EHP Celebrates 50 Years of Service

In 1975, Miriam Nixon Hope founded the Ecumenical Hunger Project to alleviate hunger in East Palo Alto. With  a  group from Church Women United, Miriam and her cohorts began gathering surplus food to distribute to local food pantries. In 1978, EHP incorporated and was renamed Ecumenical Hunger Program. Three years later, under the direction of Nevida Butler, EHP began direct emergency food distribution. During Nevida's tenure, new safety-net programs such as the Community Closet and Furniture warehouse were added along with social services such as the Women's Support Group to enhance the lives of those in need. When Lesia Preston assumed the helm in 2013, EHP continued to add new programs to fit the needs of the changing times and population. Under Lesia Preston, children's programs were developed to nurture and create a support system for disadvantaged youth.  Throughout the course of 50 years, EHP never lost its focus - to provide compassionate, dignified and practical assistance to individuals and families experiencing economic and personal hardship. 

On August 9, 2025, EHP celebrated its 50th Anniversary. We were thrilled to see so many Friends, past and present Board members, City and County dignitaries and community members. Thank you to all of you for shaping EHP into a stellar organization where people in our community can come for help and respite, delivered with respect, dignity and care.