MEND’s Emergency Food Bank is unique in that it is the largest in Los Angeles providing direct distribution to clients in need, and one of the largest in the state of California. Volunteer Food Rescue Program Drivers collect food from numerous supermarkets, churches, schools, businesses and other organizations in the area. Much of the food is distributed to more than 60 smaller pantries and charities in the area that also care for low-income people, about 30 every week. The Emergency Food Bank distributes more than a quarter of a million pounds of food a month both onsite and through its community outreach , helping to feed well over 21,000 people every month, as well. Emergency food boxes provide a generous, nutritionally balanced three-day supply of emergency food, designed to help the families make ends meet, but not to create a dependency on MEND. They are distributed three mornings each week and every Saturday morning at the MEND Center, as well as four times a month from satellite operations. In addition, hot meals are served four times a week. Each applicant for the service is personally interviewed to assess needs, verify information and evaluate any special dietary requirements. MEND’s Foodbank and Kitchen regularly receive “A†ratings from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for adherence to food handling standards. Meal Program: Tuesday: (Homeless services only) Breakfast 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m. 3 p.m., Thursday: Breakfast 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Friday: Breakfast 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Food Box Distribution: Tuesday: (Homeless Services Only) 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon; Homeless Meal and Food Box Distribution: Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (818) 686-7300 to book your appointment.
Address :
10641 N San Fernando Rd,
Pacoima, CA 91331.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Pacoima
Help Residents of Counties:
- Los Angeles
Appointments
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.
For the full set of services, you can call (818) 686-7300 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.
Food Bank in Near By County
Questions to Ask
Remember always to call ahead and find out few basic information to recieve food.
- What are your hours of operation?
- Where can I pick up the food I need?
Document Requirements
Please ask about documents required to prove elibility. So of the questions to ask
- Do I need to bring photo identification?
- Do I need to bring a piece of mail (like an electrical bill) that shows my name and address?
- Do I need to bring proof of income or bank account statements?
- Do I need to register for service, or is it “first come: first serve”?
What is a Food Bank?
Food banks are non-profit charitable organizations that assist financially vulnerable populations by distributing food. Their main objectives is to help low-income individual and families by providing food.
They will work through other 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations like food pantries and soup kitchens. Sometimes they distribute the food themselves via mobile pantry.
Food bank serves as a single collection and distribution point for food donations. They operate much like a for-profit food distributor, but they do not use retailers. Instead, they may use church food banks, charities, and other non-profit food pantries to provide food to the people to fight hunger.
How the Food Bank Works?
- 1. Food is donated to a food bank.
- 2. Its stored in a big climate controlled warehouse.
- 3. Food Bank distributes food to various non-profits for distribution.
- 4. Food reaches to who are in need.
Who can use Food Banks?
Many food banks and food pantries are locally run, with others managed at the state or federal level. Qualification to receive nutrition assistance from food programs depends on the type.
There are different qualifying requirements, but many food banks have none. Just show up during their days and times of operation, and they will help if they are able.
Here are the tips while .
- It is highly advisable to call ahead before you arrive!
- Ask about any eligibility or documentation requirements they may have.
- If required, bring all required documents when you use their services.
Feeding America
John van Hengel, the founder of St. Mary's Food Bank, went on to create a national organization for food banks. The Feeding America organization is a leader in the nation’s domestic hunger-relief efforts.
The Coronavirus epidemic put even more pressure on America’s most vulnerable citizens. Feeding America has helped serve 6.6 billion meals to date.
The Feeding America have grown through donations and other charitable efforts to be able to deliver much-needed food via food rescue, hunger relief programs, and disaster response.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally run program that helps obtain badly needed food for low-income people and families. SNAP program is also known as Food Stamp.
SNAP benefits in Los Angeles supplied approximately 40 million Americans in 2018. It is the most extensive nutrition program administered by Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and is a vital component of the social safety net for low-income Americans.
In 2017, roughly 9.2% of American households obtained SNAP benefits, with about 16.7% of all children living in homes benefiting.
The program had used paper "stamps" or coupons in the past – worth $1 (brown), $5 (blue), and $10 (green). These were bound into small booklets of various denominations, to be torn out individually and used in single-use exchanges.
Free Food Programs Summary
| Acronym | Name | For Moms & Kids | For Seniors | For Food Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| TEFAP | The Emergency Food Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CSFP | The Commodity Supplemental Food Program | No | Yes | Yes |
| CACFP | The Child and Adult Care Food Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| NSLP | The National School Lunch Program | Yes | No | No |
| SBP | The School Breakfast Program | Yes | No | No |
| SFSP | The Summer Food Service Program | Yes | No | No |
| WIC | Women, Infants, and Children | Yes | No | No |
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food Bank?
Specifically, in Los Angeles food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. How do you qualify for in Los Angeles food bank assistance?
To qualify for food bank assistance you must provide:
- Current state-issued ID
- Social Security numbers of all household members
- Current electric bill to prove residence
- Bank Statement for income verification