Disaster Relief: Food Assistance after Earthquakes, Fires, etc.

Food Assistance Amid Disasters

The devastating impact of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County cannot be overstated. Our hearts go out to the families and communities affected by these disasters, many of whom face food and nutrition insecurity as they navigate the challenges of evacuation, displacement, and recovery. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank plays a vital role in providing essential resources during these critical times.

In partnership with government agencies and community partners, the Food Bank responds swiftly to meet the urgent needs of neighbors impacted by wildfires and other disasters. While we provide food assistance year-round, our disaster response efforts focus on ensuring families have access to nutritious food and essential supplies when needed.

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Responding to Wildfires

Wildfires create immediate and long-term challenges for communities, including:

Evacuations: Families forced to leave their homes often have limited access to food and clean water.
Power Outages: Loss of refrigeration can lead to spoiled food, increasing reliance on shelf-stable and emergency food supplies.
Job and Income Loss: Many individuals face financial hardship as businesses are destroyed or temporarily closed.
Air and Water Quality: Poor air conditions can worsen health and make it difficult for people to acquire nutritious food, particularly for vulnerable populations. Debris from fires can also impact the safety of drinking water.

To address these challenges, the Food Bank works with a vast network of more than 600 nonprofit partners across Los Angeles County, as well as government agencies. The Food Bank also organizes mobile distributions and deploys food resources directly into the community.

Emergency Food Kits: Packed with fresh produce, shelf-stable items, and essential supplies.
Mobile Distributions: Bringing resources directly to affected communities, such as the East Los Angeles Civic Center distribution, shortly after the fires erupted.

Support for Shelters: offering supplies, food and water to relief centers, temporary shelters and other nonprofits and agencies that are involved in disaster response.

Ongoing Impact

As communities begin the long journey of rebuilding, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank remains a steadfast source of support. The aftermath of wildfires often leaves a lasting impact on affected neighborhoods, with many families facing prolonged food insecurity due to the destruction of homes, businesses, and local infrastructure. Recovery can take not just weeks or months but, for some, years as they rebuild their lives and regain stability. During this time, the Food Bank’s role becomes even more critical, providing consistent and reliable food and nutrition assistance to help ease the burden on struggling households.

Our distribution centers, including our new City of Industry Distribution Center with its expanded storage capacity, play a vital role in sustaining these efforts. These facilities allow us to accept and distribute large volumes of donations efficiently, ensuring that resources continue to flow to neighbors.

By working closely with our partner agencies, volunteers, and donors, we can address not only immediate needs but also support long-term recovery and resilience-building in the affected communities. Together, we ensure that no one is left behind during this challenging time.

How You Can Help

The Food Bank’s disaster response efforts are made possible through the generosity of the community. Here are ways you can make a difference:

Donate Funds

Financial contributions help us respond quickly and effectively to emerging needs.

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Volunteer

Assist with packing food kits or supporting distributions at our centers and partner agencies.

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In-Kind Donations

Non-perishable food, hygiene items, and essential supplies such as blankets, socks, and waterless shampoo are greatly needed.

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Need Assistance?

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please visit our Pantry Locator to find resources near you. Together, we can provide hope and nourishment to those impacted by the wildfires and ensure that no one in our community goes hungry during these challenging times.

Disaster Response