No One Left Behind: Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank Helps Feed Southern California

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At Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank, everyone in need is welcome. Always.

Every week, in neighborhoods across Southern California, families line up not for luxuries—but for the basics: rice, beans, fresh produce, bread, and pantry staples. Some are seniors living on fixed incomes. Others are parents working multiple jobs just to get by. Many are facing temporary hardship or struggling with long-term food insecurity.

At Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank, we believe no one should ever have to wonder where their next meal will come from. That’s why our doors—and hearts—are open to anyone in need. No one is turned away.

Fighting Hunger, One Bag at a Time

Hunger doesn’t discriminate. It affects people from all walks of life—young and old, employed and unemployed, housed and unhoused. Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank proudly serves individuals and families from across Los Angeles County and the greater Southern California region.

Whether someone visits us once or becomes a regular face, we provide bags of nourishing food designed to support a balanced diet. Our team and volunteers work hard to distribute everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to canned goods, pasta, grains, dairy, and protein.

Each distribution is a lifeline. A moment of relief. And a reminder that the community still cares.

A Simple Mission: Feed the Hungry

Founded on compassion and driven by action, our mission has always been simple: feed the hungry. No red tape. No long forms. No judgment.

We recognize that food insecurity can strike at any time. Layoffs, medical emergencies, rising rents—life happens. That’s why we make it easy for people to get the help they need when they need it most.

We don’t ask for income verification. We don’t turn people away because of zip code or background. If you need food, we’re here for you.

Powered by Community, Supported by Donations

Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank is only able to do this work because of generous donors, local partners, and dedicated volunteers who believe in giving back. Every dollar donated and every can of food collected helps fill a table, a pantry, a child’s lunchbox.

If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in your community, consider:

• Donating funds to support food purchases

• Hosting a food drive at your workplace, church, or school

• Volunteering at one of our distribution events

• Spreading the word to others in need

Your support goes directly toward helping real families facing real hunger.

Serving with Dignity and Hope

We don’t just hand out food—we hand out hope. Each bag or box represents dignity, care, and a belief that everyone deserves to eat. We treat every individual who walks through our doors with kindness and respect.

In these challenging times, Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank remains a beacon of stability for so many in Southern California. And as long as there’s need, we will be here.

Need Help? Come See UsIf you or someone you know is struggling to put food on the table, we’re here to help—no questions asked. You are not alone.

About Us

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Who We Are… The Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to serving the community and changing lives by helping people help themselves.  During challenging times when providing the essentials becomes difficult, the Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank provides hope to many families through its nourishment program, and self-enrichment workshops. The success of the Hawaiian Garden Food Bank depends on the cooperative effort between the Irving I. Moskowitz Foundation who contributes 60% towards the purchase of fresh food and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank who donates the other 40% of USDA commodities in food to be distributed to low-income families in need.

Mission: To provide food and other resources to families in need. To accomplish our mission to end hunger we will:

  •  Solicit surplus food from distributors and distribute it to families in need
  •  Form strong partnerships with local grocery stores, produce distributors, and other   non-profit organizations.
  •  Find additional resources to fight hunger
  •  Raise hunger awareness and increase community outreach
  • Provide additional resources and services for families in need

As a result of the recession, the number of Americans who lack food has peaked to its all-time highest. As the country begins to move out of the recession, there is still millions of Americans struggling to provide food and other basic needs for their families.

The Moskowitz Foundation is the primary supporter of the initiative to end hunger in our community, founder Dr. Moskowitz says, “I remember growing up hungry, but I cannot sit idly by and watch children in our community grow up without food to eat.”  His humanitarian beliefs drive this initiative to provide food, as well as educational workshops, computer classes and other self-enrichment programs for families in need.

What We Do… As part of the initiative to end hunger the Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank currently serves over 1,000 families (approximately 2,500 individuals) on a monthly basis.  The goal of the organization is to provide families in need with nutritious food as well as resources and programs that will help people get back on their feet. In conjunction with the Irving I. Moskowitz Foundation, the Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank organizes and coordinates all programs and services offered to the community. The Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank is intended for the residents in Hawaiian Gardens; however, we help anyone in need by distributing USDA commodities.

The Irving I. Moskowitz Foundation has distributed:

  • Year to date since 1995 over $20,000.000 worth of food to those in need
  • 479,692 pounds of food distributed in 2024

The Irving I. Moskowitz Foundation also pays all operating expenses for the Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank. Each Food Bank recipient receives a variety of produce, grains, canned goods, juice, tortillas, and bread. In accordance with the organization’s mission no resident in need of Hawaiian Gardens is turned away.  The organization is fully committed to provide assistance to as many families in need as possible.  In addition to nourishments, all registered recipients are eligible to also receive bi-weekly vouchers for use at the local grocery store.