With one of the highest unemployment rates in the United States, Los Angeles County is home to approximately 1.7 million residents who struggle to provide for their basic nutritional needs. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank works with more than 640 agencies to meet an ever-growing demand for assistance to local families and individuals.

1. By Loren Weiss Stuyvesant

2. Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
With one of the highest unemployment rates in the
United States, Los Angeles County is home to
approximately 1.7 million residents who struggle to
provide for their basic nutritional needs. The Los
Angeles Regional Food Bank works with more than
640 agencies to meet an ever-growing demand for
assistance to local families and individuals.

3. Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Founded in 1973 by Pasadena cook Tony Collier, the
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank distributed more
than 60 million pounds of food to hungry residents in
2011. The organization relies wholly on the work of
more than 31,000 volunteers, whose efforts range from
sorting and packaging food to distributing it to
participating charities in the county. In addition to
sourcing and acquiring food through charitable
agencies, the organization also promotes hunger
awareness through education programs and public
policy.

4. About the Author
Loren Weiss, a recent graduate of New York’s
prestigious Stuyvesant High School, volunteered at the
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank during the summer
of 2008.