LA County Offers Digital Resources to Help Access Food at No Cost

An estimated 2 million people in Los Angeles County suffer from food insecurity on an ongoing basis. That vulnerable community is sure to swell because of pandemic-related economic losses in the months to come, but Los Angeles County is committed to preventing hunger and ensuring access to food for all residents. The County is currently mobilizing a countywide response to hunger by coordinating public agencies, nonprofits and volunteers to provide meals to anyone in need during the upcoming weeks and months. The County is also launching new digital resources to help members of the public access food at no cost – including program sign-up information, maps and frequently asked questions – on the County COVID-19 website covid19.lacounty.gov.

Individuals/families in need can:

Get help with food expenses. CalFresh is a Nutrition Assistance Program that can help people in low-income households purchase food by increasing their food-buying power. Apply at www.cdss.ca.gov/food-nutrition/calfresh.

Find free food near you. County agencies and partners that provide free groceries and meals are expanding their services during COVID-19. Visit covid19.lacounty.gov/food to see options and find food distribution sites near you. Some programs also provide delivery.

Get food delivery assistance. The County has launched a Critical Delivery Services program to deliver food and other vital items to adults age 60-plus and individuals with disabilities who are unable to leave their homes due to COVID-19. Items must be prepaid and ready for pick up. There is no cost to the client for delivery. For more information, visit newfreedom.lacounty.gov or call (888) 863-7411.

For assistance or for those do not have access to the internet, dial 2-1-1. Multilingual operators are available to help members of the public find free food resources.