The LA Regional Food Bank Holds the 22nd Annual Season for Sharing

LOS ANGELES, CA— December 10, 2024 —The 22nd Annual Season for Sharing event hosted by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank took place at the Omni Hotel in LA on December 4. During the luncheon, the Food Bank recognized and celebrated the significant contributions of donors, individuals, and organizations in the ongoing battle against hunger in Los Angeles County.

“In the ongoing fight against food and nutrition insecurity, the steadfast dedication of our Season for Sharing honorees serves as an inspiration for building healthier, food and nutrition-secure communities,” says Michael Flood, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. “The remarkable commitment of our community partners exemplifies the collaboration needed to tackle the growing food and nutrition insecurity issues in our communities. With so many LA County residents facing food insecurity, the need to unite and take action is as urgent as ever.”

Amazon received this year’s Community Partner Award. Amazon has been an instrumental supporter of the Food Bank, donating $472,000 to help provide nutritious meals. In 2024, Amazon continued to support the community with the home delivery program that started during the pandemic, offering to deliver food resources to high-risk individuals who were advised to stay home during the peak of the pandemic – donating time and free delivery services during a period of heightened need.

The Tony Collier Award is presented every year to a community member who provides exceptional support and assistance to their neighbors in need. This year’s recipient is Becky Lopez, Food Pantry Coordinator at Door of Hope Ministries in East Los Angeles. For over 25 years, Becky has helped run the Ministries’ food pantry, treating every neighbor with the love, dignity and respect they deserve. Additionally, Becky goes above and beyond to help her neighbors, providing them additional assistance when needed. Door of Hope President and CEO Shirley Melendez said about Becky, “I don’t think there could be anyone more perfect than Becky to do this food pantry. She’s so kind and giving; she gives people back their dignity.”

The 2024 Community Spirit Award was presented to Ephesus Church in South Los Angeles. Led by its Community Service Director, Diva Jones Moses, the Church helps its community with basic services, including hot meals, food distribution, hot showers and clean clothes for the homeless. At the peak of the pandemic, Ephesus saw the need in the community rise, specifically among seniors, and therefore, they jumped into action, providing food assistance and food delivery to that community.

The Fighting Hunger, Giving Hope award is presented to community members whose passion for helping others access nutrition and food resources they wouldn’t be able to otherwise shines bright all year long. This year’s recipient is Sherm Telleen. After the Food Bank’s founding in 1973, Sherm and his family were major contributors when the Food Bank launched a capital campaign to purchase land and build a 55,000-square-foot distribution center at 1734 East 41st Street in LA, where its headquarters are still located. Throughout the evolution and growth of the Food Bank, Sherm has stepped up to help the Food Bank expand and reach as many neighbors as possible, including during the most recent Building Hope Campaign. Sherm served on the Board of Directors and then transitioned to an advisory role on the Food Bank’s Finance Committee after having spent his career in finance. Sherm’s commitments and contributions throughout the years have provided more than one million meals for our neighbors across LA County, and the Food Bank is thankful for his leadership and continued support of the Food Bank.

In 2013, the Food Bank mourned the loss of Dennis Winston, a dedicated supporter and former Board Chairman. To honor his legacy, the Dennis Winston Memorial Leadership Award was established. This year, Robert Perille received the award for his outstanding contributions.

This year’s Partners Making a Difference Award went to La Salle College Preparatory. Their students, faculty and staff are guided by five core principles, which include a strong emphasis on service through classes and opportunities to serve in their communities. Over the course of four years, a graduating senior would have participated in more than 75 hours of service and over the years, La Salle has contributed innumerable hours of volunteer service to the Food Bank, including large groups or individuals for days of service.

Without the support of our sponsors, donors and Partner Agency Network, the Food Bank’s work would not be able to reach the hundreds of thousands of individuals who seek food assistance each month. The Food Bank congratulates this year’s Season for Sharing award recipients for their invaluable contributions to the fight against hunger throughout the year.