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One Year of COVID-19 Relief Food Distributions

One Year of COVID-19 Relief Food Distributions

300+ distributions for the Food Bank, 100+ in partnership with LA County

On Thursday morning of March 18, 2021, truckloads of about 2,000 food kits of shelf-stable food items, fresh produce and dairy were unloaded into the parking lot of Good Samaritan Hospital of the Westlake District of Los Angeles County. This scene has become a familiar one amid the pandemic as millions of people in LA County continue to wrestle with the economic impact of the virus.

This process is also familiar to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank staff and volunteers. These large drive-thru COVID-19 Relief distributions have been conducted nearly 300 times since the outbreak of COVID-19, and this particular morning marked the 100th milestone distribution in partnership with Los Angeles County.

Supervisor Hilda Solis reflected on the one-year mark of the beginning of the pandemic and how the need for food assistance remains high in the community despite currently coming out of the pandemic and starting to come into the red tier because there are still so many without jobs. 

Before the pandemic, 1 in 5 residents in L.A. County faced food insecurity. As a result of the economic recession caused by the pandemic, that number has soared. A USC Dornsife report on the impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity in Los Angeles County reveals that between April and May, roughly 1 in 4 people living in LA County dealt with an instance of food insecurity – equivalent to about 955,466 households.

RELATED STORY: Impact of COVID-19 on Food Insecurity

 

“So many people who are coming through these distributions have never sought food assistance before, this is the first time they’ve ever been in this position,” said Michael Flood, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. 

The Food Bank and our 700+ agency partner network across Los Angeles County have seen a dramatic increase in the need for food assistance ever since the pandemic started in March 2020. It is through partnerships in our community that allow the Food Bank to continue our mission to mobilize food resources for those in need.

Gary Gero, the Food Branch Director for Los Angeles County’s Emergency Operations Center, emphasized the commitment of his office, the Food Bank, the County and other community organizations to continue to work together for as long as the need for food assistance is there.

Together, #WeFeedLA.

Thanks to your continued support, 174.6 million pounds of food and product were distributed to our 700 partner agencies and through Food Bank programs last year. This is enough food for 143 million meals. The need for food assistance will remain relatively high in the foreseeable future and we ask that you join us in supporting the fight against hunger. Donate your time or money today.

More Stories from the LA Regional Food Bank

How Maria de Jesus Makes the Most Out of Food Distributions at Hollywood Community Housing

Maria, a retired senior, has learned how to make the most out of the food she receives at Hollywood Community Housing.

Addressing Food Insecurity and Child Hunger in LA County

Families with young children in Los Angeles County are facing severe challenges as food insecurity continues to rise. Learn more.

Partner Agencies Like Immanuel Presbyterian Church Help the Food Bank Feed LA

The Church hosts food distributions twice a week in Koreatown, helping feed thousands of families.

Nutritious Food is Closer Than You Think

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank partners with hundreds of nonprofit organizations throughout LA County to maximize its reach.

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