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
How a Bag of Free Groceries Helps Lorette Make It Through the Month
Meet Lorette, a neighbor who relies on AfricActive, a Food Bank partner agency, in order to put milk, eggs, and groceries on her table.
Food Bank 101: How the LA Regional Food Bank Feeds Los Angeles County
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Food Bank sources, stores, and distributes food to neighbors across LA County.
How africActive and the LA Regional Food Bank Are Feeding Families Like Trisha’s
A single parent’s trip to the grocery store reveals the community, connection, and generosity behind every food distribution.
How Attending Food Bank Events Helps Feed Neighbors Across LA County
Did you know that by attending one of the three Food Bank events, you’re helping provide meals to neighbors in need? Learn more about how you can help.