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The Importance of Nutrition Security: Why Access to Healthy Food Matters

The Importance of Nutrition Security: Why Access to Healthy Food Matters

While providing consistent food assistance makes a difference, the Food Bank works to provide nutritious food options to our neighbors in need.

For many families across Los Angeles County, the challenge is not only finding enough food — it’s finding nutritious food. As food costs remain high and household budgets stretch thin, nutrition security has become an increasingly important part of the conversation around hunger relief. At the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, providing neighbors with consistent food assistance is key, but providing wholesome, nutritious food helps our communities thrive.

When families have reliable access to healthy food, children are better prepared to learn, adults are better able to work, and seniors can maintain independence longer. Communities become stronger, healthier, and more resilient.

What Is Nutrition Security?

Nutrition security goes beyond simply having enough calories to eat. It means consistent access to foods that support health, growth, and overall well-being, including fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy products.

When families lack access to nutritious options, the consequences can be serious. Poor nutrition is closely linked to chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. For children, it can impact academic performance, energy levels, and long-term development. For seniors, it can affect immunity and overall quality of life.

The Food Bank Provides Nutritious Food Items

95% of the food distributed by the Food Bank is rated nutritious. By focusing on nutritious foods, the Food Bank helps families make healthier choices without sacrificing their budgets, an important factor for households balancing rent, utilities, and medical expenses.

Hunger relief today looks different from it did decades ago. The Food Bank works across Los Angeles County, from Long Beach to the Antelope Valley, including food deserts, to maximize its reach and help families put food on the table. 

Programs and distributions serving children, seniors, and working families are intentionally designed to provide balanced food selections that help fill nutritional gaps. If you are in a position to do so, consider donating to the Food Bank. 96% of each dollar donated goes to supporting programs.

More Stories from the LA Regional Food Bank

How to Donate Your Car to the Food Bank

By donating your old or unused vehicle to the Food Bank, you’ll help provide meals for families across LA County.

A Legacy of Giving: Roberta Stone’s Commitment to Fighting Hunger in Los Angeles County

Through volunteering, gifts from her IRA, and including the Food Bank as a beneficiary, Roberta is helping neighbors have access to nutritious food.

More Than a Necessity: Why Diaper Assistance Matters to Families in Los Angeles County

For many families and households, diapers are a basic necessity. Yet for parents and caregivers, keeping up with diaper costs can become overwhelming.

The Food Bank’s Mobile Food Pantries Help Seniors, like Maria Estela, Stretch Every Dollar

Learn how the Food Bank’s Mobile Food Pantries help seniors like Maria Estela access nutritious food, stretch fixed incomes, and maintain independence.

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