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International Families Association – Helping Individuals and Families Thrive Through Food Assistance

International Families Association – Helping Individuals and Families Thrive Through Food Assistance

The LA Regional Food Bank partner agency has been helping neighbors in Glendale for over 25 years. 

It’s not a secret that individuals and families are struggling with the rising cost of food, rent, gas, utilities and other essentials. Whether it’s individuals living on their own, low or middle-income families with one or more incomes, or seniors living on a fixed income, food assistance comes as a relief, or a lifesaver for millions of individuals each month. 

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank works with hundreds of nonprofit organizations throughout LA County to ensure that food assistance reaches individuals in every corner of the County. Nonprofits like the International Families Association in Glendale have worked with the Food Bank for several years, distributing food and other essentials to individuals and families struggling to consistently put food on the table.

For over 25 years, the International Families Association, led by President and CEO Ara Hambardzumvyan, has provided essential food assistance to its immediate community, as well as surrounding cities. Most recently, Hambardzumvyan states that the Association serves around 600-700 families each week.

Working alongside the LA Regional Food Bank, the International Families Association is able to distribute nutritious food items and grocery products that neighbors would otherwise not be able to purchase. Essential food items like fresh fruits and vegetables, shelf-stable items, and water come in handy for those not being able to make ends meet.

“Everybody says, thank you for the LA Regional Food Bank,” Hambardzumvyan said. 

Hunger Among Older Adults

As two retired older adults, Maricela and her husband have to make ends meet with what they receive from their retirement benefits, and that means scrutinizing every purchase. Every now and then, they may get the opportunity to pick up an odd job, either as a handyperson, gardener or babysitter, that will add a bit of extra income to their already tight budget.

However, Maricela has found something that helps her put food on the table: attending the International Families Association’s food distribution. The Association hosts a food distribution every Monday, helping individuals and families like Maricela consistently put food on the table.

“Everything is expensive at the grocery store,” Maricela said. “I go with $100, and I come back home with just a small bag [of groceries] and there went my $100.”

Thanks to the community’s support, the Food Bank can maximize its reach and provide food assistance to our neighbors who need it most. Consider donating today.

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If you are in a position to do so, consider donating to the Food Bank and supporting our programs.

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