How One Partner Agency is Helping Families’ Budgets Get Relief

The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) distributes food to families to help them save money at the grocery store

Since 1963, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank partner agency, the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF), has been serving the Los Angeles Community through services ranging from early childhood to senior services to individuals of all races and ethnicities. Among one of their many services is a food pantry distribution that is held every Thursday, and distributes food provided by the Food Bank.

Despite inflation rates slightly falling in October, low- and middle-income households are struggling to keep up with everyday expenses.

Panic at the Grocery Store

Have you ever doubted purchasing napkins due to their price? Maria Perez has. As a senior living on a fixed income, Perez can’t afford the hike in price for something as simple as napkins. Something she used to purchase for $0.99, now costs $2.99. Every time she has to go to the grocery store, she panics as she knows there’ll be something new she can’t purchase.

Attending the food distribution at MAOF helps Maria save money on food items and perhaps pay for other things like medications or napkins.

Mirza Velasquez is currently unemployed, so attending the food distribution at MAOF helps her family save money on other necessities. Like Perez, she too is afraid to go to the grocery store, as she knows that she will have to continue to cut back on items due to their high price.

Days before her interview, Velasquez went to the grocery store to purchase a head of lettuce. Though it was three times the price she is used to, Velasquez had no choice but to purchase the “ugly” lettuce at the price listed, as it was a key ingredient for the meal she was preparing for her family.

A Food Pantry that Helps Keeps the Lights On

Utilities are yet another item on families’ budgets that has increased. An extra three or five dollars on each utility bill can be a big deal for even families with multiple incomes.

Paul Hesse enjoys attending the MAOF food pantry distribution any time he can. Aside from getting out of the house and talking to fellow food recipients, he likes the items he receives, from fresh fruits and vegetables to canned goods. These items are helpful to Hesse and his family as utility bills put constraints on their budget.