“On behalf of all of us at Westside Food Bank, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous support in response to the devastating January 2025 Palisades fires. The [grants] we received [from BBF] enabled us to act swiftly and compassionately during a time of profound need and to sustain that response in the months that followed. Thanks to this support, Westside Food Bank distributed record amounts of nutritious food to fire-affected communities, launched monthly emergency resource fairs, and expanded our reach to families still struggling with displacement, job loss, and rising living costs. The enclosed Fire Relief Impact Report outlines the scale of our collective impact and shares stories of the real people whose lives have been touched by your generosity. From workers who lost jobs in burned homes and businesses, to families now housing displaced relatives, to students and community members stepping up as volunteers, your contributions have helped provide not just food, but hope. We know the road to recovery is long.”

-Genevieve Riutort President and CEO, Westside Food Bank

In the wake of the January 2025 Palisades Fire, Westside Food Bank (WSFB) has played a central role in ensuring families across West Los Angeles did not go hungry. With help from BBF through two grants and shipments of hygiene kits and cleanup supplies, Westside Food Bank (WSFB) expanded its capacity to meet urgent community needs after the Palisades Fire.

Following the fire, WSFB experienced a 30% surge in visits to its mobile food markets and partner pantries. Families facing job loss, displacement, and food insecurity turned to WSFB for urgent support. BBF’s grants enabled the food bank to scale up operations quickly, expand distribution, and mobilize hundreds of volunteers to meet the increased need.

With emergency funding in place, WSFB launched a broad relief initiative that included monthly resource fairs distributing food, ready-to-eat meal boxes, hygiene items, diapers, and baby supplies. These events also connected families with on-site service providers for CalFresh enrollment, job placement support, and trauma-informed care. Donated supplies and additional equipment—such as rented trucks and forklifts—helped the food bank manage unprecedented distribution levels.

Between January and June 2025, WSFB distributed 2.8 million pounds of food, nearly 30% more than the previous year. By the end of its fiscal year, the food bank had delivered a record 5.2 million pounds, serving thousands of households across five weekly mobile markets and through a network of 60 partner agencies.

Monthly emergency fairs, hosted in collaboration with local officials and community organizations, continue to provide comprehensive aid to fire-affected residents. These gatherings not only supply essential food but also bring together partners like Habitat LA, Hunger Action LA, and Nourish LA to offer wraparound support.

WSFB emphasized that recovery from the Palisades Fire extends far beyond the initial disaster response. The food bank has stepped in to support households no longer covered by other relief contracts and anticipates higher costs as it continues long-term community distributions. Through all stages, BBF’s support has helped WSFB remain a trusted source of relief and stability for families rebuilding their lives.

“Your generosity has been the backbone of our work this year — through every day hunger relief and in the face of disaster. Every meal shared, every pantry stocked, and every child nourished is because you chose to act. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Westside.”