Retiring in Los Angeles County is expensive. While many families with more than two incomes struggle to make ends meet, living on a fixed income is an even greater challenge, with many retirees being forced to make sacrifices to make ends meet. Families have no other choice than to cut funds from essential items like food or medicine in order to pay a bill or rent.

For children, having access to three full meals is crucial as they are in a stage of growth and development. Proper nutrition during this period ensures the formation of strong bones and healthy organs that will allow them to fully be immersed in learning at school. As people age, the significance of three meals remains vital as it aids in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and cognitive abilities, reducing the risk of age-related health issues. 

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank works with more than 600 partner agencies throughout LA County to provide nutritious food to those who are struggling, whether it be year-round, or once in a while.

Providing Food Assistance to a Recent Retiree

The Food Bank met Maria Lopez at one of our partner agencies, the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry. Early Monday morning, hundreds of other individuals and families, including Lopez, head to the Food Pantry to seek the food assistance that will help them pay a bill, or provide healthy options that otherwise they can’t afford at the grocery store.

For Lopez, it’s a bit of both. Lopez is recently retired, and she’s learning how to make the most out of her retirement check. At home, she’s in charge of paying rent, gas, and water. With what she receives, she separates what she needs for bills, and sees how much she has left for groceries and other necessities, not leaving much left over.

Maria Lopez is one of millions of people in Los Angeles County who are struggling to put food on the table every day. If you are in a position to do so, consider donating to the Food Bank where 97% of contributions are directed to programs to help people like Maria.