Word International – A Food Pantry Serving the Community with Dignity and Respect
Word International – A Food Pantry Serving the Community with Dignity and Respect
The Food Bank’s partner agency in Eagle Rock serves 400 individuals each month.
For someone who has never required or asked for food assistance, the first time doing so may be nerve-wracking. The uncertainty of the unknown, the lack of knowledge of how distributions operate, but most of all, the feeling of guilt or humiliation becomes overwhelming.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and its partner agencies understand that. For the past 50 years, individuals and families from all walks of life and throughout LA County have sought food assistance from the Food Bank. Whether it is someone’s first time or 10th time supplementing their grocery budget or ensuring they have food in their pantry, all neighbors are met with the dignity, compassion and respect they deserve.
Meeting the Needs of Our Neighbors With Dignity
Led by Pastor Roberto, Word International in Eagle Rock has been serving its community since 2018. What started as a small operation to serve its immediate community turned into something bigger for the greater good of multiple communities.
At the time of the Food Bank’s visit to Word International’s food distribution, this partner agency was serving 400 families each week and has seen a slow increase each month. Regardless of the ‘why,’ Pastor Roberto and his volunteer team of 20 meet every food recipient with the dignity and respect they deserve.
“The impact is huge, and it’s a really big help for our community,” said Pastor Roberto.
“People have been very thankful for what we have been doing for them and for our community as a whole,” he added.
Job Loss Pushes Families to Seek Food Assistance
The Food Bank met Fabiola at Word International. Fabiola had been going for the last three months. At first, she said, she was hesitant to go. She had never asked for government assistance, let alone food assistance. She and her partner had steady jobs, but then suddenly, she didn’t.
The loss of income hit her family of five hard. With the growing cost of food and other living expenses, she had no choice but to seek food assistance.
“If it weren’t for the help we receive here, we wouldn’t make it through the month,” Fabiola said.
More Stories from the LA Regional Food Bank
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.
The Food Bank’s Mobile Food Pantry – Meeting Neighbors Where They Are
Learn more about the Food Bank’s Mobile Food Pantry, and how its distributions help provide food and nutrition security where it’s needed most.