Food Distribution Centers Overwhelmed as Families Struggle Amid SNAP Uncertainty and Rising Demand

“Here, if we don’t mobilize, we won’t solve the problems. Ysabel, we are still waiting for your help,” is the message I would convey to politicians, says Vanny Arias.

“Me too. I need more donations; there aren’t enough supplies,” says another.

“People aren’t coming to get food at the distribution centers; they’re afraid,” says another organizer.

It seems like a catastrophic scenario—and it is.

“I have a list of 450 families to whom we provide food twice a month. The demand keeps growing; I receive more calls every day, and we can’t keep up,” says Vanny Arias, director of NELA Food Distribution.

As a result of this demand, Arias has had to create a waiting list of more than 100 families struggling to obtain food during this crisis caused by the start of immigration raids and other policies implemented by President Donald Trump.

“I have people who have had to move to other cities and still rely on our help,” she adds. “However, D14 Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado has yet to provide the aid she promised. I’ve received emails saying they were committed, that they would provide the aid, and here we are, still waiting.”

Terry "El Terrible" Cortez, the number-one Spanish-language radio host in Los Angeles, shares the same experience.

During his show on La Raza 97.9 FM, Terry has always been known for organizing community aid. Now, with “Despensatón,” he goes into neighborhoods to distribute food to those in need.

“The situation is very difficult. Every day it gets worse. We’re struggling to get more donations, but we’re doing what we can — Los Angeles needs more.”

Food distribution centers are on alert for the possible cancellation of SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown. State officials have already announced a delay in funding for the CalFresh program for November. Thousands of Californians could be affected.

Margaret Irwin, an activist who works with the elderly, has warned that this situation could be deadly.

“The situation for the elderly community is critical. If we add to this the possibility that they may not receive SNAP funds and that their Social Security checks are not enough, we don’t expect anything good. The community must be on alert and help neighbors in need,” she adds.

Many organizations throughout Los Angeles County have been posting various events on social media for the weekend as a response to this shutdown.

The World Harvest Food Bank has already warned about the crisis and the consequences being felt in communities and has issued a call to help those most in need.

“Grocery prices are at historic highs, and with SNAP benefits at risk, more families are struggling to keep food on the table. At World Harvest, our Cart with a Heart program makes fresh groceries accessible for everyone—no barriers, no judgment.

$50 fills a family’s fridge with a full cart of fresh, healthy, assorted groceries (a $300+ value at the store).

Here’s how you can help:

• Need support? Visit us and take home a full cart.
• Want to give back? Donate $50 to fill another family’s fridge.
• SHARE with someone who can benefit from our resources. Together, we’re proving that community care feeds us all.”

The need for greater donations has even reached the booths of the top Spanish radio host, Terry “El Terrible” Cortez, on 97.9 La Raza.

“The demand is so high that we are requesting them too,” says Terry, who holds donation events every week in different parts of the city.

“Here, if we don’t mobilize, we won’t solve the problems. Ysabel, we are still waiting for your help,” is the message I would convey to politicians, says Vanny.