Actress Marlee Matlin has teamed up with the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank to fight hunger in our city
ONE IN EIGHT Los Angeles County residents is at risk of going hungry. When I was made aware of that statistic earlier this year, I was immediately taken aback. How could so many people in my own backyard be in dire need of food while others live so lavishly? As our country and city continue to face economic turmoil and with joblessness on the rise, I knew I had to do something to draw attention to this growing crisis.
After connecting with CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank Michael Flood and his hard-working team—who dedicate countless hours to eradicating hunger in Los Angeles County—I learned much more about our community’s escalating problem. The numbers were mind-blowing. Last year the Foodbank distributed more than 42 million pounds of food to pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and programs serving low-income children, families, seniors and other individuals in need. Furthermore, there was a 35 percent increase in demand from people seeking aid from local food pantries in the first quarter of 2009 alone, and that number is expected to rise dramatically by year’s end.
In June my daughter Sara and I spent an afternoon at the Foodbank. While on site, we were given the opportunity to package food for senior citizens in need. It was an immensely rewarding experience and one we will never forget. I have since become a member of the Foodbank’s Entertainment Council, a newly established group of influencers whose goal is to encourage others in the entertainment industry to donate their time, money and talent in support of the Foodbank’s efforts.
As we near the holidays, the Foodbank’s Season for Sharing programs make it easy for people to lend their support. Let’s make this special time of year even more special—not just for us and the people in our own lives, but for the countless families, children and senior citizens who do not have the money for a warm, nourishing meal. Visit lafightshunger.org
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