Many government agencies and community-based organizations have stepped up to offer food to those in need.
For more options, please visit L.A. Care Community Link and search "covid19" to find more food and other resources near you.
Older Adults
County and City of Los Angeles
The County and City of Los Angeles are distributing packaged and frozen meals for older adults. Distribution is taking place at their congregate meal sites and senior centers. These sites remain closed for all other services.
Please note that older adults 65 and older must send a family member, friend or caregiver who is under the age of 65 to pick-up meals at these sites.
In addition, some sites have home delivery services for those age 65 and older. Please call your local meal provider to make arrangements, or call 1-800-510-2020 for assistance.
The Dream Resource Center
The Dream Resource Center makes home deliveries to seniors age 65 and older who live within a 5-mile radius from their center.
Care packages of food and hygiene products will be delivered to their door within their operating hours. Please visit the Dream Resource Center website to fill out the delivery request form.
For LAUSD Students
Grab & Go Food Centers
Los Angeles Unified, in partnership with the Red Cross, will continue to provide nutritious meals to all students who need them during the temporary closure of schools.
They have 64 Grab & Go Food Centers are staffed weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Each child can take home two nutritious meals.
Visit the LAUSD School Closure Resources web page for locations.
The Dream Resource Center
The Dream Resource Center is providing free breakfast, lunch and dinner for all LAUSD students. Previously, there were set meal times. The most recent update shows you can go anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. to pick up meals, water and other supplies.
Location: 2301 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles 90026
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
To check for updates, as well as see posts of hope and human kindness, follow the Dream Resource Center Instagram at @ladreamcenter.
Meals on Wheels
St. Vincent Meals on Wheels is another service that is available for those in need. Please call them at 1-213-484-7775 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or send an email to ifyouneedmeals@stvincentmow.org. Learn more at the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels website.
WIC (Women, Children, Infants Supplemental Nutrition Program)
WIC services are available to all eligible families affected by COVID-19. If your income has been affected by recent events, and you are pregnant or have a child under 5, WIC can help provide nutritious foods and resources. Fathers, grandparents, and caretakers may receive WIC food benefits for eligible infants and children.
PHFE WIC, a program of Heluna Health, provides healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and family resources to more than 200,000 women, children, and families in Southern California. They are providing help and services by phone and online. Please visit the PHFE WIC website to learn how it works and how to apply.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and 211 LA
Go to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank website and search for a food pantry located near you.
You can also dial 2-1-1 on your phone to reach 211 LA, the health and human services helpline for Los Angeles County. Talk to a trained Community Resource Advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can ask where to find free food and any other assistance.
East Side Riders BC - Watts Area
East Side Riders is providing pick up and go meals Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the corner of 103rd Street and Compton in the Watts community. Check updates on this inspiring grassroots community effort at the ESRBC Instagram at @eastsideriders.