Feeding the Bell Community
Providing relief for low-income families through Grab & Go Food Centers
In times of crisis, people depend on their government and community to provide relief. Right now as the Coronavirus pandemic continues to spread and cause panic, the people need help more than ever.
With empty store shelves, the closures of schools and businesses, and the Safer At Home order issued by the mayor of Los Angeles County, the lives of millions of people have drastically changed. Low-income families have especially been affected, as the loss of jobs makes it difficult to make ends meet.
“As of right now, it is hard to know how many families exactly have been affected financially in the City of Bell other than the seniors and residents with disabilities who have requested food assistance and wellness checks,” says the mayor of Bell, Ali Saleh. “What the City continues to examine is the overall statistics for unemployment for Los Angeles County, which is at 6.3% as of March 2020 according to the State of California Employment Development Department.”
Local leaders have rushed to assist the public as they struggle to adapt to this new way of living and they have done an excellent job in responding to people’s needs.
Two days after the closure of schools on March 16, Los Angeles Unified School District opened 20 Grab & Go Food centers where students can pick up two meals Monday through Friday. Now, there are over 60 centers providing students with meals according to the LAUSD website.
Also, the city of Bell partnered with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to host a drive-thru food distribution on April 16 and May 12.
“Residents have shown great care for their neighbors by calling the Community Services Hotline or reaching out on the City’s social media platforms and referring seniors and residents with disabilities to receive meals and groceries,” says Mayor Ali Saleh. “Residents can continue to do their part for their community by adhering to the “Safer at Home” orders and maintaining safe social distancing practices.”
Along with providing meals for families, evictions and utility shut offs have been prohibited in the city of Los Angeles.
Through these efforts, and many more, our community will get through this crisis. We are better when we work together.
Lizeth • May 17, 2022 at 10:06 am
The containment measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have drastically impacted the essential flow of food. With the food prices getting high most residents in my community aren’t able to afford products. The Los Angeles Unified school district is now giving away these food supplies for families in need. It builds trust among people sharing the same food. Eating local, seasonal produce is not only better tasting, because it’s fresh. I think by providing food in this community it brings us all together. JONASSON period-4
Janelle Espana, Mrs. Jonasson, Per. 1 • May 17, 2022 at 9:13 am The Bell Chimes Pick
What Bell did for their community is heartwarming. When COVID hit, a lot of people were affected by it, especially income wise. By Bell hosting centers to provide food for those in need, it gives people hope that they can get through it. Not everyone is fortunate enough to still have income coming in while not being employed. A lot of families got to have meals which they didn’t have before. Not just with COVID affecting people’s life, this is what some families face everyday with no food or shelter. Just giving back to people can make their day a lot better. Giving back should never be an issue if you are blessed everyday.
Lizeth • May 16, 2022 at 6:23 pm
The containment measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have drastically impacted the essential flow of food. With the food prices getting high most residents in my community aren’t able to afford products. The Los Angeles Unified school district is now giving away these food supplies for families in need. It builds trust among people sharing the same food. Eating local, seasonal produce is not only better tasting, because it’s fresh. I think by providing food in this community it brings us all together. JONASSON period-4