This Hunger Action Month, meet Jessica O’Donnell, a #WeFeedLA fundraiser who turned a backyard party into $1,750 for neighbors facing hunger in Los Angeles County.

Every September, communities across the country come together for Hunger Action Month — a time to learn more about food insecurity and, more importantly, to do something about it. This year, we’re shining a light on someone from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s Team #WeFeedLA community who took that call to action and turned it into a party.

Jessica O’Donnell is proof that fighting hunger doesn’t require a grand plan. It just takes one person willing to bring people together.

Making a Difference in the Community

When asking Jessica why she gives back, her answer is simple:

“I believe that everybody has a role in the revolution. Whether that’s spending your time or your money to make the world a better place, we all have the ability to make a tangible difference in our community.”

That belief is what led her to launch Party with a Purpose back in 2024 — a low-key gathering of friends built around a simple raffle. Chip in $5 to a cause you care about, and you’re entered to win a prize. No pressure, no big ask. Just neighbors having fun while doing a little good along the way.

What started as a casual night with friends has grown into something much bigger than Jessica ever expected.

Turning a Party Into a Purpose

During the 2025 holiday season, Jessica saw a chance to rally her community around one cause: fighting hunger here at home.

After a government shutdown and devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles County, Jessica watched more of her neighbors turn to the Food Bank for support than ever before. She knew the need in our community was growing, and she knew exactly what to do next. She dedicated that year’s Party with a Purpose to the Food Bank.

“With the rising costs of food and a growing number of people in our neighborhoods being food insecure, it felt like the right moment,” Jessica shared.

Making an Impact Together

Jessica didn’t stop at the party. She tapped into her employer’s matching gift program, stretching her community’s generosity even further — and together, they raised an incredible $1,750 to help fight hunger across Los Angeles County.

What began as one idea, one evening, and a group of friends turned into real, measurable support for families across our county. That’s the whole idea behind #WeFeedLA: small acts of generosity, multiplied by community, become something powerful.

Did you know your company might match your donation, too? Visit our Company Matching page to find out.

Jessica’s story shows us that real change starts with a single person’s desire to do good. She turned that desire into an opportunity for her community to make a difference.

This Hunger Action Month, you can do the same. Bring your community together, start a #WeFeedLA fundraiser, and help nourish neighbors across Los Angeles County. 

Together, we can turn small acts of generosity into a movement that feeds our community. Together, #WeFeedLA.