In a time of need, the LA Regional Food Bank is one of the many organizations that spring into action

As Southern California battles to put out multiple wildfires, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank extends its condolences and support to families affected by these and other natural disasters. 

RELATED: How Does the Food Bank Respond to Disasters?

The Food Bank is among the thousands of organizations ready to respond, along with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Emergency Network Los Angeles (ENLA). The Food Bank works with hundreds of partner agencies across Los Angeles County to provide food assistance to neighbors, especially during tough times. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LATEST FIRE UPDATE AS IT PERTAINS TO THE FOOD BANK

Unexpected disasters like wildfires have a major impact on the lives of millions of individuals and their families. When wildfires break out, they lead to evacuations and widespread destruction, with many losing their homes and all their prized possessions. School closures may also affect food security for those families who depend on school meals to feed their families, and many may lose their jobs. 

While government agencies and organizations like the American Red Cross offer immediate refuge to those affected by the fires, food banks, like the LA Regional Food Bank, work quickly to offer shelters and relief agencies essential food assistance, such as water and food packages. 

Providing Recovery Support

Support after a disaster is as important as during a disaster. As communities begin to rebuild, the Food Bank will continue to provide food assistance to displaced families and those rebuilding their homes and lives. 

RELATED: How Food Pantries and Food Banks Work Together to Fight Hunger

Going back to “normal” will look different for each individual. Some individuals will have to rebuild their homes and communities, while others may have lost their jobs due to businesses destroyed by the fires. For these and other scenarios, the Food Bank offers food and nutrition security to individuals and families in need. 

Moving forward, the Food Bank will continue to prepare to respond to another natural disaster. The Food Bank’s City of Industry Distribution Center, acquired in August 2020, allowed the Food Bank to expand programs and increase operational efficiency and storage capacity, which is useful for accepting more food and non-food items in a time of need.