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These are the stories of people who escaped dire circumstances and were given the opportunity to thrive.

By reaching out for help, the thousands of brave people our partner agencies serve undergo incredible transformations. They are able to escape homelessness and hunger, many while managing chronic or diet-related health conditions. Often, they achieve independent success. All along the way, the power of food is clear: to sustain, support, and nourish them like nothing else can.

Please note: all names and photos have been changed to protect privacy.

Yolanda’s Story

Yolanda has been visiting Westside Food Bank’s Free Mobile Markets weekly for the past year. As a retired senior, she is grateful to have a food pantry just down the street from her Santa Monica home. She’s happily lived there for the last 50 years, but due to rising costs, she says Social Security isn’t enough to cover her expenses.

Saida’s Story

Saida is a first-generation college student at Santa Monica College. Not only does she take classes, but she does this all while being the oldest daughter, the sole provider for her family of five, and having a disability. She says the Bodega Food Pantry at SMC has been essential to her success in school. Westside Food Bank provides 60% of the food provided there.

Rosario’s Story

Rosario has been visiting Westside Food Bank’s Virginia Avenue Mobile Pantry with her grandson for the past year. She’s originally from El Salvador and lost her job three years ago. She considers the food from the pantry a blessing, especially the fresh vegetables she receives every week.

Richard’s Story

After serving in the Army Band for two years during the Vietnam War, Richard came home, continuing his passion for playing his saxophone. Now, he plays his favorite genres of music at the Veterans Administration Campus and senior centers around LA county.

Maya’s Story

Maya worked as a maid to support her two children ages 2 and 6. She often found herself struggling to make ends meet, especially at the end of the month when rent was due. Sometimes she would even skip meals so that there would be enough food for her daughters and enough money to pay the rent. Eventually, even that was not enough.

Natalie’s Story

When the California fires of January 2025 first broke out, Natalie had to evacuate with her husband and their two children – a 10-year-old boy and an 11-month-old baby – from their home in Santa Monica.

Juana’s Story

Juana has been coming to Westside Food Bank’s Free Mobile Market in Virginia Avenue Park for about a month. She says it’s been extremely beneficial for her family, allowing her to bring fresh and organic produce home to her family of five.

Jay’s Story

During the Vietnam War, Jay served with the Marines—coming in close contact with Agent Orange. After fighting a battle with cancer and winning, Jay now serves his fellow veterans every week.

Gabriela’s Story

Gabriela started coming to Westside Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry in January. She comes every Friday to get food and says this saves money for other essential needs.

Dennis’ Story

After being homeless for a couple of years, he was injured in a hit-and-run accident, which left him sleeping in his wheelchair on the streets at night. While working with a local nonprofit to find his forever home, Dennis relies on several Westside Food Bank partner agencies to put food on his table.

Candy’s Story

When Candy found herself without an income to pay for things like rent, utilities, and groceries, she turned to Nourish LA, one of Westside Food Bank’s partner agencies while looking for a new place of employment.

Andrea and Sofia’s Story

When their father’s work started to drop, Andrea and Sofia, sisters with a 10-year age gap—Andrea is 18, and Sofia is 8—turned to Westside Food Bank’s free Mobile Markets to gather food for their family of six.