People Helping People
Each month, more than 9,300 hours are donated by volunteers from a broad range of backgrounds and income levels; all joining together to act as people helping people. Each person plays a vital role in meeting the mission of MEND.
Our Unique Characteristics
- 99% volunteer driven
- Privately funded - NO government
grants
- Low overhead costs (less than 5%)
- All public relations and fund raising
work done by volunteers
- Seeks to develop self-reliance
among recipients
- Staff is hired only when programs
grow too large for volunteers to
handle
MEND's Emergency Foodbank
is the largest of its kind in Los Angeles that provides direct
distribution to needy clients. Emergency food boxes are distributed
three mornings each week and alternate Saturday mornings at the MEND
Center, as well as four times per month from satellite operations.
More Informaton
Click
HERE to Stop Summer Hunger
Click HERE
for a list of participating Ralphs locations.
Web Design donated by:
The Center for Visual Communication
Emergency Food Program Delivers Above & Beyond!
Ernesto Pennington is 40 years
old,
a resident of Pacoima, and has been living with cancer for half of his
life. For Ernesto and his wife, Angelica, who is Ernesto's primary
caregiver, life wouldn't be the same without MEND's Emergency Food
Program. "I am disabled and have
cancer-related seizures, so it's really hard for my wife and me to get
around," Ernesto said. They rely on public transportation,
but because of his condition, it's not always an easy option.
A few months ago, Ernesto and his wife were recommended to MEND through
a social service agency. MEND has relieved them of a huge burden of not
only worrying about food, but also picking it up. Because of Ernesto's
conditions, MEND's Emergency Food Program
delivers a box of food bi-weekly, specially packed by food department
volunteers.
Read more about Ernesto and the MEND Food Program...