LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK SHINES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Donors and partner agencies allow foodbank to help more people than ever
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank is averaging 900,000 meals distributed per month since the summer of 2020. That’s more than three times what it averaged pre-pandemic. The foodbank distributed more than 143 million meals to those who needed it most during COVID-19.
When things began to shut down in March of last year, the foodbank shifted its operations to drive through distributions in a social-distanced format. While operating as an essential service it has been able to keep its staff and volunteers safe while continuing to serve LA county.
In the last year, the food bank saw an unprecedented demand for food assistance due to the pandemic. In the last 6 months, the foodbank increased distribution by 145%. At the same time, there was an exceptional increase from donors and partner agencies, seeing the food bank grow to 700 partner agencies.
“This last year has been unlike anything we have ever seen in our lifetime,” said Michael Flood, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. “But thanks to our local partners and the generous donations we have received, we are continuing to operate at an increased capacity as we move forward in 2021.”
It has also expanded its work to diapers for children, and even temporary work to unemployed restaurant workers. Additionally, it provided food packages at LAUSD and Compton Unified School District as part of its BackPack Program.
This year saw the foodbank have unprecedented demand for food assistance due to the pandemic and its economic downturn. But thanks to donors and partner agencies, it was able to adjust and meet the needs of the community.
The food bank is expecting demand for food assistance to remain at historically high levels. It has set up a donation and volunteer link on its website for those interested in helping at www.lafoodbank.org
###
Caleb Michael 