A Crisis Within A Crisis: Food Insecurity & COVID-19

December 18, 2020

As we near the year end, we find ourselves deeply concerned about the ongoing effects of COVID-19. Nine months of this unprecedented pandemic has caused many of our neighbors to experience food insecurity – some for the very first time.

Hunger is permeating throughout Los Angeles County, with the LA Regional Food Bank reporting an increase of 145% in food distributed as compared to last year and LA County Department of Social Services reporting a 179% increase in applications for CalFresh, California’s safety net nutrition program.

With approximately one-third of low-income Angelenos experiencing food insecurity prior to the onset of the pandemic, we are now seeing more than a quarter of all LA County households (an estimated 873,000 households) reporting as food insecure according to a recent study by USC Dornsife.

Food insecurity is, unfortunately, a chronic issue for many Angelenos, that has been severely exacerbated as a result of COVID-19 and has even spread to effect those that haven’t previously experienced food insecurity due to the current economic conditions.

CCF believes this problem is solvable. With enough resources to fill our food banks, increase meal delivery and institute policy that is inclusive, we can get food onto the tables of people in need. We are trying to keep the food banks stocked by giving them the dollars they need to buy high-volume goods at reduced prices while increasing the support of direct-to-door meal delivery for the home bound.

Donors can give to our COVID-19 LA County Response Fund to further our efforts. They can also give directly to the following organizations:

The LA Regional Food Bank or your local food bank
Food Forward
World Central Kitchen
Meals on Wheels
Antelope Valley Partners for Health
Homeboy Industries
Project Angel Food

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