In celebration of OBKLA’s 5th birthday Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles (OBKLA) brought together 30 teenagers from 13 LA schools and set a world record: 589 meals and 633 cookies prepared and packaged in 1:09:32. Full Story
In celebration of OBKLA’s 5th birthday just before the start of the new year, Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles (OBKLA) brought together 30 teenagers from 13 LA schools and set a world record: 589 meals and 633 cookies prepared and packaged in 1:09:32. Youth volunteers cooked, packed, and meals for Angelenos experiencing hunger.
Food insecurity continues to rise both locally and nationally. In Los Angeles County, nearly 1 in 4 residents struggles with food insecurity. Nationwide, 44 million people face hunger — including more than 13 million children.
For teenagers, the impact of hunger is particularly devastating. Poor nutrition and the stress of food insecurity can harm physical and mental health, derail academic success, and even lead to difficult choices like skipping meals so siblings can eat. Adolescent food insecurity is often hidden by stigma and shame, but its toll is profound.
This initiative doesn’t just fight hunger — it empowers the very generation most affected by it. Teens are stepping forward to help other teens, proving that those who experience food insecurity can also lead in addressing it.
“Teenagers today are looking for hands-on, in-person opportunities to contribute and connect — especially when it comes to helping peers impacted by hunger,” said Yossi Segelman, Executive Director of OBKLA. “In a world dominated by screens, events like this allow young people to experience the power of community, teamwork, and service. We see many teens return to OBKLA again and again, because the experience benefits them just as much as those who receive the meals.”
Meals prepared during the event will be donated to organizations across Los Angeles — many of which directly serve teens and their families.
