The Antelope Valley Times

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L.A. County leaders address food insecurity for immigrants

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LOS ANGELES – No one should go to bed hungry, regardless of their immigration status, Los Angeles County officials said Wednesday as they shared some of the resources available to those in need in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

An estimated 2 million people — including immigrants — in Los Angeles County live with food insecurity, meaning that one in five residents may not know where their next meal is coming from, said Rigo Reyes, executive director for the Office of Immigrant Affairs at the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs.

“As you can imagine, the pandemic has made matters much worse,” Reyes said about the growing need, particularly among the most vulnerable populations such as fixed-income seniors, people with disabilities and low- income families.

He and other community leaders, including county Supervisor Hilda Solis, told reporters the coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately impacted immigrants who are often reluctant to receive public assistance due to fear that doing so will affect their immigration status.

“We’re here if you need food,” Solis assured immigrant families. “With the current economic fallout due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so many families are struggling to put food on the table. The need is sure to continue and possibly increase in the coming months due to an increase in job losses.”

She emphasized that immigrants qualify for food assistance provided by Los Angeles County, and anyone struggling to feed themselves or their family should call 2-1-1 to be connected to available resources.

“The county is committed to fighting hunger, and we are here to support you during these trying times,” she said.

Department of Public Social Services Director Antonia Jimenez called her department’s work “the safety net” for millions in Los Angeles County, especially now that the pandemic is impacting so many lives.

Jimenez reminded residents that “no one needs to go to bed hungry” because the CalFresh program is available to help eligible families purchase food. The nutrition assistance program has seen a 179% spike in applications this spring, she noted.

“We believe that due to the extensive economic impact of COVID-19, there may still be some families and individuals who may be eligible to receive CalFresh,” she said, noting that CalFresh and other program applications can be found on the DPSS website or people can call the DPSS customer service line at 866-613-3777.

Another resource for residents is the Great Plates Delivered program, providing meals for seniors with support from local restaurants and agricultural workers who otherwise might be out of a job due to closures caused by coronavirus stay-at-home rules.

Otto Solorzano, acting director for the Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services, said the Great Plates program is now being coordinated with the county, state and FEMA and information can be found by calling 2-1-1 or by visiting wdacs.lacounty.gov.

“Over the past few weeks, we’ve distributed already over 25,000 meals to about 1,500 participants,” he said.

Also addressing the growing need is the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, where President and CEO Michael Flood said the organization has seen a 70% increase in demand.

“The food bank and our partner agencies serve anyone in need,” Flood said. “One advantage we have as a nonprofit organization is that we can ensure that all residents of Los Angeles County are served and get the help they need, regardless of their immigration status.”

He encouraged anyone struggling to put food on the table to call 2-1-1 and apply for every program for which they might be eligible, including CalFresh, school meals, WIC (a supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children) and older adult programs, as well as relying on the food bank and other nonprofits.

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26 comments for "L.A. County leaders address food insecurity for immigrants"

  1. I remember back in 1964 when the fair was a blast; then we would cruise Lancaster Blvd. for awhile in our classic cars.

  2. Humans have migrated up and down Pacific Coast, from South America to North America and back, for centuries, long before the Spanish arrived in California and claimed it for Europeans. Migrating is how humans survive. We are all welcome to leave and go elsewhere too…

  3. If illegal immigrants love this country so much, why don’t they become citizens the right way. My family has done it.

      • Javier and Trumpist: Email President Trump and tell him to stop allowing undocumented workers to work at his hotels, golf resorts, casino’s, etc.. Or you could email ICE to clean things up on Trump’s end first, if that is how you feel. Do as I say not as I do, right?

    • Wow Javier,
      If your family came here the right way, then you understand the immigration or refuges procedures quite well. You also know that it takes about two decades for someone from Mexico to become a US citizen. That’s only if visas are available, which is usually very unlikely. The issued work permits are just a way for this government to make money, it’s just a business. Refuges are following procedures and our government is refusing to follow the laws. Javier, stop being a suck-up to these POS’ and at least tell the truth, sprinkled with proper facts. Don’t recite what these uneducated a-holes repeat until it becomes their truth and don’t be their mouthpiece. Education, especially in regards to our immigration laws will open your eyes to what is really happening.

  4. I am pleased to hear there are people that can be contacted so immigrants don’t have to go hungry regardless of their status. There are also food banks, churches, etc. that care, with no questions asked.

  5. Anyone posting here that thinks undocumented immigrants can vote, should take ten minutes to fact check (fact check. org.) in order to understand what is going on in California. Use your computer to understand how the DMV works also.

    • Agree 100% they are screwed up Democrats love them so they can get their fake little votes in

      • Most illegals I have asked more than 50% said they would vote Republican.
        I always wonder where Republicans got the crazy idea that illegals vote Democrat.
        No proof has ever been presented… just jaw flapping.

          • DUH!
            Follow along now, they WOULD vote Republican. Not they DO vote Republican.
            Some illegals are here and trying to get into the system to become citizens (but you came in through the exit door! Get to the back of the line and learn to follow pictures of arrows!)
            Some are here just to earn decent wages to send home to family (Yeah it sucks but they work at minimum or below, citizens would not and do not stand for those wages or hard work. Hell I was white-splained to once because I was a white guy wanting a job in the orchards. He hired me and we all learned to communicate well enough to get through a season of work.)
            Others just want to live, fly below radar and survive.
            Then there are the criminals, I mean beyond crossing the border, they come to reap the money and benefits that our fine citizens are willing to give them in exchange for drugs, illegal fireworks, sex traffic, etc. If our ‘loyal’ citizens stopped purchasing the criminals would be less likely to be here since the money would not be there for them.
            But still— where do Republicans get this odd idea that illegals would vote inmasse as Democrats?

      • Kiki: Wait till after the election. I heard ICE is coming to our valley. I hope so.

        • How does it feel to wake up everyday full of hate and discontent? I can imagine what you look like just by your comments. I am sorry you are so ugly inside and out Trumpits #1 (not a typo). There’s help out there, start by exercising and change the way you dress, someone out there may take pity on you and love you just a little. There’s still hope for you.

          • Personal attacks on someone you don’t even know? That’s the way to make a cogent, logical argument. Don’t like US immigration laws? Why? Are you going to be deported? Maybe ICE will get your family. I hope so. I’m emailing them again now.

            You sound like a semi-literate, unintelligent anchor baby that hates our country. After the next election, ICE will clean this place up and enforce US laws.

          • Also the people who built this country would spit on you as the unpatriotic, unlawful and selfish POS you really are.

          • Calling the children of Immigrants, “spawn,” doesn’t make for a cogent, logical argument, Trumpist. Calling people unpatriotic and quislings because they’re Democrats doesn’t make for a cogent, logical argument. Stop with all your self-righteousness.

      • Did someone hurt your little feelings Trumpist#1? I’ve read many of your horrid comments. Calling the kettle black? You have some nerve- hahahaha.