From College to Community: How Ashley is Making an Impact Through the Food Bank
From College to Community: How Ashley is Making an Impact Through the Food Bank
Ashley is a College Corps Fellow at the Food Bank, helping serve her community while shaping her future.
Ashley is a College Corps Fellow at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Her story highlights the power of service, connection, and purpose — and how one opportunity helped her grow while giving back.
Finding Purpose Through Service
When Ashley was accepted into college, she was thrilled — but also faced a big question: How am I going to afford this? That’s when she found College Corps, a statewide program offering financial support in exchange for community service.
“It seemed like the perfect fit,” she says. “An opportunity to gain experience, give back, and get financial help.” What she didn’t expect was how deeply the experience would impact her — beyond the financial relief. Serving with the Food Bank gave Ashley a sense of purpose, confidence, and the chance to be part of something bigger than herself.
Making an Impact at the Food Bank
As a College Corps Fellow, Ashley spends several hours each week helping the Food Bank fulfill its mission to fight hunger in Los Angeles County. Her tasks range from sorting produce and assembling food kits to assisting with volunteer events and outreach efforts.
“Every task contributes to something bigger,” she says. Whether she’s on the warehouse floor or greeting volunteers, Ashley knows her work helps ensure food reaches thousands of families every month. The experience has shown her the value of teamwork, consistency, and showing up — especially in times of need.
Community, Growth, and Gratitude
For Ashley, the most meaningful part of her service has been the people she’s met. “The volunteers, the staff, my fellow College Corps members — everyone here inspires me,” she says. “It’s a community built on care.”
One of her most defining moments came during the LA fires when she saw the Food Bank quickly respond to provide emergency food support. “That’s when I truly understood what service means — coming together when it matters most.”
Want to make an impact like Ashley?
Support the Food Bank by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word. Together, #WeFeedLA.
More Stories from the LA Regional Food Bank
How Your Gift to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank Feeds Families Across LA County
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has a high efficiency rate, making every dollar count in feeding our neighbors.
Hollywood Stars and Philanthropists Unite for the Fourth Annual “A Million Reasons” Event to Fight Food and Nutrition Insecurity Across Los Angeles County
The fourth Annual “A Million Reasons” was in full swing in the Hollywood Hills, which united more than 200 guests to help support the Food Bank.
Church of the Redeemer Brings Hope and Food Assistance to Its Neighbors
Church of the Redeemer, a Baldwin Park food pantry, serves hundreds of families looking for food assistance.
How a Food Box Helps Our Neighbors Make Ends Meet
For many, the simple offering of a food box can provide stability, stretch a tight budget, and relieve the difficult trade-offs between rent, bills, and groceries.