At the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, we often encounter a common misconception: that food assistance is only needed by individuals experiencing homelessness. While unhoused neighbors are indeed among those we serve, the reality is far broader—and far more urgent.

Food insecurity affects hundreds of thousands of our neighbors across Los Angeles County, and most of them have roofs over their heads. Families, working adults, seniors, and children all turn to the Food Bank and our network of more than 600 partner agencies.

Who Needs Food Assistance?

Working Families
Many of our neighbors hold one—or even multiple—jobs, yet still struggle to afford essential necessities. Higher costs of housing, childcare, and healthcare mean that even steady paychecks don’t always stretch far enough to cover groceries.

Older Adults
Fixed incomes and rising medical costs leave many seniors choosing between medication, rent, and food. These difficult trade-offs can put both their health and well-being at risk.

Children and Students
Food insecurity doesn’t just mean an empty stomach; it can impact academic performance, development, and long-term opportunities. Many families with children turn to food distributions to help ensure their kids receive nutritious meals.

Veterans and Service Members
Some of our clients are veterans or active-duty military families who, despite their service, struggle to make ends meet in Los Angeles’s high-cost environment.

The Hidden Face of Hunger

Food insecurity isn’t always visible. A neighbor may appear to be doing fine on the outside, but behind the scenes, they’re juggling bills and stretching their food supply. Hunger exists in every ZIP code of LA County—from dense urban areas to suburban neighborhoods.

How the Food Bank Helps

Through our extensive network of food pantries, mobile distributions, and special programs, the LA Regional Food Bank provides food to more than 1 million people every month. With support from volunteers, donors, and community partners, we help ensure that nutritious food reaches neighbors from all walks of life—not just those experiencing homelessness.

Our programs go beyond providing food. We connect clients with resources like CalFresh (SNAP), nutrition education, and dignity-centered services that help households regain stability and improve long-term food security.

How You Can Help Break the Stigma

Debunking myths about hunger is just as important as distributing food. Here’s how you can help:

• Spread Awareness: Share facts about who really needs food assistance in LA County.
• Volunteer: Join us at our warehouses or distributions to see firsthand the diverse community members we serve.
• Become a monthly donor: With 96% of revenues going to programs, your generosity supports children, hardworking families, and seniors day after day, month after month.
  

Hunger is Closer Than You Think

Food insecurity affects your neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and even friends. At the LA Regional Food Bank, we believe that no one should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. By breaking down misconceptions, we can work together to ensure that nutritious food reaches everyone who needs it.

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, visit our Pantry Locator tool to find help nearby: LAFoodBank.org/findfood.