Long Beach Food Pantry Now Offers Diverse Options

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) - a leading provider of social services programs in Southern California – was one of 46 nonprofits to receive a community grant from LA Food Equity Fund. The two-year grant allows the nonprofit to spend $1000 month at local markets to bring fresh food to over 1000 individuals and families each month.

The grant funds will expand the nonprofit food pantry by seeking quality and diverse food from local sources which supports the local economy. Food sources include Cambodian grocer Kim Lon, the local farmers market along with resources to purchase gift cards to Northgate Market.

LSSSC Clinical Senior Director Daniel Brezenoff, LCSW said, “We’re extremely grateful for this grant that allows us to improve the quality and diversity of the food we offer; the expansion not only encourages healthy nutrition, it supports local businesses.”

The LA Food Equity Fund, managed by Community Partners, funded a total of $9.6 million in community grants to alleviate food insecurity and build a more resilient food system across Los Angeles County. A major funding sources was the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), guided by the Los Angeles Food Equity Roundtable Action Plan, to fund a wide array of local community groups to improve food access and affordability and greater resilience and sustainability within food supply chains

In addition to the Food Pantry program, Lutheran Social Services Long Beach/South Bay provides a comprehensive emergency assistance program tailored to individual need and engagement. Their goal is equipping clients with self-empowering tools and solution-based resources to assist in their road to independence.

Licensed in six counties, Lutheran Social Services provides local programs, case management and initiatives including ending homelessness, supporting victims of violence, feeding the hungry, supporting mental health recovery, connecting with seniors and mentoring youth.

For more information about Lutheran Social Services Southern California visit, www.lsssc.org or call (714) 685-1800.

About Lutheran Social Services of Southern California

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping the most vulnerable families and individuals in Southern California for 80 years. LSSSC is a social ministry organization with Lutheran Services of America, one of the largest health and human service networks in America. Partners and funders include the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, U.S. Departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services. LSSSC dates back to 1944 when a handful of congregants from Lutheran churches in San Diego began providing services and resources to veterans returning home. This group joined with like-minded congregants in Los Angeles and formed Lutheran Social Services in 1946. Today, LSSSC employs close to 200 caring and dedicated staff delivering more than 30 programs across six counties that embrace, equip and empower vulnerable individuals in Southern California.

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