The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, in partnership with the LK Health Clinic, is providing healthy food to low-income patients and community members. LK Health is a community clinic that serves a large and diverse population, offering free or deeply discounted medical and mental health services to anyone who comes through the doors. Because many of the patients at LK Health are lower-income, many also face food insecurity.

When the Mobile Food Pantry distributions started in April of 2018, roughly 200 individuals arrived to receive the food. By the end of the year, there were more than 320 people who were helped at each distribution. Access to nutritious food is essential for anyone who is healing or who needs food to take alongside their medication.

There is a strong correlation between healthy eating and health. People that eat healthy foods have better immune systems and better overall health. A healthy diet also prevents chronic diseases like diabetes and perhaps even cancer. For older adults who have limited income and limited access to food sources, this is an important supplement.

People that eat healthy foods have better immune systems and better overall health. A healthy diet also prevents chronic diseases like diabetes and perhaps even cancer.

Montebello is an underserved community as it relates to medical services. “As a federally qualified health center, we have to be in a medically under-served area to qualify.” Said CEO John Kotick. “This is both a medically under-served area and a health professional shortage area.”

Like many areas of Los Angeles County, Montebello is also a community with many sides to it. There are higher-income areas, but a significant population of lower-income individuals and families. “We see older adults, we see people in wheelchairs, we see younger adults and kids,” said Kotick. “This is a very hands-on way of helping people that is different from the typical medical, dental and behavioral health services that we provide.”