September brought LASA together to consider food insecurity in LA and Angelenos responses. We worked at shift at the LA Food Bank, sorting (huge) potatoes and onions. Collectively with the other volunteers, we helped 58,000 pounds of vegetables reached people across the county. LASA students shared their reflection:

“People all around LA don’t have enough food, and what the people at the food bank are doing is one of the most powerful and selfless things people can do. However, with such a powerful job comes many measures you must take, as you must keep the city safe. If they contaminate the food, it could lead to many people without access to healthcare becoming ill, which could ruin the lives of many individuals. Additionally, knowing the impact that volunteers have on a food bank makes me want to return. Seeing how productive and efficient the work line was, I realized that I could make a significant impact on our city, even with a slight change. I’m excited to see the future impact of the food bank, and I’m eager to return with more people to make a difference in our city and help those in need. ” -Noah

“After visiting the LA Food Bank, I realized just how little I knew about how to combat food insecurity in Los Angeles. Even the images I had of Food Banks were faulty. I now recognize the essential process of weeding out the good and bad produce so that every person coming to the LA Food Bank receives the very best. The privilege of being in the center of the action and getting the opportunity to speak to the workers who make this process a reality is not lost on me. So many families find solace in the work of the LA Food Bank and I am grateful to have been able to help. Although the effort was tiring, the impact it made encourages me to go back and volunteer again. ” -Madalyn

“Going to the Los Angeles Food Bank, my perspective on food banks and donations shifted drastically. Before going, I wasn’t fully aware of the massive scope and operations that a food bank could have, thinking that they mostly dealt with canned goods and premade meals. As I sorted the thousands of pounds of onions and tomatoes, I learned that there are many pieces that aid in the issue of food insecurity, from the farms that are selling the produce, the volunteers, the donors, and everything in between. Overall, this experience has changed my perspective on the food donation industry and food banks in general.” -Remick

“After visiting the LA Food Bank, I have come to understand how they provide essential support by alleviating food insecurity. They not only distribute millions of pounds of food each year to families, seniors, and individuals in need, but also partner with schools, shelters, and local organizations to ensure that resources reach the most vulnerable communities. The LA Food Bank addresses more than just hunger; it reduces the stress and instability that food insecurity brings, allowing people the ability to focus on work, education, and their overall well-being. The efforts of longstanding volunteers show how critical community-driven initiatives are in tackling poverty and ensuring that everyone has access to basic necessities. Thank you for this volunteer opportunity!” -Ellen

“I found it really interesting to go to the LA Regional Food Bank and help package food. Although I have volunteered at food banks before, I have never volunteered at one as large as the LA Regional Food Bank. I was really interested to find out that the food bank gets donations from places in California that are relatively far from LA, and am curious to find out more in the future about the process for the bank getting donations, as well as the process for the food bank establishing and growing partnerships in order to expand its services. I really valued the opportunity to help, and was happy to hear about the large number of products that we had collectively packaged. Going forward, I hope to go volunteer at the food bank again, or at a different food bank.” -Julia

“Going to the Los Angeles Food Bank was an experience that I had always wanted to have but wasn’t sure how to get there. Prior to my visit to this Food Bank, I knew that I was interested in volunteering in providing the food being distributed across the community. I have always felt an enthusiasm towards volunteer work in Food Banks, however, I had no real idea of how to take a step into volunteering in a Food Bank because I wasn’t sure if I was allowed to simply enter and get to work, or sign up for it. This experience was entirely fulfilling a dream I have had since my childhood, and now that I understand the inner workings of what goes on in the warehouses, I will be going again to volunteer to help my community! I enjoyed being able to help my community with others who came there with the same ambition to do so. Thank you for letting me come to this trip!” -Angella

“Volunteering at the LA Food Bank was a deeply rewarding and eye-opening experience. I was able to witness the food insecurity in our city which is a reality that affects nearly a million individuals in our community. Through the acts of sorting and packaging produce, I felt much more connected to my community, and I was so grateful to be a small part in helping those in need and affected by food insecurity. This experience shed light on just how many people don’t receive adequate amounts of food in our city and the disparity in recourses that affects so many.” -Kenzie

“The Food Bank work will always resonate with me because it was my first time ever working an assembly line. While the work itself (sorting out rotten onions and potatoes) was not especially difficult, it gave me a new perspective on the many different jobs that make up Los Angeles. It also made me think about the hidden effort behind something as simple as food distribution. I had never realized how much labor goes into ensuring that people receive fresh food or how important it is that someone is willing to do even the smallest tasks to make the system run. Also seeing the amounts of food that had to be discarded gave me a perspective of how much of our food can actually be consumed (when it comes to metrics). Additionally, the teamwork that went into the assembly line reminded me of how interconnected people are, showing how even a small contribution can have a large impact when everyone is working toward the same goal.” -Maximus

Thank you to all those at the Food Bank who helped us with our visit, our LASA teachers, and all the students for their labor for others.