Today we’d like to introduce you to Hillary Cohen.
Hi Hillary, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Both Sam and myself have worked over ten years on film sets in LA watching the leftover food from catering being tossed at the end of each meal. Three years ago, in the middle of a global pandemic, we decided to do something about it.
Together we created a 501c3 nonpropfit that carries liability insurance; fully releasing the production of any legal ownership or responsibility of the food excess. We simply ask for you to please stop throwing your “trash” away on set.
In addition to our food reallocation program, we also want to help those in the entertainment business who need daily employment options. Production Assistants and Background Artists are part of the blueprint of a set, and are a crucial role in every production; yet most can barely afford to live in the town in which they work. Every Day Action is proud to employ PAs and BG who are in between jobs to pick up and drive the food to those who need; paying them for their day’s work and a gas stipend.
It all began with just the two of us, covered in PPE, hauling around a giant cooler from set to set. One set became two sets, two sets became three- and now we are three years in; working with every major studio in LA, saving food from 7-13 sets a day.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There are struggles every day in a nonprofit. There is never enough money, time, or help; we are always working 24/7 to be able to continue our efforts and grow.
Sam and I always say to each other, “not today, but maybe tomorrow”…..maybe tomorrow we will be fully funded, maybe tomorrow we will have enough volunteers, maybe tomorrow we will have a food truck. Every Day Action is about working through the struggles and continuing to help as many as we can daily; regardless of the roadblocks, we encounter.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Every Day Action?
Every Day Action is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to reallocate the food waste on film sets directly to those living on the streets of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and the San Fernando Valley. We safely, swiftly, and seamlessly coordinate meal pickups from both studios and locations, provide food packaging, and transport meals directly to LA’s most needy. We work 24 hours a day from breakfast to lunch to dinner (yes, even 3rd meal). We know the film industry intimately, so discretion, safety, and speed are our top priorities. We employ production assistants and background actors as pick up/drop off coordinators while in between jobs, and our board members are working professionals who work in the entertainment industry and volunteer sectors.
Since we donate to shelters, community fridges, and other nonprofits that also serve; our impact across the city on a daily basis is actually quite large. There can be days where we are saving 500+ meals in just one day. Our large donation to another nonprofit or shelter then reduces their overhead costs, as they do not have to provide food for their residents. A dollar donated to EDA goes so much further than most other nonprofits; as we are also supporting so many.
We are most proud of how many we can help on a weekly basis. Between our employee program, hiring background artists and production assistants when they are in between work, to the sheer amount of food we reallocate weekly; Every Day Action is makind waves with what little we have been able to fundraise over just three years.
What makes you happy?
Helping people makes me the most happy, which is why I think running a nonprofit is ultimately what I am meant to do. When our day is done, and hundreds have been helped that otherwise would not have- it was a good day. The rest is all just noise we create.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youreverydayaction.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/every_day_action/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/youreverydayaction/
Image Credits
Jack Herman
