Pasadena Pizza Shop Donating Food to Union Station Homeless Services

The Pizza Planet will donate a pizza to Union Station Homeless Services every time someone purchases a pizza. – Courtesy photo / The Pizza Plant

The Pizza Plant, a new plant-based Pasadena pizza shop, has kicked off a pizza donation program to support families through the healing power of food.

As part of its mission to promote the plant-based movement and support local communities, The Pizza Plant will donate a pizza to Union Station Homeless Services every time a patron purchases a pizza.

If you ask Marvin V. Acuna, founder and CEO of The Pizza Plant, and Ravi Choudhry, co-founder and CIO, why their business supports Union Station Homeless Services, their answer is simple: They want to be good neighbors and partner with an organization that is already impacting lives in the community.

“As I grow older and ponder the meaning of life, I find myself returning to the same answer.” says Acuna. “It’s family, friends, and community. And as we considered how best to support the Pasadena community, Union Station Homeless Services emerged as the clear and absolute choice.”

Led by Chef Rachel Carr, The Pizza Plant is located in Pasadena on Madison Avenue, at the corner of Green Street. However, Acuna and Choudhry have a vision of opening up to 1,000 stores in three years. Store number two is already opening in Venice this fall, and a custom food truck is on its way. Of the 4,200 plus food trucks in the U.S., The Pizza Plant’s truck will be the only 100 percent organic, plant-based pizza truck.

For Union Station Homeless Services, support from The Pizza Plant is more than a food donation. “We were immediately drawn to the fact that The Pizza Plant has a philanthropic mission,” says Stephanie Harris, director of special programs at Union Station. “The community awareness that these partnerships provide is so integral to the success of Union Station. When we can connect with their patrons and staff about the amazing work we are doing to rebuild lives in San Gabriel Valley, it inspires people to become part of the solution to end homelessness!”

With 45 years of providing life-changing services, Union Station Homeless Services is the largest homeless services provider in San Gabriel Valley. The nonprofit provides outreach, shelter, housing, and supportive services to adults and families who are experiencing homelessness. Last year, they helped more than 700 find housing last year – that is nearly 2 people a day.

So the next time you have a craving for pizza, consider The Pizza Plant. Aside from nourishing yourself with a pizza that is made with organic, whole plant based ingredients, each time you enjoy one of their pizzas, you can also feel great knowing that individuals and families experiencing challenges and homelessness are enjoying one too because of you.

To volunteer or partner with Union Station Homeless Services, contact Stephanie Harris at sharris@unionstationhs.org or call (626) 240-4550. For more information on The Pizza Plant or to order pizza for pickup or delivery, visit thepizzaplant.com.