The Food Pantry located in Pasadena sees an average of 440 families per week.

Inflation is hurting everyone, but most especially, the middle to low-income households. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, Los Angeles County has seen a 7.6 percent increase on all items, forcing families, even those with multiple incomes, to seek assistance. 

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank continues to work with its 600+ partner agency network, including Friends In Deed in Pasadena, to serve those seeking food assistance in this time of need.

A Food Pantry That Helps Supplement CalFresh Benefits

Maurice has been attending the Friends In Deed distribution on a weekly basis for around four years. Living with his diabetic sister, and both on fixed incomes, going to the grocery store became a hardship. Even with CalFresh benefits, the money was not lasting as long as it used to. Thanks to the food he receives at Friends In Deed, Maurice can eat for the whole week.

“Normally, I would be broke,” Maurice said. “I have at least $15 in my pocket in case I see something that they don’t have here, I can run to the store and get it, and have bus change in my pocket to go back home.”

• RELATED: How Long do CalFresh Benefits Last?

Food For the Whole Family

Seeking food assistance can be hard for many individuals. Whether they don’t know how or where to ask for help, or are embarrassed or prideful, the Food Bank and Friends In Deed welcome anyone who is in need of assistance, no questions asked.

Linda Collins understands how difficult it can be to ask for help. Like many others, she attends the distributions at Friends In Deed and lines up like the others on the southeast corner of Washington and Los Robles Avenues.

While many hide from the cars going by, Collins knows that by attending these distributions, she is helping feed herself, her daughter, and her grandkids.

“[This distribution] alleviates a lot, but there’s a lot of people that are embarrassed,” Collins said. “I don’t worry about it because I come here to get stuff, get food when you need it. You need to worry about yourself, your friends around you, and your family.”