lotion. In short order she had about 200 bottles of lotion. “If you asked for it,” Jill said, “this community provided it.”

“I feel that everybody in the first responder role, not only nurses and doctors, but also the staff cleaning the hospital and everyone else are under tremendous stress,” Jill said. “They should be commended for all that they do for our community.”

Ashley said, “They are just doing their jobs, but at great risk. I am so grateful they are willing to do this.”

Ashley is expanding her support. A seamstress, she has been sewing face masks and ear savers, which prevent the elastic on face masks from cutting into ears. The national stockpile of N95 masks had many elastics that had deteriorated, so Ashley organized her friends to start repairing the elastics on the defective masks.

The Community Meal Train has provided more than 5,000 meals to staff at USC VHH in 16 departments, including but not limited to the ICU, ER, and labor and delivery—which delivered a record number of babies in April even under extensive new COVID-19 safety protocols. The meals were provided by community members and a wide variety of community organizations.

“The response has been unfathomable and mind-blowing,” Jill said. “Everyone has appreciated it so much. I see a lot of smiles in the pictures. I was happy I was able to provide.”

USC VHH is deeply grateful to Ashley, Jill and everyone who donated to the Community Meal Train.

Below: USC VHH staff thank Tori Yen sushi for donated meals.

Ashley Bell and Family

Jill Caballero

Just a few of the donated Community Meal Train meals.