Uncertainty and an ever-changing set of regulations has been challenging, but not without benefits. In our need to adapt to the city and state regulations for social distancing and minimum or no-touch distribution of food resources, our pantry network has adapted processes to screen volunteers, set-up drive-through distributions and seek out additional ways to help families in need. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has made available thousands of boxes of protein to assist in creating an ease of distribution augmented by premade boxes of fruits, vegetables, dairy and bakery goods.

With a growing number of seniors unable to venture out, we established a partnership with EveryTable and AccessServices to have meals delivered directly to the homes of seniors, which has been a huge success. Our thanks to Councilperson Monica Rodriquez from the Seventh Council District.

The Farmers to Family Tables program has been helpful in maintaining a pipeline of food boxes for distribution, compensating for the decline in food donations from retailers and produce distributors. Our faithful donors coupled with additional cash funding from new donors to help meet this unprecedented demand for assistance has been one less concern. Foundations and corporations have been sending in unexpected donations and we are so very thankful for the help. One standout surprise was from Barry and Wendy sending back-to-back generous donations from their foundation—their timing was God sent to help us close the fiscal year ahead of budget and kick-off the new fiscal year with a strong start.

Thanks to all for their continued, prayers, words of encouragement, donations and to the many that have found creative ways to help during this crisis.