A new USC study found that more than 1 million LA County households are facing food insecurity. That’s a six percent increase from last year. Those most affected by food insecurity are low-income Black and Latino communities, specifically young adults.
Thankfully, Los Angeles City College is looking to help combat this growing issue facing Los Angeles residents. Today and every Monday, organizers from the initiative “Food For Thought” host a pop-up food bank to support their students and members of the community surrounding its campus.
Lisa Nashua is the executive director for the L.A. City College Foundation.
Lisa Nashua: “And today the line is zigzagging around as we have so many students in need. We know, especially towards the end of the month, it’s extremely desperate situations and so it is very popular. Our students appreciate it greatly and we’re happy that we’re able to provide them with nutritious food to help them do better in their studies.”
According to a study done by Student Lunchbox in 2016, nearly 50% of California community college and university students reported being food insecure. This event, according to organizers, wants to be a part of the solution.
Alex Mendoza: “So this event is basically powered by the program that we have here is called L.A. City Cares. And it’s just an organization, part of the college, and it’s based on helping all the students in need, like low income students.” That’s Alex Mendoza. He’s mastering in Social work and helped organize today’s event.
Alex Mendoza: “So this is basically what this event has put on behind, is just helping our students that come here, that are low income and that need assistance with food and and things like that.”
LA City College is a short twenty minute ride from USC Campus. If you’re interested in supporting “Food For Thought” you can donate food, other goods, or even your time at next Monday’s food bank.
For Annenberg Media, I’m Gabriella Medina