In late October, just as critical cuts to SNAP benefits threatened to impact 42 million Americans, Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) joined with nonprofit leaders, community organizers, and City of Pasadena officials to confront a growing crisis: food insecurity.
Across Los Angeles County, families, seniors, and veterans are facing a widening gap in access to nutritious food. Nearly one million households have been affected by recent disruptions to SNAP, and here in the Greater Pasadena area, an estimated 17,000 residents are experiencing hunger. Despite emergency funding and generous community donations, local food banks continue to report overwhelming demand and dwindling supplies.
At PCF, we believe that no one in our community should go hungry. We launched our Food Security Grant Program in 2022 to stand alongside the organizations that are on the front lines of this crisis. Our annual Food Security Grants support food pantries and distribution centers that are deeply rooted in the neighborhoods they serve, offering not just food, but dignity, cultural relevance, and a sense of belonging.
This year, we are proud to support 12 nonprofit and faith-based partners whose tireless work ensures that shelves are stocked and doors remain open:
“On Day 1 of Dinner in the Park this week, the car line was the longest I have ever seen. We were able to meet the need yesterday, but our pantry is now wiped! This grant will help us purchase the items needed for our distribution of prepared food next week and keep our emergency food program going.”
amanda Green, chief operating officer, union station homeless services, November 20, 2025
A volunteer with Union Station Homeless Services carefully maneuvers a box into a client’s wheeled cart at a 2025 Dinner in the Park food distribution event on November 19. Photos courtesy of Union Station Homeless Services.
We believe strong communities thrive when philanthropy tackles real needs. To create lasting impact in Greater Pasadena, we focus on six key areas that that drive opportunity, build resilience, and improve well-being.
Pasadena Community Foundation has just announced $100,000 in Food Security Grants to four local food pantries and distribution centers in the Pasadena area. One year ago, food pantries alerted PCF that they were experiencing overwhelming and unprecedented need, and PCF stepped in with $110,000 in emergency funding. As dire food insecurity persists in Pasadena and […]
Pasadena Community Foundation announces a round of emergency funding to address unprecedented local need during the holidays. Four local nonprofit organizations will receive $110,000 to assist with food pantries and other social services. Pasadena-area residents are enduring national 40-year-high inflation rates, and the resulting twin crises of food and housing insecurity has led to dramatic […]
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pasadena’s National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) implemented a plan to urgently respond to the twin public health and unemployment crises that were rapidly unfolding. NDLON quickly launched a food pantry program called Mano a Mano (Hand in Hand) at the Pasadena Job Center on North Lake Avenue […]
Pasadena Community Foundation has just announced $100,000 in Food Security Grants to four local food pantries and distribution centers in the Pasadena area. One year ago, food pantries alerted PCF that they were experiencing overwhelming and unprecedented need, and PCF stepped in with $110,000 in emergency funding. As dire food insecurity persists in Pasadena and […]
Pasadena Community Foundation announces a round of emergency funding to address unprecedented local need during the holidays. Four local nonprofit organizations will receive $110,000 to assist with food pantries and other social services. Pasadena-area residents are enduring national 40-year-high inflation rates, and the resulting twin crises of food and housing insecurity has led to dramatic […]
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pasadena’s National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) implemented a plan to urgently respond to the twin public health and unemployment crises that were rapidly unfolding. NDLON quickly launched a food pantry program called Mano a Mano (Hand in Hand) at the Pasadena Job Center on North Lake Avenue […]
