Thousands of cars wrapped around Long Beach City College’s campus on Friday morning, Nov. 21, waiting to receive boxes of groceries – thanks to a partnership between the city, county and food bank.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn in partnership with Mayor Rex Richardson, hosted a large-scale grocery distribution event at LBCC’s Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank provided food for the event, which was a response to the government shutdown and cuts to SNAP food benefits that continue to impact people, officials said.
“People have been feeling anxious and fearful about what their future is, in terms of food security,” Hahn said in an interview. “Food is such a basic right and need for human beings.”
Hahn’s Fourth District alone is home to 280,000 people who depend on CalFresh benefits, which includes several Long Beach residents, according to a press release. Long Beach’s event was expected to provide groceries to more than 4,000 households in the city and surrounding communities.
“I’m happy that people feel safe to come here, and I hope they don’t in any way feel embarrassed or ashamed about their situation, because it’s across the country right now, people are struggling,” Hahn said. “Everybody’s kind of in this struggle together, and I’m just pleased that people are here today and that we’re able to give them food and support.”
Fatima Guzman helps direct traffic during the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s free food distribution event at LBCC’s Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Mayor Rex Richardson distributes provisions including whole frozen chickens during the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s free food distribution event at LBCC’s Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
James T. Smith smiles after receiving food essentials during the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s free food distribution event at LBCC’s Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
From left, Councilwoman Megan Kerr and Supervisor Janice Hahn embrace during the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s free food distribution event at LBCC’s Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Loretta Rose volunteers during the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s free food distribution event at LBCC’s Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Supervisor Janice Hahn helps distribute provisions during the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s free food distribution event at LBCC’s Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Volunteer Bryan Gonzalez directs traffic during the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s free food distribution event at LBCC’s Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Volunteers help distribute food essentials during the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s free food distribution event at LBCC’s Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Joseph Moore Raygoza distributes frozen whole chickens during the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s free food distribution event at LBCC’s Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
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Fatima Guzman helps direct traffic during the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s free food distribution event at LBCC’s Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
This was the third of four food giveaways that Hahn has held in her district this month. Both previous events, at Pico Rivera Sports Arena and L.A. Harbor College in Wilmington, served approximately 2,500 families, officials said. The fourth giveaway will be held at the Fedde Sports Complex in Hawaiian Gardens on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
Distribution of groceries in Long Beach began at 9 a.m., but people began lining up as early as 6:30 a.m., Hahn said.
Hundreds of volunteers were set up at different stations in the stadium’s parking lot, helping control traffic and put groceries into people’s cars. A DJ played music, creating an energetic atmosphere for the food distribution.
Long Beach resident Vanessa Grant said she attended the event to help pick up groceries for her sister’s family.
“She has a big family and she doesn’t have a car, so I came to pick up the items for her,” Grant said. “I think this is wonderful, it’s good to help people. This is really going to help my sister’s family. We appreciate it so much.”
Members of LBCC’s board of trustees, such as Vivian Malauulu, Ennette Morton and board president Uduak-Joe Ntuk, and LBCC students were volunteering at the food distribution as well.
“Long Beach City College is everyone’s campus, and we’re proud to host,” Ntuk said. “We’re hoping that it alleviates some of the pain and suffering folks have and also makes sure our students get the food that they need.”
The box of groceries that people received included both fresh and non-perishable items, including oatmeal, rice, canned goods, beans, vegetables, fruit, pasta sauce, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt and a frozen chicken.
Hahn helped load some groceries for residents. She was joined by Richardson and Long Beach Councilmembers Megan Kerr and Tunua Thrash-Ntuk in volunteering on Friday. City leaders shared the sentiment that there is still a great need in the community, especially after the government shutdown, benefit reductions, and grocery prices continuing to remain high, as well as recent ICE raids in the city.
“Today, we see a lot of need, but it feels good to see our city commissioners, nonprofits, college students, public service corps fellows, and the food bank volunteers, all here together helping serve the community right before Thanksgiving,” Richardson said. “We’re going to do everything we can to make sure our Long Beach families have what they need to thrive.”
People expressed their gratitude to volunteers and city leaders with a wave or a smile as they drove away with their groceries.
“It feels good, it feels like they really care about us,” said Long Beach resident Jose Ayala, “especially right now when many of us are going through tough times.”