The forklifts are going nonstop at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. It’s been this way since the pandemic started—and it’s getting even busier.
Michael Flood, President and CEO of Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, said “we were distributing about one and a half million pounds every week in and out of our distribution centers, and now we’re running at four million pounds a week, coming in and out of our distribution centers here in south L.A. and in commerce.”
Flood thinks the food bank will be just as busy next year.
“But we’re dealing with record unemployment here in L.A. County, not seen since the Great Depression. So, you know, we’re double the national average and it really will be dependent on how quickly the economy bounces back, how quickly the employment situation improves, so more and more people are working.”
The lockdowns have led to a higher need for food—but there’s also more uneaten food.
“Fortunately, there has been a lot of food available out there because with restaurants closing down, schools, you know, hotels, conventions. That’s led to a lot of surplus food out that food banks around the country have been able to capture and deliver out.”
One volunteer picks up food to distribute at another non-profit.
“I volunteer because I couldn’t imagine myself going without, you know, even with the little amount of food shortages that came through, that was a little bit distressing. And I don’t have that issue, but I can’t imagine not knowing where my next meal would come from,” said Matt Connery.
The amount of food they’re distributing has increased by 145 percent—and residents are grateful to have an option like this.
