Nourishing Our Neighbors: A Path to Equity

Income inequality

East LA

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

Income inequality is deepening—and food insecurity is both a symptom and a driver. With rising costs of living and pending federal cuts to programs like SNAP and WIC, low-income families are losing critical support. Our Grocery Program directly addresses this gap by ensuring access to nutritious food, which is foundational to economic stability and preventing homelessness. During the pandemic, we saw how fragile household finances are—many families are still just one emergency away from crisis. Rising costs of living mean that even working families are struggling to afford food, rent, and utilities. Without intervention, these pressures will widen the income gap, disproportionately affecting children, seniors, and essential workers. Food security is not just about hunger—it’s about equity. When families don't have to chose between groceries and rent, they can stay housed, healthy, and focused on building a better future. This is how we begin to level the playing field.

Our Grocery Program provides weekly access to fresh, nutritious food for low-income individuals and families in La Mirada, Santa Fe Springs, and Whittier. Clients receive a curated selection of produce, proteins, pantry staples, and culturally relevant items—enough to support balanced meals for the week. We serve approximately 3,100 people each week, including seniors, working families, and single parents who are housed but struggling to make ends meet.
While we previously operated a client-choice model, after surveying our clients, they told us that they prefer the convenience and dignity of a drive-through distribution. We’ve adapted accordingly, while still working hard to offer choices in the foods we provide and remaining mindful of dietary and cultural needs. This model allows us to serve more people efficiently while respecting their time and preferences.
With support from the LA2050 grant, we aim to increase the amount of fresh produce we distribute and provide simple, culturally relevant recipes to help clients prepare healthy meals at home. Our clients consistently share their gratitude for the quality of food they receive and tell us that without our support, they would face difficult choices—often between food, rent, and healthcare. This program is more than food—it’s a stabilizing force that helps prevent homelessness, supports health, and promotes equity in a city where the cost of living continues to rise.

If our work is successful, La Mirada, Santa Fe Springs, and Whittier will be homes to well-nourished communities that feels seen, supported, and secure. Families will no longer have to choose between food and rent, and the risk of homelessness will be significantly reduced. By covering a basic need—nutritious food—we allow families to redirect limited income toward housing, utilities, and healthcare. Over the one-year grant period, we will continue serving 3,100+ people weekly while enhancing our offerings with more fresh produce and recipes to support healthy, affordable meals. Long-term, we envision expanding this model to other underserved areas, creating a ripple effect of stability and resilience. Our Grocery Program is not just about food—it’s about preventing crisis, promoting dignity, and building a more equitable Los Angeles County.