A Food Pantry That’s a Lifeline for Gary and Hundreds of Others in Koreatown

Every week, Gary attends the St. James Episcopal Church’s food pantry to get essential food items to get him through the week.

The importance of good nutrition is underrated. While good nutrition helps children thrive in school, obtaining nutritious foods for seniors is equally important as it helps them maintain good health and prevents cognitive decline.

Seniors are among the most vulnerable populations to struggle with food and nutrition insecurity. The rising costs of food, rent, utilities and everyday necessities are making it difficult for seniors to survive on a fixed income. Many opt to skip meals, choose cheaper or more unhealthy alternatives, or perhaps skip medications to make it through the month.

Thanks to the partnerships that the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has across LA County with other nonprofit organizations, food pantries, shelters, and religious organizations, we’re able to maximize our reach and make food attainable to all.

A Food Pantry That’s a Lifeline for Gary

Gary is a senior living in Koreatown. He recently got out of rehabilitation and has little to no energy. However, one of the things he likes to do every Thursday is to attend the food distribution at St. James Episcopal Church near his home.

Through a friend, Gary connected with Kathy, the Church’s Food Pantry Coordinator, who then told him more about the weekly food distribution. Since then, Gary has been a regular at the distributions, obtaining nutritious food that will help him get more energy to live his life to the fullest.

Living on a fixed income with health issues has not been easy for Gary. While Gary doesn’t qualify to receive CalFresh benefits, the food he receives at St. James Episcopal will help him get through the week until it’s back to the food pantry to pick up another bag of food.

Tens of thousands of seniors live paycheck to paycheck in Los Angeles County. When you support the Food Bank, you’re helping programs like these that become a lifeline to our neighbors in need. Consider donating today.