A series of devastating fires across Los Angeles County has left tens of thousands displaced and struggling to access basic necessities. Westside Food Bank, which serves the affected Western portion of Los Angeles County, is urgently calling for donations to meet the growing need.

“This is our home, and these are our neighbors,” said Genevieve Riutort, president and CEO of Westside Food Bank and co-chair of the Westside Coalition on Housing, Hunger and Health. “The fires have caused unimaginable devastation. Recovery will take months if not years. We’re seeing a surge in need, and we can’t do this without your help.”

The fires have destroyed homes, schools and businesses, leaving thousands of workers – including teachers, janitors, household employees, gardeners, restaurant staff and retail workers – without jobs or income. Many are turning to Westside Food Bank as a critical source of relief.

Adding to the urgency, Westside Food Bank’s shelves are depleted after the busy holiday season. Every $50,000 raised buys a truckload of nutritious food that can feed local residents in crisis. Bulk purchasing ensures that each dollar goes further, providing life-changing support to families in need. Westside Food Bank is an expert in warehousing and logistics. It has the experience, relationships and dedicated staff to get large amounts of food out quickly. Westside Food Bank did so at the start of the pandemic, but it needs immediate funding to buy more shelf-stable food to supplement the massive amounts of fresh produce it can access through a statewide “Farm to Family” program.

For over 40 years, Westside Food Bank has been the backbone of food assistance on the Westside, supplying free food to 60 local nonprofit partners and operating six mobile pantries. For smaller food pantries, our free food is essential – many could not survive without it.

Westside Food Bank needs help now to ensure no one in the community goes hungry during this crisis. Visit my.wsfb.org/2025fires to donate and make an immediate difference.