Project Vendigo

Food insecurity and access to basic needs

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The issue we are seeking to address with Project Vendigo is food insecurity in the Greater Los Angeles Area. Despite the region's economic prosperity, a significant number of individuals and families struggle to access nutritious food on a consistent basis. This challenge is compounded by homelessness and economic hardship, leaving many without reliable sources of sustenance. Food insecurity leads to numerous adverse effects, including poor health outcomes, increased stress, and reduced ability to pursue education or employment opportunities. By installing free and low-cost vending machines that dispense food 24/7, Project Vendigo aims to provide immediate relief to those in need, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious meals at any time. This initiative addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of food insecurity, fostering a more equitable and supportive community.

Project Vendigo combats food insecurity by providing continuous access to nutritious food through free and low-cost vending machines at strategic locations like shelters and community centers. These machines will ensure 24/7 access to meals for those facing economic hardship or homelessness.
The grant will support:
Vending Machine Installation and Maintenance: Purchasing, installing, and maintaining the vending machines, ensuring they are stocked with fresh food and functioning correctly.
Strategic Placement: Identifying high-need, high-traffic locations in collaboration with local organizations and stakeholders.
Operational Costs: Covering food procurement, logistics, and necessary staff.
Community Engagement: Running awareness campaigns, offering volunteer opportunities, and fostering community involvement.
Sustainability Model: Pairing non-profit machines with for-profit ones to ensure financial sustainability and inviting community contributions.
Project Vendigo addresses immediate food needs and creates a sustainable support model, aiming to significantly reduce food insecurity in Los Angeles.

With the success of Project Vendigo, Los Angeles County will see a marked decrease in food insecurity, with hundreds of individuals and families gaining reliable access to nutritious food. The strategic placement of vending machines in high-need areas will ensure that no one goes hungry, even during off-hours when traditional food pantries are closed. This initiative will not only address immediate hunger but also reduce the stress and health issues associated with food scarcity.
The collaboration between non-profit and for-profit sectors will create a sustainable model, encouraging ongoing community engagement and support. As awareness and volunteer participation grow, there will be a stronger sense of community ownership and solidarity. Ultimately, Los Angeles County will become a more compassionate, resilient, and equitable place, where access to food is recognized as a fundamental right for all residents.

We measure the impact of Project Vendigo through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Key performance indicators include the number of vending machines installed, the volume of food distributed, and the number of individuals served. We track usage data from the vending machines to monitor the frequency and time of day food is accessed, and conduct surveys to collect feedback from users to assess the program's impact on their food security.
Partnering with local organizations and shelters provides further qualitative insights into how Project Vendigo is improving the lives of those it serves. Evidence of success includes a steady increase in the number of users accessing the vending machines, positive feedback from community surveys, and testimonials from beneficiaries who report reduced food insecurity and improved well-being. This iterative feedback loop is crucial for adapting to the community's evolving needs and maximizing the program's positive impact.