From Buffet to Bounty: Daisy Li's Food Mission | California News

0:00It's September 3rd. I'm Cory with the story, and this is California News Today, local news powered by AI. Daisy Lee, who ran a popular seafood buffet called Moonstar for three decades, has transformed her business into a non-profit. When the pandemic hit in 2020, forcing her restaurant to close, she used her large kitchen to start making thousands of emergency meals daily. For those in need, this pivot led to the creation of the Moonstar Charitable Organization in 2021, focusing on providing meals to vulnerable communities. The organization now prepares over 2,000 meals weekly for various partners that support seniors, the homeless, children, and family spacing, hardship. This new mission has given Lee a profound sense of purpose, which she describes as a rebirth into a more meaningful existence. Her business acumen and passion for food have found a new, impactful outlet. This initiative has had a significant impact on the ground. For instance, one non-profit partner, Onyx Village Connection in East Palo Alto, distributed

1:04more than 30,000 Moonstar meals last year alone. To individuals experiencing homelessness, they consider Moonstar's contribution of vital lifeline with one co-founder calling Lee an angelic figure. Looking ahead, Lee isn't slowing down. She's planning to open a food pantry later this year in San Mateo County. This pantry will serve as a resource for emergency food relief, especially in the event of a disaster. Further solidifying Moonstar's commitment to community support. Ultimately, Daisy Lee's journey shows how a crisis can spark incredible innovation and compassion. By channeling her love for food and her business resources, she's not just providing meals. She's delivering love and support to thousands, proving that her passion for feeding people extends far beyond the buffet table.