Anti-hunger groups tackle increased need during the L.A. fires
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Food donations are pouring in to help victims of the Los Angeles fires, to the point donors are being asked to hold off a bit so it can all be distributed.
Antihunger advocates cautioned there are still hidden needs, because many people who did not directly lose their homes are still struggling.
Frank Tamborello, director of Hunger Action Los Angeles, said thousands have lost their jobs and may now have trouble feeding their families.
"You have a lot of people who didn't lose their homes but are housekeepers, maintenance workers and others who have lost a lot of clients," Tamborello pointed out. "They live all over the county, so their food situation has been impacted as they've lost income."
Tamborello predicted some families will need ongoing assistance for months, long after as the initial outpouring of aid dries up. In addition, some communities like Altadena and Pacific Palisades have lost their main grocery stores. Altadena lost three, as Aldi, Grocery Outlet and Super King all burned to the ground, so people there have to travel farther to get groceries. It can be challenging for those with disabilities or who may have lost their car or other transportation in the fires.
Alba Velasquez, executive director of the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, said the fire also has taken a toll on local agriculture.
"Many farmers in the impacted regions are dealing with destroyed crops, damaged infrastructure and loss of revenue," Velasquez noted. "Additionally, air quality issues caused by the fires can have a lasting impact on crops and livestock health."
Advocates said they will work to address the issues with policymakers as agencies begin distributing disaster aid.
