Volunteer Richard Legaspi, right, said he has noticed a dramatic increase in people seeking assistance. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Hundreds of people, including many seniors, have food for their holiday tables thanks to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Immanuel Presbyterian Church, which distributed food for a Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 23.

A long line formed before 8 a.m. outside the church at 3300 Wilshire Blvd. Organizers said the COVID-19 pandemic has exponentially increased need in the community. Hunger remains a particularly pressing problem, said Premere Session, associate director of Cedars-Sinai’s Healthy Habits program.

“So many people in this community right now are struggling to feed their families and survive,” Session said. “The need has pretty much tripled.”

Cedars-Sinai regularly partners with Immanuel Presbyterian Church to provide support for people in need living in underserved neighborhoods. Prior to the pandemic, the church opened its food pantry twice a week for approximately 100 to 200 people. Since late March, the distribution has been held three times a week, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is common to have thousands of people show up each time, said Alex Perez, senior director of events for Immanuel Presbyterian Church.

“The unfortunate thing is right now, there is such a lack of resources. It’s such an overwhelming time right now,” Perez said. “We get the honor to serve these people Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and we are seeing an average of 2,500 people during five hours. So, the need is there. Cedars has been a tremendous partner with us.”

Perez said Cedars-Sinai also recently held a flu shot clinic at the church and will hold another on Dec. 2, from 3 to 5 p.m.

“That has been tremendous for this community,” Perez added. “It was the first time that Immanuel Presbyterian Church has been able to do that. It’s completely free, there is no appointment needed. Just come and get a flu shot.”

Session said volunteers from Cedars-Sinai staffed the food pantry and provided tote bags, which were filled with mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, green beans and other ingredients from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Each person could also choose a ham, chicken or ribs for a main course.

“One of our four main missions is serving the community,” Session added. “It’s one of the pillars of Cedars-Sinai.”

Those who received the food were grateful.

“I’m happy that I can come here. Thank you, thank you,” said an older woman waiting in line who identified herself as Grace. “Without this food, I don’t know … It really helps.”

Perez said Immanuel Presbyterian Church’s food pantry is open to anyone in need. For information, visit immanuelpres.org.

“The need has been so intense,” added Perez, who said a similar food distribution will be held in the days prior to Christmas. “The need is not going to go away. One of the things we need to do is get the word out. If there are people out there looking for food resources, we are here.”