In a powerful display of community engagement at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Bank of America and the Los Angeles Dodgers joined forces to tackle the pressing issue of nutrition insecurity in the greater Los Angeles area.
With 143 volunteers from the Dodgers and Bank of America in attendance, the focus shifted to addressing food insecurity head-on. Recognizing the profound impact of their collective efforts, McCowan underscored the importance of supporting and feeding as many individuals as possible, especially amid the staggering statistic that one in four Angelinos faces food insecurity.
Maria Arias, Senior Vice President of Community Relations at Bank of America, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the vital role of volunteers in supporting organizations like the L.A. Regional Food Bank. Arias emphasized the company’s commitment to investing resources to combat food insecurity, noting their long-standing partnership with the Dodgers and the Food Bank’s critical mission.
Karen Sessions, Regional Executive at Bank of America and a member of the Food Bank’s Board of Directors, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause. Highlighting Bank of America’s extensive volunteer hours and financial support, Sessions emphasized the collective impact of the partnership in addressing the needs of the community.
Michael Flood, President and CEO of the L.A. Regional Food Bank, expressed appreciation for the enduring collaboration with Bank of America, Dodgers and Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF), especially amidst the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Flood highlighted the Food Bank’s continued efforts to serve the community, reaching 900,000 individuals monthly, and emphasized the impact of volunteerism in achieving their mission.
The event culminated in a generous donation from Bank of America, further bolstering the Food Bank’s capacity to provide meals to those in need. With an additional $5,000 contribution, the partnership exemplified a shared commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of people facing food insecurity.
As the volunteers rolled up their sleeves to pack meals, their collective efforts embodied the spirit of collaboration and compassion, underscoring the power of community-driven initiatives in creating positive change.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is grateful for this collaboration, and the longstanding relationships with Bank of America, Dodgers and LADF. This event is an excellent example of the impact that can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared vision of strengthening communities and addressing pressing social challenges like nutrition insecurity.
In 2022, the Dodgers and LADF donated $750,000 to supply 1 million meals to students across 15 schools through the MLB All-Star Legacy Weekend Essentials Backpack Program, building on LADF’s previous year’s contribution of $725,000 to provide 1 million meals for individuals and families facing food insecurity due to the pandemic. LADF’s support dates back to 2020, with a donation of $25,000 that provided approximately 100,000 meals, showcasing their ongoing dedication to addressing this critical issue. These contributions underscore the impactful collaboration among these organizations, setting a powerful example of how combined efforts can make a substantial difference in the lives of many, particularly in times of crisis.