LA Regional Food Bank Provides Food Assistance to Over 1,000 Families at Fairplex Distribution

LA Regional Food Bank Provides Food Assistance to Over 1,000 Families at Fairplex Distribution

On August 19, the LA Regional Food Bank provided 80lb food kits filled with protein, fresh produce and shelf-stable items enough to last a family for a week  

 

Pit crews working under pressure are typically the norm at the Fairplex and that was still the case on the morning of August 19. The iconic Fairplex raceway turned its venue into an emergency food distribution site where pit crews made up of volunteers raced to fill the trunks of cars with food kits at a time totaling 1,273 families at this distribution alone.

 

Related story: On June 17, 2020, 1,273 Families Line up at The Hollywood Bowl for Food Assistance

The pandemic is causing a lot of strain for those already at risk of being food insecure and creating new food insecurity for a lot of families experiencing at times unexpected furloughs, reduced or cut hours during this time. Food distribution increased by 114% from the middle of March through the middle of August compared to pre-pandemic demand. Through our hardworking network of partner agencies, generous donors, volunteers, and our community’s support, the Food Bank has distributed 73 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 60 million meals, including 875,000 emergency food boxes. 

See What’s Inside the Food Bank’s Emergency Food Boxes Here > 

Before the pandemic, the Food Bank served 300,000 clients monthly and that number has swelled to 900,000. The Food Bank is working hard with our partner agency network of more than 600 organizations to reach the unprecedented demand the economic crisis has caused for everyone in our community. 

The drive-through distribution coordinated with LA County and LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis at the Fairplex from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm where face masks and social distancing were enforced to keep everyone involved safe within Public Health Guidelines. Cars weaved through 4 lanes of traffic with 5 stations per lane servicing 20 cars and families at a time.

There have been more than 120 distributions serving the communities of Altadena, Athens Village, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bell, Burbank, Carson, Commerce, Compton, Covina, Downey, Duarte, East Los Angeles, El Monte, Glendale, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, Industry, Inglewood, La Puente, Lake Los Angeles, Lake View Terrace, Lancaster, Lennox, Lynwood, Littlerock, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Maywood, North Hills, Norwalk, Mission Hills, Monterey Park, North Hills, Panorama City, Paramount, Pico Rivera, Pomona, San Fernando, San Pedro, South Los Angeles, South Gate, Sylmar, Torrance, Van Nuys, Wilmington and Whittier. 

As the pandemic rages on with unemployment on a steady rise and no end in the foreseeable future, our most vulnerable neighbors are put at more risk of food insecurity and its prolonged effects. If you are able, please consider making a donation today so that access to nutritious food shouldn’t have to be another burden for our neighbors who need us now more than ever. The Food Bank wouldn’t be able to reach a historic number of our neighbors if it wasn’t for our community’s generosity.

More Stories from the LA Regional Food Bank

From Receiving Help to Giving Back: Bryan’s Journey at the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry

Bryan first visited the North Hollywood food pantry during a difficult time, and now he volunteers there. Read his story and learn how you can get involved.

Why Does Food Insecurity Persist in Los Angeles County?

Why do so many individuals struggle to put food on the table? Learn what food insecurity is, what drives it, and how the Food Bank can help.

Finding Support and Dignity at North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry

On a Friday morning, Anna arrived at North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry for the first time. Learn about her experience at the Food Bank partner agency.

One Birthday, 4,000 Meals: How Keturah Reed Turned Her 42nd Into a Fundraiser for the Food Bank

Keturah Reed turned her 42nd birthday into 4,000 meals for neighbors in need. Learn how to start your own Team WeFeedLA fundraiser.

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