The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s mass drive-through distributions continue to greatly benefit individuals and families seeking food assistance throughout LA County.
Working with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Food Bank has held hundreds of drive-through and walk-up distributions throughout the County to help alleviate hunger. With a rise in the need for food assistance, the Food Bank recently hosted a drive-through distribution at Magic Johnson Park in Willowbrook. There, the Food Bank met a couple of clients who benefited significantly from the food assistance.
Hours before the distribution began, the line of cars waiting to receive boxes of shelf-stable items, produce, protein and dairy products was growing. In that line was Catalina, a recent grandmother living in a household of seven, including a newborn child. Three people work in her home; however, it’s still not enough to cover all expenses, especially when it comes to purchasing diapers for her grandson.
Catalina likes to attend the food distributions because she gets what she needs to complete her meal. She especially enjoys receiving veggies and any type of protein, whether it be beef, chicken or pork; everything she receives, she says, she can make it into a whole meal for her and her family.
Have you been to the grocery store lately, and something you used to buy at an affordable price is now significantly more expensive? For seniors like Eunise, that difference hits hard on her budget.
“We don’t eat like we used to,” she said. “Now, we’re only eating meat once a week.”
Eunise lives with her son, who is employed, but due to certain circumstances, she doesn’t receive a retirement check, nor does she count on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). She attends these food distributions to help her son save money on food.
Whether you or someone you know may need food assistance, options are available throughout LA County. The Food Bank works with 600 nonprofit organizations to provide food year-round, whether it be through drive-through distributions or walk-ups. Visit our Food Pantry Locator at LAFoodBank.org/findfood by entering your address to find nearby agencies.