When Gwenna Hunter wanted to tackle food insecurity in Los Angeles, she focused on plant-based nutrition. Believing people should have access to free food resource centres in every zip code, she created The Vegans of Los Angeles Food Bank, a Black-owned non-profit in Southern California.

“When I started this a year ago, I knew I wanted to give people what their bodies need: healthy food on a contiguous basis, minus our planet’s animals. Between the physical food bank and a vegan food outreach program we sponsor at the historic West Presbyterian Church in L.A., we serve over 600 people in a single day within a three-hour period once per month. The need and desire for plant-based nutrition is tremendous!”

The food bank has a physical location and a vegan food outreach program they sponsor at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. They serve people for three hours once a month.

In partnership with Hope on Union, The Vegans of L.A. Food Bank serves in-season, local farm-fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, grains, and beans and donates plant-based products from generous donors, such as All Vegetarian Inc., Califia Farms, Chobani, Omni Foods, Just Eggs, and more.

“The Vegans of L.A. Food Bank is a solution (for) those who are experiencing the challenges of meeting their basic dietary needs by providing them with the resources they need to thrive,” a statement reads. “We are committed to building a healthy, compassionate community, working towards a more sustainable future for the planet, the animals, and the entire human race.”