Community Nourishment Programs
MEND’s Community Nourishment Programs (CNP) feed hundreds of thousands of food-insecure people per year through a Food Pantry (direct distribution), Food Bank (distribution to partners), Buen Provecho farmers market (self-selection of fresh fruit/vegetables) and Little Health Market (food options for people with chronic health conditions). In 2021, this combination of food services put almost 4.0 million lbs. of food in the hands & homes of poor Angelenos, translating to 3.1 million nutritious meals. Those using our food services are low-income families with children, indigent seniors and people who are homeless.
Because of the extra stresses the pandemic has put on vulnerable people in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, the number of people seeking crisis supports, including food services, has doubled and at times quadrupled. Underemployment and rising prices are to blame; adding to the challenges of people who are already struggling. To give you a sense of who we serve: In a survey in 2021, 40% of our clients shared that without MEND’s food services they would either go without food or would not know what to do.
This is unacceptable – and we believe that you agree.
MEND’s CNP thus strives to reach as many people as possible who need food throughout the San Fernando Valley and beyond, by partnering with dozens of faith- and community-based food pantries.
3,083,090
Healthy Meals
4.0 MILLION
Pounds of food
297,550
People Benefited
Join us for the upcoming Buen Provecho Farmers Market on
October 15th from 9-11am!
Emergency Food Pantry
Direct distribution of food to everyone in need.
Tuesdays & Fridays, one Saturday a month.
Frequency: Weekly, based on need.
Target Population
Individuals and families who are homeless, in transitional housing, at-risk of homelessness or financially vulnerable.
Food Bank
Distribution to satellite faith- and community-based food pantries across Los Angeles.
Service Days: Tuesdays - Fridays and alternating Saturdays.
Target Population
Low-income individuals and families served by partner organizations.
Buen Provecho
Access to fresh fruits and vegetables through a “farmers market” model. The goal is to offer individuals and families more choices.
Frequency: Once a month.
Target Population
Individuals and families who are homeless, in transitional housing, at-risk of homelessness or financially vulnerable.
Little Health Market
Managed under Here We Thrive, the Little Health Market provides food options for those enrolled in Pathways to Wellness to encourage consumption of healthy grains, nuts, oils, and low sodium foods.
Eligibility through Pathways to Wellness.
MEND STORIES
Rosa
She came to the Family Support Program after she had increased her visits to the Foodbank. In meeting with Rosa and her family, we learned that her husband, the sole provider of the family, had tragically passed away. Rosa felt lost and didn’t know how to support her 3 children. We helped her create a plan to regain control, and she prioritized getting a job to support her family.
She was nervous to start her job search but we showed her the ropes and were there with guidance and encouragement whenever she needed it. Rosa has since found a job, and she loves it! Because of the increased income, Rosa no longer needs to visit the MEND Foodbank. She is especially proud about this. “This is the first time in a long time that my family hasn’t needed the MEND Foodbank,” she says, beaming. We too are proud of her accomplishment.
Karla
Karla and her young family are one of many San Fernando Valley families that have relied on MEND for food assistance in the last year. She never has to worry about keeping her family fed thanks to the fresh produce and essentials that she receives from the food bank.
The stress of paying rent and utilities remains a constant, and sometimes keeps Karla up at night, which makes her thankful not to worry about food. She shares, “I have no idea what I would have done if MEND did not exist. I am so grateful for MEND and the people who support MEND.”