The Feed SoCal hunger relief initiative returned for its 13th iteration this past June to bolster the efforts of Southern California food banks, including the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. This support comes at an invaluable time as a reported 30% of LA County residents face food and nutrition insecurity, according to USC Dornsife.Â
US food prices rose by 25% from 2019 to 2023, shares the USDA, which can be detrimental to a home with a fixed income. Furthermore, consumers are spending 11.3% more of their disposable income on food, which is at a 30-year high, reports ABC7. These factors disproportionately impact low-income households and fixed incomes.Â
The campaign also comes at a time when children who receive food resources during the school year may go without the needed nutrition.Â
Returning for its 13th year, the Feed SoCal Food Drive, organized by longtime partners ABC7, Stater Bros. Markets and food banks across Southern California, is a testament to the strength of coming together to fight hunger. As an estimated two million neighbors struggle with food and nutrition insecurity, community events such as Feed SoCal reinforce the importance of reminding our neighbors that they are not alone and have resources when needed.Â
Throughout June, ABC7 and community partners set up collection days, during which community members were encouraged to drop off shelf-stable food items at their local Subaru retailer or make financial contributions during check-out at Stater Bros. Market.
The Food Bank is proud to have received donations from vital partners, including Farmers & Merchants Bank, Stater Bros. Markets, Subaru, Helpful Honda, Don Lee Farms, and Amazon.
This year’s campaign raised more than $140,000 and more than 7,500 pounds of food resources that will go to neighbors to help fill their pantries and refrigerators. The Food Bank thanks all of our partners and everyone involved for helping make this year’s Feed SoCal a success.Â
It’s not too late to get involved in the fight against hunger. You can donate today to further the efforts of the Food Bank and its partners. Together, #WeFeedLA.