Kaydian Anderson is a retired Navy Veteran who receives food assistance from a Food Bank partner agency. Learn more.

With the holiday season just around the corner, the celebrations are to come. This time of year is defined by the joy of gathering with loved ones and enjoying a delicious meal. Food is more than just fuel during the holidays: it’s comfort, tradition, culture and love on a plate. 

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is aware of the countless families across our neighborhoods who struggle to afford basic meals, let alone a holiday feast. 

To prepare for the holiday season, the Food Bank begins sourcing holiday essentials as early as April, securing not only turkeys, stuffing, and hams but also the incredible foods that have special meaning to the rich diversity of families who count on us. This year, after multiple years of rising food prices, the number of our neighbors facing hunger this holiday season is as high as it was at the peak of the pandemic.

The increasing cost of living has left many hardworking individuals and families in a seriously tough spot, choosing between essential needs like rent, fuel, medicine, and food. Kaydian Anderson, a Navy veteran the Food Bank met at the Sowing Seeds food distribution in Pomona, is just one of those feeling the effects of rising costs who gets the food he needs through one of our hundreds of partner agencies. 

“I am here to collect food for my roommates and me. I live with six people. Some of us have full-time work, and others have lost their jobs. We work together to make sure we all have what we need. With the food we receive, we all will be able to make Thanksgiving dinner together.”  – Kaydian Anderson, Veteran and Food Recipient

The good news is that the Food Bank’s new City of Industry facility helps the LA Regional Food Bank provide even more food than ever before. Because of this facility, the Food Bank has even more capacity to store and distribute fresh produce and vegetables, a particular focus of the Food Bank. Though most of the Food Bank’s inventory comes from private donors and government agencies, the Food Bank still needs to purchase 20% of the millions of pounds of food that’ll be distributed in the weeks ahead.

96% of all funds raised go directly to programs that provide food to children, families, seniors, and others experiencing food insecurity. Your generosity brings much-needed hope and meals to countless people in our community. In a season of gratitude, let’s not overlook those who are hungry. Every gift, big or small, can have a significant impact on a neighbor in need this holiday season.