The Importance of Nutrition Security: Why Access to Healthy Food Matters

The Importance of Nutrition Security: Why Access to Healthy Food Matters

While providing consistent food assistance makes a difference, the Food Bank works to provide nutritious food options to our neighbors in need.

For many families across Los Angeles County, the challenge is not only finding enough food — it’s finding nutritious food. As food costs remain high and household budgets stretch thin, nutrition security has become an increasingly important part of the conversation around hunger relief. At the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, providing neighbors with consistent food assistance is key, but providing wholesome, nutritious food helps our communities thrive.

When families have reliable access to healthy food, children are better prepared to learn, adults are better able to work, and seniors can maintain independence longer. Communities become stronger, healthier, and more resilient.

What Is Nutrition Security?

Nutrition security goes beyond simply having enough calories to eat. It means consistent access to foods that support health, growth, and overall well-being, including fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy products.

When families lack access to nutritious options, the consequences can be serious. Poor nutrition is closely linked to chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. For children, it can impact academic performance, energy levels, and long-term development. For seniors, it can affect immunity and overall quality of life.

The Food Bank Provides Nutritious Food Items

95% of the food distributed by the Food Bank is rated nutritious. By focusing on nutritious foods, the Food Bank helps families make healthier choices without sacrificing their budgets, an important factor for households balancing rent, utilities, and medical expenses.

Hunger relief today looks different from it did decades ago. The Food Bank works across Los Angeles County, from Long Beach to the Antelope Valley, including food deserts, to maximize its reach and help families put food on the table. 

Programs and distributions serving children, seniors, and working families are intentionally designed to provide balanced food selections that help fill nutritional gaps. If you are in a position to do so, consider donating to the Food Bank. 96% of each dollar donated goes to supporting programs.

More Stories from the LA Regional Food Bank

Finding Support and Dignity at North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry

On a Friday morning, Anna arrived at North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry for the first time. Learn about her experience at the Food Bank partner agency.

One Birthday, 4,000 Meals: How Keturah Reed Turned Her 42nd Into a Fundraiser for the Food Bank

Keturah Reed turned her 42nd birthday into 4,000 meals for neighbors in need. Learn how to start your own Team WeFeedLA fundraiser.

Turning Support Into Action: Inside Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation’s Community Rebuilding Project at the Food Bank

The LA Regional Food Bank and Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation team up to pack food for wildfire recovery during a day of service and discussion.

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

Find out how the Food Bank’s Extra Helpings Program rescues nearly 29 million pounds of food a year to feed families across LA County.

Stay Connected

Sign up for the latest in our fight against hunger.