First-In Fire Foundation donates food and supplies to local fire stations. (photo courtesy of the First-In Fire Foundation)

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 5 to accept a First-In Fire Foundation donation of storage pantries and food to fill them for five fire stations in Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky’s 5th District.

The donation, valued at $20,000, is part of the nonprofit First-In Fire Foundation’s ongoing support for the Los Angeles Fire Department, dating back to the start of the pandemic. The organization ensures that cupboards and refrigerators are stocked at local fire stations and that firefighters have a place to freeze and store food. While the city covers many costs, funds are sometimes scarce for fire station amenities, and the First-In Fire Foundation fulfills those needs, president Lyn MacEwen Cohen said.

“We do all the things that aren’t covered,” Cohen added. “There are a lot of the things the city provides but there are also a lot of things that they need in the fire station that aren’t covered. We step in to provide what they need. We are thrilled about that.”

First-In Fire Foundation is donating what Cohen called stationary fire emergency preparedness pantries, which are essentially metal cabinets stocked with food and supplies. The nonprofit is also donating smaller mobile versions of the food pantries that firefighters can take with them on trucks and ambulances for extended periods away from fire stations. The donation will be paid for by a grant specifically earmarked for supplies at the seven fire stations in the 5th District. Now that the City Council has accepted the donation, Cohen said she will purchase the pantries, food and supplies and plans to make the first donation around the beginning of the new year to Fire Station 58 at 1556 S. Robertson Blvd.

“I wanted them to be the first station,” she added. “We had been working with them and then COVID hit. We’ll hold a ceremony when it comes time to deliver the first emergency food pantry so we all can celebrate.”

Yaroslavsky said First-In Fire Foundation’s support makes a big impact on emergency operations in Los Angeles.

“We are incredibly grateful to the First-In Fire Foundation for their generous support of our firehouses through the Firehouse Emergency Preparedness Pantry,” Yaroslavsky said. “This program not only strengthens our emergency response capabilities but also creates meaningful opportunities for our fire stations to connect with the community they serve. Their support makes a real difference for our firefighters and our neighborhoods.”