Oceanside CA— U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) has announced that Carlsbad native and owner of Carlsbad Strawberry Co. and Aviara Farms, Jimmy Ukegawa, is the May Constituent of the Month. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated food insecurity within our communities, and Jimmy and his staff knew they needed to help. Since last March, Jimmy, his staff, and partners have donated more than 500,000 pounds of food. In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Rep. Levin is proud to recognize an outstanding Asian American constituent who makes the region and the country stronger.
See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Jimmy Ukegawa in the Congressional Record:
“Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Jimmy Ukegawa for my May Constituent of the Month. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed numerous burdens on constituents in my district, including a troubling rise in food insecurity. As a third-generation farmer who has been in business for more than three decades, Jimmy is no stranger to the stress of business ups and downs. Last March, after witnessing so many neighbors and friends struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jimmy, his staff, and partners donated more than 500,000 pounds of food to those affected by food insecurity.
“His effort began when the pandemic first hit, partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad and Carlsbad Senior Center to ensure children and those most vulnerable had something to eat. Since then, Jimmy’s food donation efforts have grown to include Head Start programs, North County Lifeline, schools, and affordable living residences throughout Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Vista. Additionally, as the course of the pandemic played out, Jimmy wanted to make sure vulnerable and at-risk people in the district could still shop for nutritious fresh food, so he created an open-air market in his warehouse.
“Over the course of this pandemic, I witnessed first-hand, residents lining up for food just to place a nourishing meal on the table for their families. I am incredibly grateful for constituents like Jimmy who stepped up to help the most vulnerable and in need families in CA-49. Our community is brighter and better because of Jimmy and his staff’s generosity. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his leadership and compassion in supporting our community, and I’m honored to recognize him as my May Constituent of the Month.”
Representative Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County Residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and make the country stronger. Levin’s April Constituents of the Month were Donna Kalez of San Clemente and Gisele Anderson for their efforts with the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) and making CA-49 history by establishing Dana Point as the first Whale Heritage Site in the United States. His March Constituent of the Month was Oceanside resident and Executive Director of Leap to Success Dana Bristol-Smith for her work in helping women overcome trauma and abuse.
To nominate a resident of the 49th District to be the Constituent of the Month, fill out this nomination form.