LA Strong: Sports Teams Come Together with the Food Bank and Other Organizations to Assist Displaced Families

LA Strong: Sports Teams Come Together with the Food Bank and Other Organizations to Assist Displaced Families

The Food Bank participated in multiple resource fairs to provide food assistance to those affected by the wildfires in LA.

Individuals turn to sports and other methods of entertainment as a way to getaway from the battles of everyday life. But what happens when you can’t escape from the wildfire battle, and, it’s affecting your life or those around you?

Teams from all sports, along with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and dozens of organizations, came together to help those affected by the multiple wildfires throughout our County. Multiple resource fairs were available throughout the County, including at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers; BMO Stadium, home of LAFC and Angel City FC; and Dodger Stadium.

The Food Bank provided each attendee with a box of easy-to-store, staple food items that will help individuals and their families get by while they are able to return home. The emergency food kit included items like ready-made quinoa, soup, fruit pouches, cereal and water. The Food Bank continues to provide food assistance to those affected through its partner agency network, and direct distributions. 

Additional items available to those impacted by the fires included menstrual hygiene products, pillows, clothing, shoes, and toiletries, as well as information on how to receive additional services that they may need.

Services that individuals like Chad may need in the near future. Chad and his parents lost the place they call home due to the Palisades fire. As the head of the household and sole provider to two disabled parents, Chad ushered his parents to safety, having to carry his mother down five flights of stairs with the help of a neighbor.

Despite their journey and their loss, Chad is grateful that he and his parents are alive and are receiving love, care and attention as they begin to rebuild their lives.

The Eaton fire in Altadena also destroyed thousands of structures, including the home of Julius and his wife. Their home had been in the family for almost 50 years, with Julius meeting his wife right next door when his sister lived there, another home that was also destroyed. They had lived in their home for ten years, sharing it with their daughter and granddaughter. 

Although Julius stayed behind to try to save his home, the fire and the winds were too strong to keep it alive. Now, the family is displaced in Inglewood, and upon hearing of the resource fair at SoFi Stadium, Julius decided to attend and see what they could use, and without a doubt, food assistance was gladly accepted.

Unfortunately, the road to recovery for families who lost their homes or businesses isn’t short-term. With the generosity of the community, the Food Bank can provide food assistance to those affected by fires as long as they need it. Consider donating to the Food Bank and standing with LA.

More Stories from the LA Regional Food Bank

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Extra Helpings: How the Food Bank is Helping Rescue Millions of Pounds of Food

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africActive: Helping the Food Bank Fight Hunger in Los Angeles County

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Food Insecurity in Los Angeles County Remains High as Inflation Squeezes Family Budgets

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