Los Angeles County is currently facing growing levels in the need for food assistance. Rising food costs and reductions in essential food assistance programs like CalFresh and Summer P-EBT have exacerbated the situation. Adding to the problem are multiple strikes in the Los Angeles area, including in the hospitality and entertainment industries, which have far-reaching consequences.

Related: Los Angeles County Faces Ongoing Food Insecurity Challenges as Rates Near Peak Pandemic Levels

In reference to the strikes in the entertainment industry, Mayor Bass recently stated, “This affects all of us and is essential to our overall economy.”

The Entertainment Industry Strikes

While these strikes affect writers and actors, many critical businesses and industries that support the less glamorous aspects of production, such as laundry services, caterers, drivers, janitorial workers, carpenters, painters, and more, have come to a standstill due to the strike. As a result, tens of thousands of workers are now unemployed, facing an abrupt loss of income. This financial hardship means that many families are being forced to cut back on necessities like food and medicines.

 

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The Hotel Worker Strike

Southern California hotel workers, represented by Unite Here Local 11, are on strike, demanding higher wages and better benefits to cope with soaring housing costs. The ongoing labor dispute has affected prominent hotels, including the Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills. The strike follows a rolling work stoppage strategy, keeping hotels uncertain about when and where the strikes will occur next. Both sides appear far apart in their positions, with no clear end in sight to the strike action, reports a recent Los Angeles Times article.

In light of these challenges, the Food Bank and our community partners are determined to ensure that everyone who needs nutritious food can access it. The Food Bank has already witnessed a 9% increase in demand this year, even before the strike impacted movie and television production.

If you have the means, the Food Bank urges you to make a gift of any amount today. Your contribution will make an even more substantial impact in combating hunger in the community. Consider becoming a monthly donor for an even greater impact, as your support will extend to families and individuals throughout the year and can be easily stopped when needed.