FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN DOWNEY DRAWS 2,500+

THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION was held at the LA County Courthouse in Downey off of Imperial Highway. The line of cars extended five miles to the 710 freeway entrance on Imperial and then down Garfield Avenue an additional four miles.   

BY TAMMYE MCDUFF

This past Friday, April 24th, the LA Regional Food Bank partnered with the LA County Library, Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office and the City of Downey to distribute food items to anyone in need.

The food distribution was held at the LA County Courthouse in Downey off of Imperial Highway. The line of cars extended five miles to the 710 freeway entrance on Imperial and then down Garfield Avenue an additional four miles.

Food Security Director for the Emergency Operations Center told HMG they were prepared to feed about 2500 families on Friday “This was a larger turnout than we expected, hopefully we have enough for everyone. If we need to we will bring in more trucks. We are doing drive through distributions all over the county almost every day.” 

The food distribution is just one part of the strategy for LA County. There is a Food security Branch Force in the Emergency Operations Center and this is a multi-prong effort. First and foremost people should visit the county website and go to the resource portal where residents can sign up for CalFresh benefits, food stamps, women and children programs and meals on wheels programs addressing food insecurities.

LA County Department of Social Services encourages those who have a lost a job due to CoVID-19 or just needs assistance to apply for CalFresh and other benefits online by visiting the ‘ Your Benefits Now’ website at dpss.lacounty-gov