top of page
Search

Standing Together Against Hunger: How Physicians and Healthcare Leaders Can Help Amid the Federal Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown continues, more than 1.5 million Los Angeles County residents are at risk of losing access to CalFresh food benefits. With the U.S. Department of Agriculture pausing funding to states, many households that rely on monthly food assistance are now facing uncertainty about how they will afford groceries.


The loss or delay of CalFresh benefits has created a ripple effect across Los Angeles County. Local food pantries, faith-based organizations, and community food banks are working around the clock to fill the gap — but the need is rapidly outpacing available resources.


County leaders, health plans, and nonprofit partners have stepped forward to coordinate a regional response, strengthen the local food assistance network, and ensure that no one goes hungry during this challenging time.



The LACMA Community Mobilizes

Physicians see every day how social and economic instability affects health. At a time when patients may be forced to choose between food and medicine, LACMA encourages our physician community to lead with compassion — through donations, advocacy, and community connection.


“This crisis has shown how interconnected we all are. LACMA is working to link physicians with food banks and County-led efforts to make sure families get the support they need. If you are a physician seeking opportunities to help, please feel free to contact me. When we combine the strength of medicine with the spirit of service, we create hope—and health—for our community.” said Gustavo Friederichsen, CEO, LACMA. "Now is a time to come together as a medical community and show that caring for health extends beyond the walls of our practices. Together, we can ensure that every Angeleno has access to something as fundamental as food."


How You Can Help

Physicians and healthcare organizations play a unique role in both advocacy and direct community support. Here are ways to help right now:


County and Community Response

Los Angeles County and its partners have mobilized to expand access to food and strengthen community resources across the region:


  • $10 million from the County’s Care First, Community Investment fund has been directed to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to expand food purchasing capacity and open new pop-up and drive-through distribution sites.

  • L.A. Care Health Plan has committed $5.4 million to provide grocery gift cards and distribute fresh food through partners such as the YMCA and Food Forward®.

  • Additional County departments — including Public Social Services, Children and Family Services, Parks and Recreation, and Mental Health — have reallocated funding and launched temporary food programs to meet immediate needs.


“Our County is coming together to make sure no one goes hungry,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “From new funding for local food banks to partnerships with organizations like L.A. Care, we’re mobilizing every available resource to help residents have access to the food and support they need.”



Coming Together for Los Angeles

This moment calls for collaboration and compassion. LACMA members have always been at the forefront of community leadership — advocating for patients, supporting colleagues, and responding to the needs of Los Angeles County with purpose and care.


By working with local partners, contributing to food banks, and sharing information with those in need, we can help ensure that no family in Los Angeles goes hungry.

Comments

bottom of page