Los Angeles County has been feeling the heat.

In late August, communities across the region experienced record-breaking temperatures as a dangerous heat wave gripped Southern California, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories in the surrounding areas. On August 26, Woodland Hills reached 111 degrees, breaking a daily record set in 1981, while Lancaster reached a record 107 degrees. Downtown Los Angeles reached 98 degrees, tying a record set more than four decades ago.

The LA Times called it Southern California’s worst heat wave of the summer, with temperatures in some coastal and valley communities climbing 10 to 15 degrees above normal.

For many of our neighbors, however, extreme heat creates challenges that extend beyond the temperature outside.

Staying cool isn’t just about comfort. During periods of extreme heat, air conditioning can be an important way to stay safe, particularly for older adults and others who are more vulnerable to heat-related illness. But running an air conditioner or fan for longer periods can also contribute to higher utility bills.

For households already managing a limited or fixed income, that added expense can put even more pressure on an already tight budget.

Families still need to pay for groceries, rent, medications, transportation, and other necessities. When there is only so much money to go around, an increase in one essential expense can make it harder to afford another.

Food assistance can help.

Food Assistance Can Help Stretch Budgets

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and its network of more than 600 partner agencies work to provide nutritious food to neighbors throughout Los Angeles County.

Visiting a food pantry or distribution can help supplement the grocery budget, allowing limited household resources to stretch further toward electricity and other essential expenses.

Find Free Food Near You

The Food Bank works with food pantries, community organizations, and other partners throughout Los Angeles County to help make food accessible in the communities where people live.

To find food near you, visit the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s Pantry Locator at LAFoodBank.org/find-food.

Because schedules and availability can change, particularly during periods of extreme heat, we recommend contacting a distribution site before visiting whenever possible.

Staying Cool Shouldn’t Mean Going Without Food

For neighbors on fixed or limited incomes, higher costs during extreme heat can strain already-tight budgets. Thanks to the generosity of our community, food assistance is available to help ease that pressure, freeing up resources for utilities and other essential needs. Together, #WeFeedLA.