By Rajvinder Singh
In Los Angeles County, access to nutritious food is essential, especially as we prepare for the colder winter months and the holiday season. At 211 LA, we understand that food insecurity remains a pressing concern for many families and individuals in our community. In fact, food resources were one of the top 10 service needs in 2023, with over 10,412 inquiries reflecting the urgent demand for support.
According to a Public Exchange at USC Dornsife report from 2023, 30% of residents in Los Angeles County faced food insecurity. Based on data from an Understanding America Survey (UAS), the study aimed to address the county’s food insecurity crisis by comparing food insecurity levels from 2020 with levels from 2023, which increased by 6% since the start of the pandemic. Food insecurity can be defined as little to no access to nutritious and safe-to-eat foods necessary to live a healthy and productive life. A number of factors, such as chronic illness, poverty, lack of affordable housing, and discrimination, can cause this. Consequently, it leads to hunger, a form of physical discomfort and weakness. No one should go hungry, especially during the holidays. For those without a place to eat this holiday season, 211 LA’s database offers access to food and assistance through pantries, soup kitchens, food programs, aid, and holiday meal events.
To assist those in need, we have compiled a comprehensive list of local food pantries, soup kitchens, and food programs available throughout the county. These resources are designed to help residents access the necessary nourishment, whether through emergency food assistance or ongoing support. Explore the options below to find the right resources for you or someone you know.
Resources at a Glance: Food Resources in LA County
Here are some essential food resources available in LA County:
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens
- Community Resource Center in East L.A. (Pantry)
When: Every 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: 4801 Whittier Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Phone: (213) 438-5570 - Food Pantry LAX (Pantry)
When: Tuesday and Friday from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: 355 East Beach Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90302
Phone: (310) 677-5597
Requirements: State ID needed to pick up food, customers may visit once a week, and baby food and formula available upon request. - Food Give-A-Way by New Direction Community Program (Pantry)
When: Every 4th Saturday of the month from 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Where: 8124 S Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90047
Phone: (323) 291-0035 - The Midnight Mission (Soup Kitchen)
When: Breakfast at 6:30 AM, lunch at 12:30 PM (except Sunday), dinner at 4:30 PM
Where: 601 S San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Phone: (213) 624-9258 - St. Francis Center (Soup Kitchen & Pantry)
When: Sit-down dining and to-go breakfast served Tuesday to Friday from 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM, to-go breakfast served on Mondays from 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM, sit-down dining and to-go brunch served on Saturdays from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM; pantry available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM for everyone and on Fridays from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM for individuals ages 65 and older
Where: 1835 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Phone: (213) 747-5347
Requirements: Photo ID and proof of address needed. You must fill out a registration form before picking up groceries.
Food Programs & Aid
- CalFresh/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Provides benefits via EBT for purchasing food.
For more info: CalFresh or dial 2-1-1. - Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Monthly food packages for low-income seniors (60+).
For more info: CSFP or call 2-1-1. - CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)
Offers financial assistance and employment services for low-income families.
For more info: CalWORKs or dial 2-1-1. - General Assistance/Relief (GA/GR)
Cash assistance for low-income adults without children.
For more info: GA/GR or dial 2-1-1. - Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
Cash and employment assistance for refugees and asylees.
For more info: RCA or dial 2-1-1.
Holiday Meal Events
- Westside Thanksgiving
When: Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: West Los Angeles Civic Center, 1645 Corinth Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: (310) 394-3153 - St. Athanasius Church
When: Thursday, November 24, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: (213) 482-2040 - Breath of Life (Takeaway Vegan Meal Only)
When: Sunday, November 20, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Where: 425 S La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301
Phone: (310) 384-3622
For additional resources or to find a food pantry near you, dial 2-1-1 or visit the LA Food Bank Pantry Locator.
