Port Sponsors Feb. 20 Food Distribution
Drive-through giveaway anticipated to draw 2,000 families
Families affected by the prolonged economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to pick up a week’s worth of groceries during a food distribution event sponsored by the Port of Long Beach, Labor Community Services and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
The drive-through food distribution event in the Harbor District is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 1650 W. Ninth St. in West Long Beach. Early arrival is advised and no walk-ups will be permitted.
“Too many families within our community are struggling to put food on the table as the COVID-19 pandemic continues with unprecedented effects,” said Mario Cordero, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach. “We hope this event will help to bridge the gap and we look forward to working with our labor, industry and community partners by assisting in any way we can.”
The event is being held to address an increasing lack of access to food caused by economic insecurity amid the pandemic, job losses and the closure of schools and daycare centers, where many children are able to receive nutritious meals.
“Access to healthy food options is unattainable for far too many people, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission Vice President Steven Neal. “We are honored to respond to this need by feeding our neighbors with help from Labor Community Services and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.”
The event is anticipated to assist roughly 2,000 families with up to 50 pounds each of grocery products such as shelf-stable food, fresh produce and protein items.
Due to health and safety protocols, participants are asked to wear face masks and stay in their vehicles as volunteers place the boxed groceries in car trunks and truck beds.
“The need for food assistance has risen dramatically amid the pandemic, and part of our response has been to convert our Mobile Food Pantry distributions into large drive-through distributions,” said Michael Flood, President and CEO of the L.A. Regional Food Bank. “These distributions greatly benefit from partners like the Port of Long Beach.”
“Our region’s port workers have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and we’re committed to helping our brothers and sisters get through these rough times, together as a community,” said Armando Olivas, Executive Director of Labor Community Services. “We must support our essential services workers and ensure that their families do not go hungry at night.”
For more information on how to donate to the event or receive assistance, please visit LAFoodBank.org or lcs-la.org.
The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a gateway for trans-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. With 175 shipping lines connecting Long Beach to 217 seaports, the Port handles $170 billion in trade annually, supporting more than 575,000 Southern California jobs.
