After years of tirelessly working to give themselves and their families a better life, seniors look forward to retirement. It is an achievement for many, but unfortunately, a far-away dream for others. Those who were fortunate and prepared for their long-awaited retirement have the opportunity to spend this era traveling, enjoying hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. Meanwhile, those who weren’t so fortunate have to think twice about their expenses and in many cases, opt to cut essential items like food and medicine.

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and its hundreds of partner agencies across LA County serve thousands of seniors looking for nutritious food to help them make it to the end of the month or even week. In 2023, the Food Bank served more than 80,000 seniors per month through direct and indirect programs, helping them get nutritious food on their tables.

Food Pantries Alleviate Family Budgets

Chong is a senior who attends the food distribution at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, a proud Food Bank partner agency in Koreatown. She attends this distribution and another one nearby weekly to help feed herself and her family of four. Although she is retired, her husband is not due to the high living cost in our County.

“My husband, he’s supposed to be retired, but he continues to work,” Chong said. “Because we live in Los Angeles, rent is so high, so he cannot retire, he has to work to support the family. I’m retired, so I’m doing something for my family, and the Food Bank helps.”

Addressing Hunger Among Seniors

Hunger among seniors is a serious problem. Food-insecure seniors are more likely to struggle with malnutrition, depression and physical functioning impediments, leading to higher medical bills to care for these issues or worse. 

Proper nutrition is vital for seniors as it helps decrease infection resistance, weakened immune systems and declined mental health.

Your support to the LA Regional Food Bank goes a long way to helping families like Chong’s. Consider making a donation to the Food Bank.