The Los Angeles Dodgers, L.A. Dodgers Foundation (LADF) and Salvation Army distributed food boxes with the equivalent of 40,000 meals to 2,000 families at Dodger Stadium as part of the organization’s continued relief efforts during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The food boxes contained non-perishable groceries, canned goods, a Smart & Final gift card and hygiene items such as hand sanitizer and cleansing wipes. The LADF, Up2Us L.A. Field Champions, SoCal Honda Dealers AND Salvation Army employees were on hand to help with the drive-through distribution.
The Dodgers and LADF partnered with Congressmember Jimmy Gomez, California State Senator Maria Elena Durazo, California State Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, L.A. City Councilmember Gil Cedillo and L.A. City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell to pre-select the families from local nonprofit organizations..
“Food insecurity has been a major challenge for so many families during this pandemic, and we know these boxes of essential food items and gift cards will have a great impact in providing 40,000 meals for our community,” Dodgers vice president of external affairs and community relations Naomi Rodriguez said.
“Community service is at the heart of the Dodger organization, and we’re committed to continuing our relief efforts and working in concert with our local leaders to help fill the needs of our community during these tough times.”
L.A. Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol Whiteman added: “Over 80% of our Dodgers RBI families qualify for free and reduced lunch. Today is one of the many ways LADF is working to address food insecurity for our families during this pandemic.
“We are doing our best to listen to our families and nonprofit partners and will continue our efforts to distribute food boxes, books and educational resources, hygiene supplies, toys, and more to help meet their needs and support the communities we serve.”
Since announcing the start of coronavirus relief efforts in April, the Dodgers and LADF have provided more than 145,000 meals to the most vulnerable Angelenos and more than $177,000 worth of food, water, hygiene necessities, gift cards and team memorabilia to community organizations.
The Dodgers have also provided grants to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, My Friend’s Place, the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, and Brotherhood Crusade. Additional grants will be provided to organizations that address homelessness, basic needs and food insecurity.
As the Dodgers and LADF continue to give back to the community, Dodger Stadium currently is serving as the state’s largest coronavirus testing site with a capacity of 6,000.
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