Based in East Los Angeles, the Eastmont Community Center has been serving its neighbors for over 50 years. 

In communities across Los Angeles County, local partners play a critical role in helping families get through the month and have the opportunity to thrive. At Eastmont Community Center, a proud LA Regional Food Bank partner agency, that mission is at the heart of everything they do. Since 1968, Eastmont has worked tirelessly to help its neighbors thrive in any way it can. What started as a small operation has grown into a food distribution that now serves 300 families each week, not to mention the other services the Center provides. 

“Our mission is to empower families,” shared Brenda Mata, Operations Manager at Eastmont Community Center. “We want them not only to survive, but to thrive, to promote economic stability with all of our programs.”

A Lifeline in East Los Angeles

Each week, hundreds of individuals line up as early as possible to receive food assistance from Eastmont. Each family receives between 80 and 120 pounds of food at each distribution, enough to get a family by for one to two weeks, according to Eastmont. This includes not only groceries for individuals and families, but even pet food, recognizing that it can be family.

For many neighbors, this support is essential. Rising costs of living and reductions in benefits, such as CalFresh, have made it increasingly difficult for families to make ends meet.

“Just being able to help them out makes a difference,” Mata said. “It’s the difference between families being able to put food on their table, and being able to pay their bills and rent.”

A Helping Hand During Uncertain Times

Food insecurity remains high in many neighborhoods across LA County, and Eastmont is seeing that reality firsthand. Due to different circumstances, whether it’s inflation, job loss, loss of a family member, or emergency situations, the team at Eastmont is seeing the need grow.

Mata shares that an older adult who used to claim just himself when picking up food is now claiming 15, after his family moved in with him due to hard times. 

In the face of these challenges, Eastmont lends its neighbors a helping hand, helping stabilize families so they can focus on other essentials like housing, utilities, and long-term financial security.

Stories like those from Eastmont Community Center highlight the impact and importance of food and nutrition security in our communities. If you would like to make a positive impact in your community, consider donating to the Food Bank.