Our Work
D.E.S.I. Food Bank
Every week, over 400 families in East Los Angeles come to D.E.S.I. for food. And the people handing out that food are our own clients.
That's the thing about this program. It was never just a pantry.
What We Do
The D.E.S.I. Food Bank distributes fresh produce and groceries twice a week at our East Los Angeles headquarters. We source food through partnerships with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Food Forward, and local grocery stores — rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste and putting it directly into the hands of families who need it.
But the people running the operation are clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They acquire the food, transport it, inspect it, sort it, and distribute it. Every box that goes out the door represents two things at once: food security for a family in the community, and real workplace experience for a person with a disability who is building the skills to hold a job.
That's not an add-on. It's the design.
Our Impact in 2026
400+
families served every week
1,600+
households served to date in 2026
4,200+
individuals reached in 2026
~20,000
assistance visits recorded in 2026
Our Partners
The food bank runs on partnerships built over a decade.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Our founding partner since 2016, connecting us to emergency food supplies and participating grocery stores.
Food Forward
Provides fresh produce, keeping our distributions healthy and nutritious.
Kroger
Contributed $20,000 to support our food bank operations, helping us reach more families across East Los Angeles.
AJCC Youth@Work Elevate Program
Youth participants complete work experience hours alongside our clients, creating a training environment where people at different stages of their journey work side by side.
Get Involved
Receive Food Assistance
Distributions are held once a week on Wednesdays from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at 646 S. Atlantic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90022. No referral needed.
Volunteer
We welcome volunteers on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Whether it's sorting produce, supporting distribution, or working alongside our clients, there's always a place for you here.
Sign Up to VolunteerDonate
Financial contributions help us expand our reach and keep the program running. Every dollar stays in the community.
Donate Now