Community Shines Through Hardships: Food Drives and More Help Families in Need
On November 1st, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits became significantly reduced or discontinued for millions of California residents due to the federal government shutdown. This caused an increasing number of families to face food insecurity this holiday season. In response, Culver City High School and nearby collectives have set up numerous charity drives, food pantries, fundraisers, and more to lend a hand to those in need.
From the 16th of November through the 5th of December, the CCHS Associated Student Body hosted the Nourish Food Drive in which students and members of the community could donate rice, canned food, eggs, noodles, bags, and other non-perishable items. Deposited at the office or room 16, these donations will go to families in need.
For years, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles has been contributing to the FeedLA program. According to the YMCA, FeedLA “helps seniors, families, and kids keep healthy food on the table year-round.” At the Culver Palms YMCA, the food distribution days are Tuesdays from 1 to 4 PM and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11 AM. No YMCA membership is needed to receive support.
A stable, year-round program for students in need is the Backpacks for Kids Program. Stated in the Culver City Backpack for Kids Program website, “Sponsored by the Culver City Unified School District Council PTA (CCCPTA) and the Culver City Education Foundation (CCEF), the Backpacks for Kids Program provides nutritious, child-friendly, easy-to-prepare food each week to children so they don't have to deal with food insecurity on the weekends.” The organization relies entirely on community donations, grants, and volunteers. Donations are accepted on their website.
Another community program is the annual Culver City Unified School District Sponsor-a-Family December Program. In recognition of what can be a stressful time of the year for families, the program enables families and organizations to provide gifts for a CCUSD family in need every winter. The process begins when sponsor families receive a list of wishes and needs from each member of another family before Thanksgiving Break. Then, sponsor families are encouraged to purchase at least one wish and one need for each member listed. These gifts are later dropped off at the CCUSD District Office Annex (located on Van Buren between the Palihotel and Lin Howe Elementary school) on December 11 and 12. Although the cutoff has passed to contribute this year, this program occurs every year and is open to all who wish to help.
During hard times, Culver City has come together to help those in need. Whether volunteering, donating, or receiving services, these programs bring joy to all. In this season of giving, consider involving yourself to help others!