With more than two million people facing food insecurity in Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has turned into a lifeline for many people in Los Angeles County. Due to the pandemic, a higher number of people from all walks of life and all occupations have turned to the Food Bank for help. 

The following are a few facts you should know about the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

1. The Food Bank Distributed 143 Million Meals Throughout Los Angeles County in 2020.

Of the 143 million meals we distributed in 2020, the majority were distributed to those in need through our Partner Agency Network. In response to the pandemic, there were roughly 300 distributions held by the Food Bank throughout LA County in 2020, including “mega” distributions at SoFi Stadium, the Forum, and the Hollywood Bowl, among many others. However, the bulk of our food flows through community-based organizations who have ramped up operations to meet the incredible demand.

The Food Bank, and over 700 Partner Agencies, went from serving 300,000 clients each month before the pandemic to serving 900,000 individuals – 3x more people than before the pandemic, and nearly 1/10th of LA County’s entire population.

• RELATED STORY: LA Regional Food Bank Partner Agency, CCNP, Provides Meals to Children and Families

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2. More Than Just Meals.

In 2020, we distributed 2.4 million pounds of non-food items to families in need. Members of our community can turn to the Food Bank for more than just meals. In 2020, we distributed paper products, pet food, masks and other PPE, as well as more than 3 million diapers to families in need.

The Food Bank, and over 700 Partner Agencies, went from serving 300,000 clients each month before the pandemic to serving 900,000 individuals – 3x more people than before the pandemic, and nearly 1/10th of LA County’s entire population.

3. 92% of the Food Distributed is Labeled as Nutritious.

While it is the Food Bank’s mission to provide meals to those in need, it is also crucial that the food provided be nutritious, as our distribution reaches children, seniors and everyone in between. Food provided rated as 40% High Nutritional Content and 52% with Moderate Nutritional Content. 

Of its 174.6 million pounds of food distributed throughout 2020, over 29.6 million pounds were fresh fruits and vegetables, containing a high level of nutritional content.

The Food Bank, and over 700 Partner Agencies, went from serving 300,000 clients each month before the pandemic to serving 900,000 individuals – 3x more people than before the pandemic, and nearly 1/10th of LA County’s entire population.

4. 15.000 Volunteers Worked 160,000 Hours at the Food Bank in 2020.

In a typical year, the Food Bank has about 30,000 volunteers – the equivalent of about 77 full-time employees. Because many volunteers needed to stay home early in the pandemic to prevent the spread of the virus, and because of new Food Bank policies which reduced the overall number of volunteers in the buildings at any given time, 2020 saw about 15,000 volunteers who worked more, on average, than volunteers in the past. The additional time, plus the assistance from the National Guard, helped make up the difference.

Amid the pandemic, our team recruited volunteers to help the Food Bank as well as our agency partners who also needed more volunteer support.

Volunteers from all occupations came together for LA County. Although the Food Bank is no stranger to celebrity volunteers, many stepped up to help those in need when they needed it most, whether it was distributing food or preparing boxes for distribution. Read more on Celebrity Volunteers.

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While life may seem to be getting back to normal, the pandemic and its financial impacts are still present in the lives of millions of Angelenos. The Food Bank relies on the generosity of the community, so if you are in a position to donate, please do. Your donation will help families who are struggling during these tough times.