Los Angeles County is home to one of the nation’s largest and most diverse populations. However, alongside this demographic vitality, it also grapples with a significant challenge: food and nutrition insecurity. It’s estimated that a staggering 2 million residents experience food and nutrition insecurity, highlighting the profound extent of the issue within our communities. 

Food and nutrition insecurity is a pervasive issue that transcends age, impacting the elderly, the young, and everyone in between. While fixed-income seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families are commonly associated with food insecurity, hunger extends beyond these demographics. The County’s exorbitant costs of housing and transportation exacerbate the problem. Despite having employment, many individuals and families, including those with multiple incomes, struggle to afford nutritious meals or meet basic needs. This reality underscores the widespread nature of hunger and its impact on various socioeconomic groups throughout the County.

At the heart of our reach is our partner agency network of over 600 other nonprofit organizations to address the substantial need in LA’s sprawling County, including food deserts — an area with limited access to affordable and nutritious food. These partnerships allow food and essential resources to flow from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to our agency partners, who host food distributions to those most in need. While the Food Bank offers direct distributions, the bulk of food distribution occurs through our extensive network of partner agencies. 

RELATED STORY: Uniting for Change: Key Collaboration with Hunger-Relief Organizations in the Fight Against Food Insecurity

Nearest Food Resources by Me

Given the county’s size, the Food Bank encourages those seeking food assistance to locate food assistance closest to their residence to maximize convenience and resources. With over 600 partners the Food Bank works with, one or a few are likely within reach. Visit our Food Pantry Locator at LAFoodBank.org/findfood by entering your address to find nearby agencies.

Look for food pantries and soup kitchens that offer food and resources at various times and dates. Check their websites for details like addresses, distribution procedures, and timings. It’s advisable to call ahead to confirm distribution specifics. If you have specific baby diaper, menstrual hygiene needs, be sure to utilize these filters when searching.

Remember, the LA Regional Food Bank and our partners are here to provide nutritious food assistance for anyone in need whenever needed. 

More Resources 

If accessing our website isn’t feasible, dial the County at 211 to locate nearby food resources.

RELATED STORY: What’s in a Food Box?

Food is just the beginning. At the Food Bank, we go beyond providing meals. We distribute menstrual hygiene products, diapers, and household essentials to help struggling families and individuals meet their immediate needs.

If you are in the position to donate to help families and individuals experiencing food and nutrition insecurity, we invite you to make a positive contribution to the fight against hunger in LA County today.