Nonprofit Spotlight: Every Day Action

This week I decided to highlight a nonprofit I recently learned about that’s doing amazing things for the film and food industry, Every Day Action. 

Every Day Action started in 2020 by two LA-based assistant directors, Hillary Cohen and Samantha Luu. After working in the film industry for over ten years, these women noticed the consistent amount of food waste on movie and television sets. Food from catered lunches and events was constantly being thrown into the landfill. With the rising homeless population in California, they wanted to see how they could help with food insecurity. 

Every Day Action (EDA) works with production teams to pick up leftover gourmet meals and deliver them to underprivileged communities. They work around the clock to pick up food from film sets, corporate events, festivals, grocery stores, and more. By doing this they are reducing landfills, helping those in need, and minimizing carbon footprints. 

In addition, EDA wants to help low-income employees within the film industry. “Production Assistants and Background Artists are part of the blueprint of a set – a crucial role in every production; yet most can barely afford to live in the town in which they work.” (EDA)  They created a program for when these workers who are in between jobs, where they can get paid to drive and deliver meals for those in need. 

Being from the film industry themselves, Cohen and Luu know their way around the business. Themselves and many of their volunteers work in production so they know how to respect confidentially, read call sheets, understand shoot schedules, and overall make the process easy for anyone wanting to donate. 

This Saturday, April 27th EDA is hosting its 2nd Annual Celebrity Gala. Sponsored by Warner Bros. Television, Recycle Ball, will include both live and silent auctions, a gourmet dinner, and talks from celebrity guests. Celebrities like Cassandra Freeman, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Troian Bellisario, and more will be in attendance. In line with the theme, they encourage attendees to wear a recycled outfit from their closet, a local thrift store, or a friend. EDA hopes to raise $500,000 to go towards wages for more employees, low-income film workers, and provide more meals for the community.

Over the past four years, EDA has donated an average of 60,000 meals a year. They continue to improve the lives of people within and outside the industry. If you’re looking to volunteer, donate, or learn more, visit www.youreverydayaction.org.