Facebook Pixel - PageView Event

The LA Regional Food Bank Provides Food Assistance to Neighbors Impacted by Local Emergencies in Collaboration with Hilda Solis and Community Partners

The LA Regional Food Bank Provides Food Assistance to Neighbors Impacted by Local Emergencies in Collaboration with Hilda Solis and Community Partners

With fires, power outages and water advisories striking the region, the Food Bank joins a community resource fair to help neighbors

On the morning of January 11, the Food Bank’s trucks could be seen being unloaded with pallets filled with food resources and organized for a community resource fair hosted by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis at the East Los Angeles Civic Center. The distribution event came together in less than 48 hours due to the urgent needs of its community impacted by the local disasters that have struck the region this past week. Neighbors in the surrounding community, similar to many areas across LA County, have been grappling with unhealthy and harmful air quality levels due to the wildfire smoke.

“This morning we’re at the East LA Civic Center working with others including the County, County Health Services and many other community groups,” said Los Angeles Regional Food Bank President and CEO Michael Flood. “The Food Bank has brought food, water and other essentials for families who are impacted here, especially in this community. With the fires going on, significant evacuations and power outages throughout the LA area have impacted families and individuals in a significant way. This distribution is part of fire response for the Food Bank in working with others to try to provide help and assistance for people who are impacted.“

The community resource fair organized by Solis and her team included many different types of organizations, departments from the County and First Partner Jennifer Newsom visiting. Newsom spoke to the urgency of the fire relief efforts and the importance of coming together to help one another. She also helped distribute essential food resources to neighbors picking up necessities. 

RELATED: How the Food Bank Responds to Wildfires

Substantial wind gusts continue to be a concern for the area, causing power outages and forcing electricity and utilities to trigger precautionary shut-offs to help mitigate more dangerous conditions. As a result, many were left possibly without power and may have had interrupted refrigeration and food access. To support neighbors, the Food Bank brought 2,000 food kits consisting of fresh produce and shelf-stable items for anyone possibly having a hard time during this difficult time.

“This is going to be an ongoing situation for unfortunately not days but likely weeks and we’re bearing down,” Flood said. “We appreciate the volunteers who are here, the volunteers who help us at both of our distribution centers, the volunteers who help at our partner agency sites and the many donors, the food donors, financial and in kind donors, that make this work possible.” 

Through generosity, the Food Bank can continue to provide essential food and nutrition assistance to those impacted by the wildfires and beyond. Please consider donating to the Food Bank’s work.

More Stories from the LA Regional Food Bank

From College to Community: How Ashley is Making an Impact Through the Food Bank

Ashley is a College Corps Fellow at the LA Regional Food Bank, helping serve her community while shaping her future.

Older Adults like Betty Benefit From the Food Bank’s Partner Agency, St. James Episcopal Church

Betty is among the hundreds of neighbors who attend the Church’s weekly food distribution to receive essential items.

How I Support the Food Bank Through My IRA, and Why You Should, Too

Casey is one of the many donors who give to the Food Bank through his IRA. Learn more about this type of giving.

The Impact of Your Donation to the LA Regional Food Bank

When you support the LA Regional Food Bank, you’re helping feed hundreds of thousands of our neighbors in LA County.

Stay Connected

Sign up for the latest in our fight against hunger.