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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

AB 660 Is Now In Effect: How California’s New Law Is Reducing Food Waste

Standardized “Best if Used by” and “Use by” labels are now required on packaged food. Learn what it means for you and for the fight against hunger.

A Winning Partnership: How the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Helps the LA Regional Food Bank Fight Hunger

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and the Food Bank have partnered for over a decade, donating millions and volunteering to fight hunger across LA County.

Meet Maria: The Food Bank Volunteer Lifting Up Her Community With a Smile

From receiving groceries with her mom to greeting neighbors at registration, Maria shows what community-powered hunger relief looks like.

How the Mobile Food Pantry at Long Beach City College Feeds Students and the Community

Every month, the Food Bank partners with LBCC to serve 500+ families through the Mobile Food Pantry — supporting students and the surrounding community.

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