“I’ve always had an issue with hunger. In the United States, we should not have hunger,” says Tim Nistler, Food Pantry Program Director for Friends In Deed, one of our partner agencies.

Years ago, Tim used to drive by the Friends In Deed site, see people congregating and wonder what was going on inside. He decided to volunteer, and eventually took the job as the Program Director. After six years at the agency, Tim knows most of the people they serve by name.

“When people come in, they’re just like us. They just happen to need a little extra help to get through each month with their bills,” says Tim. “We’ve had people that only came for a few months and then they’re off. For others, this helps them get through when they’re preparing kids to go back to school or the car needs a repair.”

Be a part of the hunger solution

Along with the friendly banter and conversation Tim enjoys seeing how the people they serve at Friends In Deed take care of each other. “You see a lot of the community looking out for others, making sure they don’t miss their turn or showing new people where to put their name.”

The pantry serves an average of 320 families every week with supplemental food assistance to help neighbors in need get through the month. During the summer they also distribute 1,200-1,500 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables a week, including some locally donated produce. Tim has seen an increased demand for fresh produce over the last couple of years.

Tim encourages people to look at the hunger statistics and then look at how many meals Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is able to provide. “There’s no right or wrong way to give,” says Tim. “Just help fight hunger the best way you can.”