For Kelly, food assistance from the Food Bank is more than groceries—they’re a pathway to stability.

On November 1, the day CalFresh benefits were paused due to the government shutdown, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank hosted a large drive-through food distribution at the Kia Forum. Thousands of families lined up for essential groceries—many of them facing sudden and stressful financial uncertainty.

Among them was Kelly, a single mother navigating multiple challenges but holding onto hope with the help of the day’s drive-through food distribution.

Kelly learned about the Food Bank’s distribution through her son’s school. When she saw that a drive-through event was happening nearby, she got in line. For her, the timing couldn’t have been more critical.

“We’re told that we’re going to lose our food stamps—or it would be paused come November,” she shared. Additionally, changes to her emergency housing voucher meant that what was supposed to be more than six years of stability may be reduced to just 2 months due to the shutdown. As a disabled adult and the sole provider for her son, the uncertainty has been overwhelming. 

“I’m holding steady. I hope everybody else can hold steady. But it’s literally stuff like this that is making it possible,” she said about the food distribution.

The temporary pause of CalFresh benefits created immediate hardship for families across Los Angeles County, but the Food Bank has continued to step in to fill critical gaps. Whether through our partner agencies or large-scale drive-through distributions, the Food Bank remains committed to ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry.

Kelly’s story is a reminder of how critical these programs are, especially during times of crisis. If you would like to make a financial contribution to help your neighbors in need, donate today. Volunteering opportunities are also available.