Solis Serves 3,000 Families at Food Distribution in Pomona

Federal government shutdown’s aftermath drives demand for emergency food assistance across First District.

Volunteers load boxes of produce, frozen chicken, dairy, and non-perishable goods into cars of residents.

POMONA, Calif. — Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, in partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, today hosted a large-scale drive-through food distribution at the Fairplex in Pomona, serving 3,000 families in need.

The event was organized in response to the recent federal government shutdown and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s suspension of SNAP/CalFresh food benefit funding, as well as the Trump administration’s refusal to comply with a court order directing the release of reserved SNAP funds. Although the shutdown has ended, its effects are still being felt across the region. Families received food boxes containing fruits, vegetables, dairy items and frozen chickens.

“Even though the shutdown has ended, the federal government’s delay in releasing food benefits has caused unimaginable stress and uncertainty for Los Angeles County families,” said Chair Pro Tem Solis. “The impacts are still being felt, and today’s distribution is one of many we’ll continue to host to help meet the needs of those we serve.”

Roughly 340,000 First District residents rely on SNAP benefits to help pay for groceries. In addition to emergency food assistance, attendees received information about local support services and County programs.

Solis has long championed efforts to address food insecurity across Los Angeles County. She supported a $10 million contract between the County and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to expand the Food Bank’s purchasing capacity for November and to establish additional pop-up and drive-through pantry sites.

She also allocated $1 million from her office’s discretionary funds to strengthen the Food Bank’s ability to serve local pantries and community-based organizations in the First District. Earlier this year, she provided $1 million to Resurrection Church in Boyle Heights to expand its long-standing pantry programs.

As a member of the L.A. Care Board of Governors, Solis approved $5.4 million in additional food relief efforts, including the distribution of grocery gift cards. She also championed a $10 million allocation from the County’s Care First, Community Investment fund to offset prior federal SNAP cuts and expand nutrition support programs.

Wednesday’s distribution marked the third food event held over the last two weeks in response to the shutdown, with more than 9,500 families served across the First District to date.