Food pantries like Door of Hope Ministries in East LA are essential to neighbors seeking food assistance

When CalFresh benefits aren’t enough, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and its partner agencies throughout LA County are ready to step in to provide essential food assistance to our neighbors. 

Recipients can typically expect fresh fruits and vegetables gleaned, sorted and packed at one of the Food Bank’s warehouses, as well as shelf-stable items like rice, legumes, and canned goods. Also included at some distributions are dairy products, eggs, and a pack of protein that may include chicken, beef, pork or shrimp. Depending on the family size, the items distributed can last about one to two weeks.

The Food Bank also distributes other non-food household items that may not be covered by CalFresh benefits like cleaning supplies, napkins, and laundry detergent, among other items. Additionally, the Food Bank works with its partner agencies to distribute menstrual hygiene products, diapers and baby wipes throughout Los Angeles County.

RELATED: What Is and Isn’t Covered With CalFresh?

Door of Hope Ministries in East Los Angeles is among the hundreds of partner agencies that work in partnership with the Food Bank to provide food assistance to hundreds of thousands of individuals each month. 

At one of the distributions at Door of Hope, the Food Bank met an individual who attends their food pantry distributions two to three times a year. While he is employed and has dependable housing, his wage is simply not enough to cover the rising costs of everyday essentials despite receiving CalFresh benefits. Attending the food distributions at Door of Hope gives him the opportunity to receive additional food that is out of reach after his EBT benefits have depleted.