How This Free Food Distribution in Long Beach is Helping Feed Mario’s Family

How This Free Food Distribution in Long Beach is Helping Feed Mario’s Family

Mario goes to Adventures to Dreams in Long Beach every third Friday to receive essential food items that help put food on his family’s table.

A man stands outdoors at a market, wearing a gray “eBay Motors” T-shirt. Behind him are blue and white tents, tables, and people—possibly gathered for a mobile food pantry—with trees and a partly cloudy sky in the background.Every third Friday, Mario shows up at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s partner agency, Adventures to Dreams in Long Beach, not just for himself, but for his family. Mario, a retiree living with his wife and a nine-year-old, like so many seniors on fixed incomes, has had to get resourceful. While Mario and his wife study the weekly grocery flyers, comparing prices store to store to chase down the best deals, they have to add a stop at the food distribution just to make ends meet.

That’s why the free food distribution matters so much to him. He estimates the groceries he receives would cost him around $100 if he had to buy them himself. Chicken and fish are his favorites, but it’s the staples, beans and rice, that keep his household fed and stable.

“If it wasn’t for this program, I don’t think we would be able to receive food,” Mario said. 

Mario’s story is one of thousands across Los Angeles County. For seniors living on fixed incomes, free food distributions aren’t a convenience; they’re the difference between going without and having enough. Every dollar donated to the Food Bank helps stock distributions like the one at Adventures to Dreams, putting fresh produce, pantry staples, and key protein items into the hands of neighbors like Mario.

Your gift today helps provide free food to seniors, families, and children across Los Angeles County, at no cost to them, no judgment, just a helping hand when it’s needed most.

Join the fight against hunger!

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

More Stories from the LA Regional Food Bank

Why Does Food Insecurity Persist in Los Angeles County?

Why do so many individuals struggle to put food on the table? Learn what food insecurity is, what drives it, and how the Food Bank can help.

Finding Support and Dignity at North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry

On a Friday morning, Anna arrived at North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry for the first time. Learn about her experience at the Food Bank partner agency.

One Birthday, 4,000 Meals: How Keturah Reed Turned Her 42nd Into a Fundraiser for the Food Bank

Keturah Reed turned her 42nd birthday into 4,000 meals for neighbors in need. Learn how to start your own Team WeFeedLA fundraiser.

Turning Support Into Action: Inside Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation’s Community Rebuilding Project at the Food Bank

The LA Regional Food Bank and Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation team up to pack food for wildfire recovery during a day of service and discussion.

Stay Connected

Sign up for the latest in our fight against hunger.