The Food Bank Provides Food Assistance to Neighbors Impacted by Local Emergencies

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.“

A group of people wearing safety vests gather in a circle near a Los Angeles Regional Food Bank truck and a blue canopy tent. Boxes are stacked nearby. Volunteers appear to be discussing or preparing for a food distribution event.

A group of people poses for a photo under a canopy displaying signage for Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County Supervisor - First District. They are outdoors on a sunny day with trees and additional tents in the background.

People are distributing bags of fruit under a blue canopy labeled "Hilda L. Solis Los Angeles County Supervisor - First District." A large truck with a food-related image is in the background. One person takes a photo of the scene.

Two people stand in front of stacked pallets and a truck with a "Food Bank" sign. The truck features an older woman and text about feeding the community. They are outdoors in a parking lot.

Four people pose in front of a Los Angeles County mobile services bus. Three men and one woman stand on the ground beside a set of steps leading into the bus. They are dressed casually, with one wearing a blue jacket and hat.

Two people wearing masks stand outdoors at a food bank under a green tent. They hold bags and a box filled with fresh produce, including oranges and apples. Stacks of boxes and a "FOOD BANK" sign are visible in the background.

Two people hold boxes labeled "Los Angeles Regional Food Bank" in front of a tent with "LAFoodBank.org" on it. The woman wears a mask and gloves, and they're standing outdoors with more boxes and food in the background.

Two people stand in front of a food bank tent, each holding a box labeled "Food Bank." They are surrounded by other volunteers and supplies. The tent has the website "LAFoodBank.org" on it. One person wears a mask and gloves.

Two people stand smiling, holding packs of bottled water at an outdoor food bank event. A tent with "LAFoodBank.org" branding is in the background, along with boxes of food and supplies. Other volunteers and parked vehicles are also visible.

A group of people stand smiling in front of a canopy tent with a sign reading "Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County Supervisor - First District." The group, wearing casual attire, poses together on a sunny day in a park setting.

A woman with long blonde hair smiles as she bags oranges at an outdoor food distribution event. She is wearing a green jacket and is surrounded by boxes of produce. Two people nearby assist while wearing gloves and masks.

Three people smile at an outdoor food distribution event. They hold bags of fresh produce. Behind them, others work at stalls with boxes and packaged goods. A truck with food bank signage is visible in the background.

People are gathered outdoors distributing food. One person hands a bag of oranges to another, while others assist. There are blue bags and boxes in the background, with a banner that reads "Fighting Hunger.

Three people are smiling and collaborating while packing a blue bag with oranges. They are outdoors under a clear blue sky. The scene suggests a community or charity event.

People are gathered at an outdoor food distribution event. A woman and two men are in the foreground smiling, wearing casual clothing. Others in the background are sorting and distributing bags of produce and goods.

People gather at an outdoor market or distribution area. A woman kneels beside a stroller, another woman in a sun hat holds a bag, and an elderly woman smiles. Tables are filled with boxes and fruit under a canopy.

People are distributing groceries and produce outside. Some are wearing masks and gloves. Bags of oranges and other items are being handed out. A large banner with an elderly woman's photo is in the background.

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.

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.

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

More Stories from the LA Regional Food Bank

A Food Pantry Helping Neighbors in Koreatown

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

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

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

Stay Connected

Sign up for the latest in our fight against hunger.