With the current federal government shutdown, we understand the uncertainty and challenges that many in our community are experiencing.

Whatever your difficulties, the City is committed to supporting you. We have developed this page to connect individuals and families with available resources. There are local assistance programs, food support, and community hotlines that may be accessed for help.

Here, you will find information on where you can find immediate support and temporary relief resources during this strenuous time.

Food Assistance 

City of Vernon
The City will be hosting its annual Fall Harvest in November. This year, the Vernon City Council approved an increased budget for the event. Grocery gift cards for Vernon households in the amount of $250 will be delivered to residents on November 17th. 

Additionally, on Tuesday, November 18th, at 6:30 pm, a community drive-thru distribution of 425 turkeys and $20 gift cards will take place at Vernon City Hall (4305 Santa Fe Ave.). All are welcome to participate, and vehicles will be accommodated on a first-come-first-served basis.

YMCA
All 29 of the YMCA’s service centers will serve as food distribution sites through their FeedLA programs. Depending on the location and program, you can stop by a Y center to pick up fresh produce, sign up for home deliveries, or bring your kids for a hot meal. FeedLA programs are available all month at Ys throughout the Los Angeles area.

For more information and confidential support, please call (323) 244-9077. To learn more about the FeedLA distribution schedule, visit YMCALA.org.

LA Regional Food Bank
LA County has a network of 940 food pantries in place across the County coordinated by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Food is available now and supplies will be increased for the month of November. For food assistance, you can search for a local food pantry by visiting the LA Food Bank website or call 2-1-1.

LAUSD
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) also has numerous resources. Please visit the LAUSD website to learn about various program offerings that include Food Assistance and the Student and Family Wellness Resource Line. Please see flyer with detailed information.

Specialized Food Programs

• LA County Parks & Recreation has food programs for youth, teens, and seniors. To learn more, visit the LA County Parks & Recreation website.
• Senior citizens over the age of 60 may be eligible for a free meal at local senior centers. For more information, call (800) 510-2020.
• The US Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program from Women, Infants and Children (WIC) agencies in California are currently operational. Government employees who are furloughed or working without pay may qualify for WIC, and are encouraged to apply and get WIC to help with grocery costs, even if it’s only temporary.
  • Applying for WIC is simple and can be done 100% by phone. Apply at www.startwic.org or text “APPLY” to 91997. To find a WIC location, along with days and hours of operation, visit the WIC website.

Other Assistance

For assistance in other areas, residents can visit: 211la.org or call 2-1-1. Please see below for additional useful information provided by LA County.