With four food distribution events under our belt, National Health Foundation has provided food and other resources to over 8,000 individuals in Los Angeles County. Beginning in November 2020, NHF has partnered with some of Los Angeles’s most influential policymakers, including Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis and Los Angeles City Councilmember Gil Cedillo. With the help of the LA Regional Food Bank and the Coalition for Responsible Community Development, community members have received more than 3,300 boxes of fresh produce and shelf stable food through these events. This totals 43,000 pounds of food for LA county’s under-resourced communities, who are facing the brunt of the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most recently, NHF hosted the fourth Pico-Union Drive-Thru Food Distribution in March 2021, giving away 960 boxes of fresh produce and shelf-stable food. In addition to food, individuals were also provided backpacks, masks, hand sanitizers, diapers and baby formula. As communities continue to adjust to the new pandemic “normal,” it was essential for NHF to look beyond food supplies and include resources that promote and encourage the safety and overall wellbeing of the community.
Many thanks to the community for continuing to support NHF’s mission and participating in these events during a pandemic. And while NHF is thankful residents participate in ongoing events, we recognize that systemic injustices and perpetuating inequities are what drives the turnout. It is NHF’s mission to continue addressing the root causes of food insecurity and initiating change that prevents these inequities from taking place. NHF remains dedicated to improving the health of under-resourced communities and will continue to work toward health equity for all.