Food Bank Works to Meet Demand

As the Food Bank marks its 40^th year of service it is receiving recognition, distributing 1.1 million pounds of food a week and, with continuing help from the community, working to meet the high demand for food assistance.

The Food Bank was recently awarded the 2013 Excellence in Food Banking Award for Organizational Efficiency by Feeding America. This national award was in recognition of the Food Bank’s ability to efficiently deliver services to the community. The metrics used for this award include meals distributed per dollar, program expenses as a percent of operating expenses and the fundraising efficiency. The Food Bank takes pride in maximizing every dollar that is donated, and is honored to have received this recognition.   

April is National Volunteer Month and the Food Bank is thankful to those who have come to sort and pack food and help in other ways. In 2012, 32,000 volunteers came to the Food Bank. They each worked a shift of at least 3 hours - that’s 96,000 hours that corporate employees, individuals, students and community group members contributed to help fight hunger.

The volunteer program is robust, and it is needed to help us handle and distribute food. People are surprised to hear that the Food Bank's distribution has increased by 24 percent this year compared to last year as many families and individuals struggle with effect of a local economy that has a 10 percent unemployment rate. Even with the increase, we could distribute more. And the Food Bank appreciates the many financial donors, food donors and volunteers that continue to help us reach more people in need. 

The Food Bank also continues to keep a close watch as the federal government moves through the ongoing budget process. When “sequestration” went into effect, there was a five percent cut in funding for one of the Food Bank’s commodity programs, and it is now seeking funding to make up for this cut.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donate with confidence.  The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has been rated as a four star charity by Charity Navigator and has been awarded the "Best in America" seal from Local Independent Charities of America.  Thank you for your support.

Thank you for visiting the Food Bank's website.  Features on our site include:

• Our improved Pantry Locator allows you to find a food pantry in your neighborhood using online mapping technology. It is now easier than ever before to find your nearest Food Bank partner agency.

• Virtual Food Drives continue to be a great way to support the Food Bank's hunger relief efforts. The Food Bank's new website makes it easier to create and customize a Virtual Food Drive page to get your friends and family involved in the fight against hunger.

Below is actor Ryan Phillippe's public service announcement for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank