About — Seva Commons

WHO WE ARE

Seva is a Sanskrit word that embodies the idea of selfless service. It is a combination of the words Saha and Eva, ultimately meaning “together with”. This principal is integral to the goal of the Seva Commons Foundation as we aim to give back to local communities.

Founded by families who have called the Bay Area home for over 30 years, the Seva Commons Foundation addresses a myriad of our community’s most pertinent problems: lack of educational resources, homelessness, and hunger. We organize meal bag donations along with backpack drives, food drives, and stocking drives. An effort that began with a few friends now has over 65 volunteers and is growing.

Our outreach community organizations have now expanded to 4 within Alameda County. In 2022, we plan to expand to other communities in Alameda County, Santa Clara County and San Joaquin County.

Seva Commons Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Our foundation is a participant in The President’s Volunteer Service Award.

WHY WE DO IT

San Mateo County has experienced the largest increase in food stamp enrollment in the state since January 2020, with a 41% jump in the number of people here relying on CalFresh, the monthly food benefit program, according to agency data.

The Bay Area may be home to Silicon Valley and some of the richest people in the country, but its income inequality ranks among the worst in the nation.

There were 7 out of 10 California counties with the biggest growth in food stamp enrollment over the past 18 months were in the Bay Area. Bay Area food banks say 1.5 million residents are "at risk" or experiencing hunger. Demand has doubled or even tripled among households with children.

HOW WE’VE HELPED

Seva Commons’s philanthropic endeavors are not limited to providing meals.

In August 2021, roughly 101 backpacks and 5 graphing calculators were donated to the TriValley Haven and Shepherd's Gate organizations. Not every family has the financial stability to supply their child with the proper school equipment to succeed. Donations ensure that all students are equipped with the fundamental tools to thrive in school.

Our organization’s benefits consist of:

Seva Commons provides approximately 1600 meals weekly to malnourished children, leading to better attendance in school and physical development.
Adults that received meals have energy to work and support their families.
Seniors received necessary nutrition to stay healthy as they age.
Individuals with chronic illness or disabilities can have their nutritional needs met while adhering to their dietary restrictions.
Assisting the planet by sending less food to landfills.