CREATE
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2025 Grants Challenge

Food & essentials for low income communities

Elevator pitch-We provide essential support—fresh, healthy food, clean water, clothing, shoes, and critical resources—to homeless individuals, low-income families, seniors, and vulnerable residents across Los Angeles County. Our goal is to meet urgent needs with dignity, restore hope, and create stability for those too often overlooked.

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What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?

Income inequality

In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?

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

What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?

Food insecurity remains a critical issue in Los Angeles County, affecting over 2 million residents. More than half of families with young children struggle to access enough food—putting them at risk for chronic illnesses like diabetes and mental health challenges. The crisis hits hardest in Latino and African American communities, exposing deep-rooted inequalities in access to resources. In a region where housing and transportation costs are among the highest in the nation, families are forced to choose between rent and food. This injustice fuels income inequality in the very communities we call home—and demands urgent, compassionate action.

Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.

At our core, we believe no one should have to choose between food, dignity, and survival. Our organization provides hot, wholesome meals, fresh groceries, clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and everyday essentials to those most in need—homeless individuals, low-income families, seniors, and vulnerable residents across Los Angeles County.


But we go beyond meeting physical needs. We also connect individuals with critical resources, including mental health referrals, and drug and alcohol counseling—because true support addresses the whole person.


Operating 7 days a week, 365 days a year, we serve as a mobile basic needs pantry, reaching people where they are. Thanks to 15 incredible partnerships with local restaurants, grocers, and organizations, we’ve rescued and redistributed over 500,000 pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste—turning excess into impact.


We deliver support through three models: a pickup pantry, mobile pop-up events, and direct home delivery to seniors and those unable to travel. For us, this isn’t charity—it’s community care in action

Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.

Our vision is to end food insecurity and eliminate the daily struggle for basic needs across Los Angeles County. We believe no one should worry about their next meal, having clean clothes, or accessing essentials. But we don’t stop at providing food, shoes, and hygiene items—we address the root causes behind these struggles. Whether it’s unemployment, addiction, or mental health challenges, we work to connect individuals with the resources they need to rebuild. By meeting immediate needs while addressing long-term barriers, our goal is to reduce income inequality, restore dignity, and create stronger, more resilient communities

Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?

Direct Impact: 250,000

Indirect Impact: 1,000,000