SoCal-based Shoe Manufacturer Vans Gifts Shoes to Volunteers at the Food Bank During COVID-19

Vans stepped up to help our volunteers by gifting 2,000 pairs of shoes to the Food Bank. Since the pandemic started in March, our volunteers at the Food Bank have risen to the occasion. Volunteers at the Food Bank help provide food for an unprecedented amount of people as the pandemic has left many more food insecure.

Our volunteers are on their feet for hours at end – sorting through various donations and products, directing clients through distribution and lifting products (packaged boxes of shelf-stable frozen meats, and fresh produce weighing in at 36 pounds at times) into trunks of families seeking food assistance at one of the mobile drive-through distributions throughout the county that the Food Bank has shifted operations more toward during the pandemic. The team at Vans contacted the Food Bank directly during this unprecedented time.

“Food banks provide a vital service to our local communities 365 days a year, but their work is especially important in times of crisis,” said Kim Matsoukas, Senior Manager, Sustainability & Social Responsibility at Vans.

“We wanted to recognize these everyday heroes for stepping up when our communities need them the most.”

While the Food Bank appreciates the funds, and donations in the form of PPE, we also appreciate thoughtful gifts like this because most people don’t realize how much our volunteers are on their feet, working toward fighting hunger during this time of need.
Before the Coronavirus crisis took hold of the community, the Food Bank typically served 300,000 clients on a monthly basis. Now the number has swelled to 500,000. Donations like this help the Food Bank carry out the mission during this crisis.
We’re thankful to Vans for thinking of us during this time and we are very appreciative of such a thoughtful gift of shoes that our volunteers, who are constantly on their feet, will get to enjoy.

Deeply rooted in Southern California and sustainability, Vans has a deep history of giving back and protecting the environment for future generations. Their team has volunteered more than 10,000 hours in their Vans Gives Back program, and examples of their commitment to sustainability include a LEED Platinum certified Headquarters in Costa Mesa and footwear packaging made from 100% recycled content.

“We are grateful to Vans for donating such comfortable footwear for our volunteers,” said Ana Martinez, Director of Volunteer Services. “The volunteers have been so appreciative, and even more motivated to help us fight hunger in LA County.”

The Food Bank is so humbled to get to work together to serve our neighbors who need our help more than ever because together, #WeFeedLA.